Our Mother’s House event shows enthusiastic support for moms and their young children

By Karen Barry Schwarz – Florida Catholic

People of all ages came out to support Our Mother’s House, a program of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., Feb. 27, 2025, at its annual wine tasting fundraiser at the Venice Community Center in Venice.

Our Mother’s House provides transitional housing, education and support to single mothers and their preschool-age children, the only such program in the area. Often, these women have nowhere else to turn, and the program offers not only a temporary solution but a path forward.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the honored guest of the evening and provided brief remarks and a blessing before dinner.

“The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops initiated a program called ‘Walking with Moms in Need,’ emphasizing the need to accompany pregnant women, especially those facing difficult circumstances, and their children,” Bishop Dewane said. “However the Diocese of Venice has been walking with moms in need since at least 1987, when Our Mother’s House was born. We’re doing it, we’ve been doing it, and we’re going to keep doing it, with your support.”

Aniko Barna-Roche, Our Mother’s House Program Manager, was delighted at the turn out, and the support of not only those present but also the many local merchants who donated generously to the evening’s auctions.  Barna-Roche introduced Christina, a resident of Our Mother’s House, who spoke briefly thanking everyone for their support, and sharing that although she never thought she would end up in such a difficult situation, without Our Mother’s House she does not think she could have made it through.

“I feel compelled to share my experience with you,” Christina said. “After a series of unfortunate events spanning more than 20 years of my life, I almost gave up. I cried out to the Lord for help, and it came, in the form of a Christmas miracle. My two-year-old son and I moved into Our Mother’s House,” Christina said. “Since becoming residents here my son and I have felt nothing but support; we are surrounded by love. It has been a time of growth, perseverance, and hope. Thank you for your support, and for showing us a path forward.”

The evening, billed as a wine tasting, was that and much more. There were wine tastings as well as dinner, dancing, games, raffles, and live and silent auctions, with dozens of items donated by local merchants. At the end of the evening a Gift-From-the-Heart auction included the announcement of two anonymous matching gift offers, with the first anonymous donor offering to match all gifts up to $20,000 and the second offering to match all gifts up to $10,000.  Both challenges were met on the spot and even exceeded.

“Our Holy Father has declared this a Jubilee Year, a Year of Hope,” said Bishop Dewane. “Each one of you are here this evening to support Our Mother’s House is supporting that effort of hope in the lives of these mothers, and their children. Thank you.”

Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc., has provided transitional housing to homeless mothers and their children since 1987. The 2- year transitional living program for single mothers and their preschool-age children offers a safe and secure environment for mothers to achieve increased self-sufficiency through education, vocational training, and personal growth. To learn more about Our Mother’s House, or to offer support, please visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/our-mothers-house.

Galas support Catholic Charities programs

Helping mothers who might otherwise be homeless become self-sufficient and productive members of the community is what Our Mother’s House is all about, while the Boca Grande Preschool provides a nurturing and educational haven for children.

These two programs of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., were showcased during special events in the past week. The annual Wine Tasting, Auction & Dinner event to benefit Our Mother’s House was held Feb. 29, 2024, at the Venice Community Center in Venice. The Beach Ball benefitted the Boca Grande Preschool, and was held March 4, at the Gasparilla Inn Beach Club in Boca Grande.

Hundreds showed their support for Our Mother’s House. Attendees made bids on silent auction items and an enthusiastic live auction.

Shannon Hoyt, the Program Director for Our Mother’s House, said for more than three decades the program keeps getting better at promoting self-sufficiency and pushing young mothers towards independence. When young mothers face homelessness, the impact is greater than many realize, including on an emotional and behavioral level. In addition, the young child feels what their mom is going through.

“Your support of Our Mother’s House is having an impact,” Hoyt said. “We couldn’t do what we do for mothers and their children without your help.”

The Boca Grande Preschool is situated on the serene campus of Our Lady of Mercy Parish and is dedicated to providing exceptional early education and childcare services for families residing or working on Gasparilla Island. The school staff is committed to providing a high-quality learning environment, catering to children aged 1 to 5, and offering a comprehensive preschool curriculum that stimulates intellectual, social, and emotional growth. The property received extensive damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022 and all major repairs have been completed.

Both the Beach Ball, as well as the Wine Tasting, had successful “Gift from the Heart” appeals.

To learn more about the Preschool, please call 941-964-2885 or email bocagrandepreschool@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

For more information about Our Mother’s House or to help, please call 941-485-6264 or email omh@catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Support both programs by visiting www.catholiccharitiesdov.org.

Program for young mothers gets needed support

Helping mothers who might otherwise be homeless become self-sufficient and productive members of the community is what Our Mother’s House is all about.

The annual Wine Tasting, Auction & Dinner Dance “Child’s Play” event to benefit Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice, Inc., was held Feb. 24, 2022, at the Venice Community Center in Venice.

Hundreds showed their support for the program with their presence, their bids on virtual silent auction items and an enthusiastic live auction, plus donations made during a “Gift from the Heart” appeal. Bishop Frank J. Dewane thanked everyone for their continued support of the program and offered the blessing before the meal.

Joyce Scott, the Program Director for Our Mother’s House, said after 35 years, the program keeps getting better at promoting self-sufficiency and pushing young mothers towards independence.

“it has been 35 years and we’d like to go on helping mothers who continue to do so well with their lives,” Scott said while explaining how the program receives no federal, city or state funding, instead relying solely on the support of the community.

Two examples of the positive impact Our Mother’s House has was represented in unique ways during the evening. The first was the announcement that a former resident has now returned as a caseworker, offering unique insight into the effectiveness of the program.

The second good news story was represented in the smiling face of Christina, a former resident, who shared her emotional story. Christina entered the program scared and having no clue how to care for herself, let alone a newborn, and emerging two years later with a career and a new, positive life path.

The regular therapy, life skills classes, a steady job and the overall support the staff and volunteers at Our Mother’s House combined to radically change Christina’s life. She explained how there were moments when she wanted to give up and leave the program, but the directed support gave her the courage to push forward in reaching her goal of becoming a licensed practical nurse.

“I will never have enough words of thanks for Our Mother’s House and everyone who came into my life during that time. They have really changed me into a better person and planted the seed that continues to grow.” Christina received a standing ovation.

The annual event to support Our Mother’s House was a hybrid event with the Wine Tasting, Auction & Dinner Dance livestreamed for those unable to attend. The 2021 event was a virtual event due to the pandemic.

In addition to financial support, the program is in need of diapers, baby wipes and other supplies. For more information about Our Mother’s House or to help, please call 941-485-6264 or email joyce.scott@catholiccharitiesdov.org.  You can also visit www.catholiccharitiesdov.org to donate or find the Wish List.