Our Mother’s Home awarded $110,000 Lowe’s Hometowns grant for renovations to transitional living home for teen mothers
Our Mother’s Home of Southwest Florida has received a significant grant of $110,000, selected as one of 100 community projects across the U.S. as part of Lowe’s Hometowns program. These funds will be instrumental in completing the necessary renovations of a transitional living home to help teenage mothers and their children in the foster care and human trafficking systems.
As the company’s largest-ever community impact program, Lowe’s Hometowns is a five-year, $100 million commitment from Lowe’s to rebuild and revitalize community spaces nationwide. OMH was among the 100 projects chosen across 41 states and Washington, D.C., to receive funding in order to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Last year, more than 1.4 million people benefitted from Lowe’s Hometowns projects.
“OMH is deeply grateful for this generous grant from Lowe’s and the impact it will have on helping these young mothers and their babies who rely on our services,” said Alicia Miller, executive director of Our Mother’s Home. “This funding will make our vision of transitional housing a reality, allowing us to expand our services to mothers aging out of foster care as they work to become independent adults.”
Purchased last year, the future OMH building has not been used in five years and requires extensive renovations to be suitable as a residence for young mothers and their children. The Lowe’s Hometowns project will focus on transforming a portion of the upstairs space into three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room and dining area, to house 18- to 22-year-old moms and their babies as they can continue using resources and services and transition to independent adulthood.
Renovations to the second floor will include the installation of new flooring, drywall, window treatments and light fixtures. Bathrooms will be fully renovated with new fixtures and lighting. In addition, the kitchen will be upgraded with new cabinets, a cooktop and modern appliances. Lowe’s will host a “Red Vest Day” as part of its 100 Hometowns, where employees will come out to volunteer with painting, furniture assembly and other finishing touches to the new space.
As part of its ongoing capital campaign, OMH continues to seek donors and business partners to underwrite the remaining renovations of additional residential spaces, administrative offices and community programming rooms that will make up its future location. Upon completion, the new OMH building will not only include housing but also enable the organization to expand its services through a community pantry, providing items such as diapers, wipes, formula and other much-needed supplies for young parents in need. In addition, there will be a community education room that offers free classes on topics such as parenting, budgeting, birth control and more for moms in the broader community.
To learn more about OMH and its mission, visit OurMothersHome.org.
About Our Mother’s Home of Southwest Florida
Our Mother’s Home was founded in 2000 by Helen Coppage, a foster parent who saw the need for a dedicated residential program to allow teenage mothers and their babies to remain together as mother and child. The organization provides a safe environment and transition for teen mothers ages 11 to 18 and their children from foster care and human trafficking to stable, happy, and productive lives by providing a nurturing home, education and parenting support, along with physical, mental and spiritual care. Since its launch, more than 400 mothers and children have benefited from Our Mother’s Home Mentored Living Program, successfully preserving families, transitioning young mothers to self-sufficiency, and saving the lives of children by avoiding their re-entry into foster care. This unique home is the only one of its kind in Southwest Florida. For more information, call 239-267-4663 or visit OurMothersHome.org.
