This is a wonderful Christian ministry that reaches out to homeless pregnant girls/women. Many lives are touched through your support. There are so many ways you can help as individuals or churches.

1. PRAYER Prayer ideas include: Overall ministry, the pregnant women (and babies), the board of directors, meeting financial needs (ongoing and special), wisdom in decision making.
2. FINANCES/GIVING We are a wholistic ministry, which means we try to meet all the needs of the pregnant women, the physical, social, educational, emotional, and even spiritual needs. One of the ways to meet the spiritual need is to require the women to attend church. But, because of this requirement we cannot receive any federal or state grant monies. We solely rely on churches and individuals to make donations to this ministry. Please remember that all of the pregnant women who come are in a homeless situation. They have practically nothing to their name. We buy them clothing and even personal items. Any donation you make is tax deductible as we hold a 501c3 not-for-profit status. Please also check out our “Needs List” link. And remember, any financial donation is welcome! Make your checks payable to: Clara’s House, Inc.
3. VOLUNTEERING Volunteers are always welcome! Whether it’s just a few hours, an entire day, or longer, you are more than welcome to help join in on serving at Clara’s House! Please give us a call to see what our current volunteer needs are.
4. SERVING AS A HOST FAMILY Has God given you a compassionate heart for girls in crisis pregnancies? Do you have the gift of hospitality? Do you have an extra bedroom in your home you’re not using? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to consider being a host family for a pregnant girl. Just check out the “Being A Host Family” link for more info!
5. SIGNING UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER We can offer you FREE quarterly newsletters to keep you updated on our ministry. Just supply us with your mailing address and your email address!

• Gift Cards (Walmart, Kmart, Lowe's, Home Depot, Sears, JCPennys)
• Household paper items (Kleenex, toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, etc.)
• Help with some Magazine Subscriptions
• Dryer Sheets and Laundry Detergent
• Dish detergent
• Phone Cards
• Monetary gifts
• Prayer

What is a house-parent (Host Family)?

It is a husband and wife couple, who within their own home, takes on the responsibility of caring for a homeless pregnant girl/women who participates in the Clara's House Maternity Shepherding Home Program. Besides providing food and shelter, the couple agrees to help the girl/woman grow emotionally and spiritually. A house-parent mentors and becomes involved in the girl's life.

What's the time commitment?

A pregnant girl/woman can come anytime during her pregnancy, whether 2 months or 8 months, and she will stay with you anywhere up to 6 months after she gives birth. If she is choosing adoption, her stay is only up to 3 months.

When a woman (and her baby) leave your home, you have the option to take another pregnant girl/woman (if your home is needed), or you may wait until you are ready again. You may also decide to discontinue being house-parents. It is important, though, that you follow through with your commitment to the pregnant girl once she is in your home/care.

How do I apply/get started?

You need to contact the director of Clara's House for an application and go through a simple interview process. You must also agree to a child abuse clearance and criminal check and be available for instruction/training.

What are the responsibilities of a house-parent?

1. To provide a warm, clean, loving home (free from smoke, drugs, alcohol, violence).
2. To provide meals.
3. Be accountable and work with the director of Clara's House.
4. To provide a Christian atmosphere; whenever possible to be a Christian influence.
5. Regularly attend church with the girl/woman (her attendance is required within C.H. policies).
6. To mentor and teach basic living skills (hands-on).
7. There will be driving involved as most girls do not have licenses/cars-----doctor appointments, WIC, welfare, etc.
8. Possibly teach the girl basic baby/infant care. (hands-on).
9. Include the girl/woman into your lifestyle---make her feel a part of your home.
10. Be there to provide emotional support.
11. Design a set of household rules (as suggested by director) and be able to enforce!
12. Be there for moral support---encourage her to work on her goals.
13. Be her coach in the labor room (if she desires).
14. House-parent cannot take rent/monies from a pregnant girl/woman. House-parent is doing this out of charity.
15. Report any bad behavior or breaking of rules---as these are grounds for dismissing her/asking her to leave the program and/or your home.

What are the responsibilities of a pregnant girl/woman?

1. She must attend church regularly.
2. She must agree to household rules (made by h/p and director).
3. She must be either: in school, working at least part-time, or voluteering at an agency (all of these are dependent on her health).
4. She must agree to an independent goal plan.
5. She must attend counseling if deemed necessary by the director.
6. She must apply/receive medical assistance.
7. She must apply for welfare services and WIC (foodstamps, cash assistance).
8. She must meet with the director once a month or as needed.
9. She must attend group teaching lessons when available.
10. She must contribute 10% of her income (whether welfare assistance or employment) to Clara's House & she must also open up a savings account & make deposits on a regular basis.
11. She must sign a voluntary admission agreement and a dismissal agreement.

What are the responsibilities of Clara's House to a house-parent?

1. Interview and evaluate the pregnant girl/woman and assess her needs.
2. Whenever the funds are available, give the house-parents a monetary stipend (amount to be determined by board of directors.)
3. Provide the pregnant girl with maternity clothes, baby clothes, baby furniture and other items as needed.
4. Work with the house-parents at all times.
5. Provide transportation for girl if needed.
6. Meet with the girl each month for evaluation.
7. Provide counseling or group teaching lessons.
8. Be a "back-up" for the house-parents.
9. Help the girl look for permanent housing.
10. Help provide items/furnishings to set-up an apartment (if moving to a close area).

Please make checks payable to:

Clara's House, Inc.
P.O. Box 242
Peckville, PA 18452

(570) 383-3050 office