Welcome to MarysHouseOfHope.org
Modeled after the Resurrection House in St. Petersburg, Florida whose program has been very successful for over 15 years serving over 400 families with an 87% success rate. We are very confident our families will find the love and supportive services to help them restore their hopes and dreams of a brighter future.
Domestic violence does not discriminate; for right now it is happening to women and children of all colors, in all nations, to the rich and the poor, to young and elderly women. The percentage of children being abused has tripled in the last 5 years resulting in more children going into Foster Care. 75 % of these children will end up in jail. Unfortunately, these young ladies are at the highest risk to become the next generation of domestically abused women finding themselves homeless with children.
Statistics show women who live in an abusive home will return to the abuser up to 7 times before they finally are strong enough to escape from the violence. I know; it happened to me. Unfortunately, many women stay so the children have a father at home. Here lies the biggest problem; the children are abused from hearing and seeing this abuse. Verbal, mental, and physical attracts will become the model behavior a child will learn and live. Statistics show that most young men in our prison system have witnessed their father's attack on their mother. These poor unfortunate men who have lived in domestic violence homes are in the highest percentage of men in prison today. How sad!
We realize time is a commodity to us all however, through volunteering and financial support, families in transitional housing programs will be positively empowered for years to come. Short term shelters are not enough, these families need time to prepare for their future. Educational opportunity is the key element in obtaining a well paying job families will need!
Our two year transitional housing program is an educational program in life skills for both mother and children. The program has an art, music, a sports component, and social etiquette classes, with tutoring in reading and math for the children. The mothers must attend a school of their choice in order to become self sufficient. Scholarship money has been pledged by individuals, organizations, and schools in the community. Each family will be responsible to help out within community, volunteering to assist other non profits up to 70 hours during their two year stay with us. "This is a hand up, not a hand out." Accountability and responsibility will help build strong charter, a big part of our program. A secured bank credit card will help build their credit and save they are required to save $100.00 each month in their budgeting program for their down payment to Habitat for Humanity. Program out comes; in 2 years they will have an education and their own a home for their children, giving them the stability to remain in the school district in the community.
"What is my purpose? What more can I do with my life to make a difference in others lives?” We welcome you to contact us to discuss how you might start a transitional housing program in your city or state. The issues Foster girls face are growing and we must stop the cycle of abuse to these children before they become the next generation of homeless women with children. Consider donating your time or financial support to Mary's House of Hope, Inc. for it is in giving we receive the greatest gift with in our heart and soul.
We are a non profit 501(ac)3 serving those less fortunate in Southwest Florida. Let us be a part of the solution to stop the abuse to mothers and children and work together to rebuild spiritually, happier families, the leaders in our communities tomorrow.
Please give today so women and children are not homeless tomorrow!
Thank you for your support and God bless you.
Wanda M. Hurt
Founder of Mary's House of Hope, Inc