Aid for Women counsels thousands of women at our downtown Chicago and suburban Berwyn centers each year. We have found that many of our clients consider abortion because they lack adequate housing or will be otherwise homeless if they choose life. While we have had some success placing clients in residential programs offered by other agencies, the waiting lists are long and admission criteria narrow. Certain that God was calling us to do more to help pregnant women in need of housing and trusting in His guidance, we rolled up our sleeves and established Heather’s House, Aid for Women’s new residential program.
Named in honor of Heather Bresler, wife of our founder Deacon Thomas Bresler, the home was established on March 25, 2011, the Feast of the Annunciation. The facility occupies 4,200 square feet, including several bedrooms and bathrooms, a large kitchen and dining room, a large living room, a suite for the residential staff, a chapel, offices, an activity area, nursery and Baby Boutique.
Heather’s House now provides a place where women can stay for up to two years. More than just a shelter, Heather’s House offers mothers a two-year opportunity to develop the life skills, education and job skills necessary to become independent and loving mothers. Residents are currently receiving vocational training at a local college, participating in volunteer-run Life Skills classes (cooking, nutrition, fitness, childcare, computers, bible study, sexual integrity and more!) while receiving ongoing support and pre-natal care to prepare them for motherhood.
In the News
Our Dedication Ceremony and Open House were featured in the June 5-18, 2011, issue of the Catholic New World, and also posted on their website. Visit http://www.catholicnewworld.com/cnwonline/2011/0605/7.aspx to view the article!
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