Did you know that in the state of Florida, by age 19, nearly half of young women in the foster care have been pregnant, compared to a fifth of their peers who are not in foster care? At least 30% of female foster youth who have been pregnant will experience a second pregnancy. Studies have shown time and time again that children who are exposed to adverse childhood experiences affect a wide range of things in a child's life.  Poor education, poor health, mental sickness, drug addiction, and a life of crime can all result from adverse childhood experiences.  Young parents are dealing with the long-term impact of these experiences while learning to parent a child.

 

Together with community support, we strive to provide an unprecedented level of support for teenage girls, pregnant or parenting teens. We make every effort to provide the resources needed for these girls to carry their child to term and have a successful and comforting birth experience. We focus on preparing them for responsible parenthood through education on the importance of prenatal care, parenting skills and allowing for spiritual development and growth. With the Lord’s guidance, the teen, the child, their family and our community will be blessed and become what God intended. We are here to build positive relationships and help families grow in love and through Christ.

 

Hands Of Mercy, Inc. (H.O.M.E) provides residential accommodations as well as psychological, physical, emotional, and spiritual care in a safe, secure, Christian environment for young women in the foster care system.  These young women are between the ages of 13 and 17, may or may not be admitted with a sibling, may be pregnant and/or parenting and/or have a case plan goal to reunify with her child.

H.O.M.E. has an all-encompassing program to address the needs of teen girls, teen mothers, and their children. H.O.M.E works in partnership with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Community Based Care (CBC) Agencies throughout Florida, and our local community to make this all possible.