MATERNITY HOUSE RETURNS
A Roman Catholic charitable group has resurrected a home on Drs. James Parker Boulevard to provide temporary housing and childcare assistance to homeless mothers and mothers-to-be.
Madonna House @ Red Bank Inc., a registered 501c3 charity, will hold an open house marking the reopening of the facility, known as the Pat Daly House, on Saturday.
“It’s been there, but it hasn’t been active for about a year and a half,” says Carolyn Fitzpatrick, a spokeswoman. In the interim, she says, “the program was being fine-tuned.”
The facility, which is not yet occupied, has space for three moms and their babies. The shelter offers assistance with food, baby care, medical appointments and a life-skills curriculum of nutrition, cooking & cleaning, budgeting and GED assistance.
Religious instruction is also provided, but the facility is open to all faiths, says Fitzpatrick.
It’s anticipated that the average woman would stay about a year, says Fitzpatrick. The sponsor organization is not affiliated with Madonna House Inc., a religious organization in Neptune.
Saturday’s event will begin with a blessing of the house, located at 43 Drs. Parker, at 10:30a, followed by a reception. To attend, RSVP by July 25th to dd@dddco.com.