Mary’s Comfort home opened in Springfield 13 months ago to provide a shelter for expectant mothers in crisis pregnancies.
A mother, who asked not to be identified, described the special comfort she has experienced. “They give love unconditionally here, and hope,” she said. “I’m so happy. Everyone is so nice to me and my baby. I’m just so happy to have a new beginning.”
“Another of our guests described being in a very dark place before coming to Mary’s Comfort,” said Terri Moore, communications director. “She told us she cried daily in desperation. When she came to Mary’s Comfort, she said there was an intangible peace. To quote her words: ‘I felt something like a spirit moving around me and it was God’s spirit to send these people to me.’ ”
Five women have stayed at Mary’s Comfort. Two gave birth this year, and one mother and daughter remain. “She’s on a great trajectory, having taken classes and advanced her professional skills during her time with us,” said Moore. “The other moved away shortly after her son was born to live closer to her place of employment, which we celebrate.”
Another mom credits Mary’s Comfort with helping her feel empowered enough to move before her daughter was born. Her life is back on track.
“We wish every donor and volunteer could witness firsthand the inspiring transformations we’ve had the privilege of seeing before our eyes,” said Moore. “Meeting the babies born into this world under the care of Mary’s Comfort and hearing the testimonials of their mothers is absolutely the fuel that sets us on fire to do more.”
But Moore admits the first year of Mary’s Comfort has also come with some struggles. “We’re still learning,” she said. “Inviting strangers who face big life obstacles to live under one roof and one set of rules is challenging, but it’s so worth it.”
Mary’s Comfort was inspired by Mary’s Shelter in Fredericksburg, which has served more than 400 women since 2006 and has grown to six shared homes. Mothers can stay up to two years.
“They need to know someone has their back and cares about their future,” said Moore. “They need someone to help them navigate social services in the near term and to teach them life skills for long-term success and independence.”
The first-year success of Mary’s Comfort gives Moore confidence that another home could be on the horizon in Springfield, but help is needed. “It’s important to be wise stewards of our funding, which means having a solid grasp of annual expenses, a deep enough bench of volunteers and adequate budget to support a second home before we take that leap,” she said.
They are looking for volunteers to help as shelter director, fundraising manager and social media coordinator. Plans for another home are on hold until those key roles are filled.
Meanwhile, new life abounds at Mary’s Comfort.
“Without question, the most rewarding part has been meeting the babies born into this world,” said Moore. “There are no words to describe the rush of emotions that we felt when we met these beautiful newborn babies and realized they might not be here today if not for all of the incredibly generous donors and volunteers who supported Mary’s Comfort.”
