| 1. |
Where is Hannah’s House located? |
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We are located in a safe neighborhood in downtown Mishawaka. We are close to medical facilities and public transportation. |
| 2. |
What is it like at Hannah’s House? |
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Hannah’s House is a big, older home with five bedrooms and two bathrooms. When a resident first moves in, she shares a room. When she gets closer to her due date, she can earn a private room.
Overall, everyone is friendly and supportive. There is always a House Mom available for 24 hour supervision. Seven women can live in the home with their unborn/newborn babies. |
| 3. |
How long can a person live there? |
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A resident can move in at any point during her pregnancy and remain there for up to two months after her baby is born, providing she follows the rules. |
| 4. |
What is the age limit? |
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Hannah’s House serves teens and women of all ages. The youngest resident served was 13 years old and the oldest was 43. The average age ranges from 17-23 years old. |
| 5. |
Do you help with getting doctors? Medicaid? |
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Residents who have not started prenatal care will be given a list of choices in the area. Sometimes a social worker at the medical clinic will help the resident get started with Medicaid. If not, we will connect you with community resources. |
| 6. |
Do you push adoption? |
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No. The decision to parent your baby or place it for adoption is your decision. We remain neutral and support the choice you make. |
| 7. |
Can family or friends visit Hannah’s House? Can I leave Hannah’s House to visit friends, go to the mall, etc? |
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Of course! We encourage family and friends to be involved in your life. They are welcome to visit providing they are positive and respectful. Teens under the age of 18 must have written permission from their parent/legal guardian regarding who can visit.
Hannah’s House is not a detention center. Residents have freedom to come and go as long as they are working on their goals and following the rules of the home.
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| 8. |
Can my boyfriend be involved? |
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Yes, however they must be approved. We believe all children deserve both a mom and dad. We welcome guys providing they are neither abusive nor involved with addictions. Teens under the age of 18 must have written permission from their parent/legal guardian that this is ok. |
| 9. |
What are the expectations of residents living at Hannah’s House? |
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Our residents must agree to follow these guidelines to be approved: |
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- Attend regular prenatal, postnatal appointments, be drug free, follow through with all doctors’ orders, and make positive choices regarding nutrition and health.
- Be enrolled in school or a GED program if you haven’t already graduated.
- Get a job, work as many hours as possible – unless you have a doctor’s note that prohibits this, and save your money.
- Participate in weekly individual and group counseling services at the home which are free.
- Attend a church, synagogue or mosque of your choice on the weekend.
- Follow other rules of the home, such as curfew, etc.
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| 10. |
How much does it cost? |
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Residents who have a job and can pay $5.00 a day are encouraged to help pay rent. However, no one is turned away from not being able to pay. Hannah’s House is not a government agency and we don’t receive any government funding. We are able to provide this wonderful home, food, and support due to individuals, churches, and groups who care about you and your baby. |
| 11. |
How would I get to my doctor appointments or to work? |
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Hannah’s House is located near public transportation. Our residents learn to ride the bus if they don’t have a car, or family, or friends to take them places. Residents are expected to pay for their own transportation. |
| 12. |
Can a mom bring other children? |
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Unfortunately, the answer is no. If women can find someone to provide care to their children, the mom can move in. We do allow visitation of children. |
| 13. |
Do you help women get items for their babies? |
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Yes, Hannah’s House offers an opportunity for our residents to earn points each week based on their behaviors and progress on personal goals (getting a job, going to school, going to church, etc) The points can be earned to purchase needed items for the resident and her baby. We have a “store” filled with baby clothes, and items for an apartment. |
| 14. |
How can I be admitted? |
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Call (574) 254 – 5309. The Executive Director will be glad to answer any of your questions and explain our resident expectations. Women who are pregnant, unwed, and willing to follow the rules are scheduled for a time to tour the home. This is a big decision and we want to make sure our residents truly want to be here and believe this is the best decision for them and their babies. Following the tour, women make a decision if they want to move in. Teens under the age of 18 need their parent/legal guardian’s permission. Women over the age of 18 years must provide three references to determine if they are appropriate for our program. A date is set for move in and paper work must be signed. |
