Today’s local spotlight article features Bobbi-Jo, the founder and Chief Executive Mother of G.R.O.W rooted in love Maternity Home. The home supports the needs a young woman may have during pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting through a residential program. The home is located in Walkerton however it supports women across Grey and Bruce counties.
What is the mission of the maternity home?
Our Mission is to create a healthy family atmosphere for young women in need of a safe and nurturing environment, not only during their pregnancy but in preparation for parenting and readiness to transition into independent living. We promote the dignity and self-worth of all our residents and strive to improve their quality of life, promote healing, restoration, and independence all while further developing life skills. The maternity home is currently able to accommodate 2 pregnant or parenting women.
“Having been a young mom, I know the struggles they face and I thank the Lord for the support of friends and family that I had. Unfortunately, not all young moms have this kind of support – this is where G.R.O.W. can help.” -Bobbi-Jo Moran
Who do you serve in the residential program?
In order to join the residential program, it is required that young women:
- Are between the ages of 18 -25
- Must be unmarried
- Be pregnant or in the early stages of parenting
- Be drug and alcohol free for a period of at least 3 months
There is an application to fill out which can be found HERE
Words from Momma’s who have been supported by G.R.O.W
“With G.R.O.W.’s support I have maintained my sobriety for 3 years, received my high school diploma built a community family and my file with CAS has been closed.” — Emily
“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have stayed at G.R.O.W. I was able to raise my daughter and in a place that felt like home. It was the most amazing experience of my life and I would not have the life skills I have now as I didn’t really have them before!” – Sarah
Can you tell me about the other programs you offer?
The T.R.E.E House is a Community Focused Centre in one of Walkerton’s Finest Heritage Buildings, The Old Armoury located in Walkerton, Ontario. The T.R.E.E. House is a place where we teach moms how to reconnect with themselves and each other by encouraging and empowering them to live life to their fullest potential. At The T.R.E.E. House, you will find a gathering room, blessing closet, consignment store, play room, community garden and so much more!
Momma B’s Consignment Store offers brands you love at a fraction of the retail price. The consignment store currently carries infant, kids, mens, womens, plus size and maternity clothing.
How can people support and donate to G.R.O.W
You can donate clothing, there is a Kidney Foundation clothing bin located at 330 Jackson St. (side door off Napier) in Walkerton. Some clothing from this bin is sent to the consignment store and the rest is sold to the Kidney Foundation at $0.13 per pound. So far over 30,000 lbs of clothing has been donated.
Although item donations are always a blessing we need monetary donations on a monthly basis as that is what pays the bills and we can issue a tax receipt for those donations too. We also need funds to expand the residential part of our program as we can only house 2 moms and babies and we have turned away 18 since covid started. We also need to raise money for second stage housing of some kind because every 6 month I have a mom and baby that is homeless because there is NO AFFORDABLE housing. Right now a mom on Ontario works who receives the Child Tax Benefit has about $1700 to live on which is beyond challenging when an all inclusive one bedroom apartment is about $1500. Right now these women are having to go to a women’s shelter, stay with a friend or in the worst case live on the street.
G.R.O.W is NOT government funded so monthly donors and corporate donations are of great help.
Connect with GROW: Website | Facebook | Momma B’s Pantry | The TREE House | Momma B’s Consignment
