Supporting Vulnerable Mothers Through Pregnancy

Lauren was filled with anxiety the night she was discharged from the hospital. Six months pregnant, ill from past substance abuse, and without family or friends to support her, Lauren found herself alone. 

“When the hospital staff suggested I apply to Villa Majella Maternity Home, I was relieved to know there was somewhere I could call home.”

Once Lauren was safe and sheltered, the Villa Majella staff put together a plan to help Lauren through the end of her pregnancy. First, they connected her with local health services to restart her prenatal medical care; she had missed several appointments because she didn’t have reliable transport. Next, they helped Lauren prepare to be a mother. Having only collected a few items for her baby, Lauren felt overwhelmed thinking about all the things she still needed. But when the Villa Majella staff opened their baby supply cupboard, Lauren’s face lit up with joy. Because of the generosity of the Santa Barbara community, Lauren had access to everything she needed for her and her baby.

Baby Ileana was born this past autumn. Lauren is now a full-time student at SBCC where she is completing a degree in education administration. And both mother and daughter are healthy.

“We don’t want any pregnant women to feel alone. By supporting a mom in this vulnerable moment, we can help change the trajectory of her future. For some this involves helping them rebuild broken relationships, for others it means helping them avoid entering long-term homelessness,” says Villa Majella Executive Director Loretta Johnson. “We welcome them into the dignity of a home environment, show them they’re supported, and then help them rebuild.”

When a mother comes to live at Villa Majella, she is given wrap-around support. With access to free weekly counseling, transportation, a lactation consultant, and 24-hour attention from the in-house staff, Villa Majella accompanies mothers throughout their pregnancy. Alongside their Maternity Home Program, Villa Majella also offers a referral center for any expectant mother calling in. 

“In many cases, a mom calls us on her worst day. Even if she decides not to move into our home, she knows there is a community in Santa Barbara that supports her,” says Johnson. “If a mom calls and she is experiencing financial hardship or domestic violence and she needs support, we will connect her with services and resources to make sure she gets what she needs.”

Villa Majella connects with about 55 women per year, but we know many more don’t leave messages or even reach out during their difficulties. By partnering with generous donors and community volunteers, Villa Majella makes sure there is a place where the vulnerable women of Santa Barbara can turn to for care and support.

“Any community that truly wants to support women in need will make sure that a maternity home is in their town. For more than 40 years, Villa Majella has ensured that there is a space where women can walk through pregnancy and the postpartum period with dignity and grace, and with access to the resources they need,” says Johnson.