I ran across an article out of Knoxville, Tennessee about a new program for women in unplanned pregnancies. This one is called House of Courage.
House of Courage was created by Bonnie Skolfield who had her own unplanned pregnancy at age 15. Luckily, Bonnie had the support of her family and her church to aide her in raising her child but she knows that not all women in unplanned pregnancies are that lucky. Bonnie’s church helped her to find a job and ironically it was at a crisis pregnancy center. Working there made Bonnie realize how lucky she was to have the support she did.

Bonnie went on to work at three different crisis pregnancy centers over the years. Day in and day out, Bonnie would listen to the tales of young women who had no one else to turn to and were simply trying to survive. While her work with crisis pregnancy centers was rewarding, Bonnie wanted do more. With the support of her husband, they begin making plans for something that would make a difference. Their plans became House of Courage.

Today, the House of Courage symbolizes hope for women in unplanned pregnancies and young mothers with no where or no one to turn to. The goal of House of Courage is to provide shelter and comfort to expectant mothers in unplanned pregnancies as well as young mothers and their babies. Some of these girls may come from abusive relationships and the House of Courage becomes a safe place for them until they get back on their feet. At House of Courage, the women are taught and given skills so that they will be able to provide for themselves and their children. They are provided assistance in obtaining a GED. They are also given emotional support and encouragement to grow and bond with their babies.

What started out as a dream for Bonnie Skolfield has now become a reality.


Photo is of House of Courage
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Other programs I have blogged about:
Refuge Home in Illinois
Real Alternatives in Pennsylvania