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Lately I have featured a few news articles about programs for women who are experiencing unplanned pregnancies with little financial resources or family support. I will continue to feature these programs as I come across them as they could possibly help an expectant mother who might be reading.
In the Clarion Ledger out of Jackson, Mississippi (which is where I grew up!) there is an article about one of these programs called “Christmas Village.”
Christmas Village opened its doors this past May and is located in North Jackson, MS. It is currently the only home for pregnant adults in the region. The residence is a century old home that volunteers spent six months renovating. Inspired by the Biblical story of Mary and Joesph seeking shelter to give birth to Jesus, Christmas Village provides housing to pregnant women 18 years old and older. Residents can remain at the home through out their pregnancy and for three months after the birth of their baby. Living in the home is free but the residents must assist with chores as well as attend classes on job skills, life skills, and parenting.
Currently, Christmas Village can only accommodate four women at a time but the future vision includes a small campus of homes to house women in unplanned pregnancies. Christmas Village encourages parenting.
The Christmas Village program is very similar to another residence program (which allows teens instead of adults like Christmas Village) for women in unplanned pregnancies launched in Jackson in early June. This program is called Two of Us and is housed in the McRae Home. Two of Us is a division of Methodist Children’s Homes and houses teenagers and young women experiencing unplanned pregnancies. The McRae Home can accommodate up to 15 residents.
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Other programs I have blogged about:
Refuge Home in Illinois
Real Alternatives in Pennsylvania
