Tag: our mother’s house

The 25th annual Our Mother’s House Wine Tasting Auction and Dinner Dance was a huge success and held Feb. 26, 2026, at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice.

The event proceeds go directly to Our Mother’s House of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, Inc., a 2-year transitional living program located in the heart of Venice, dedicated to empowering single mothers and their children. The program’s mission is to offer single homeless mothers and their preschool-age children a safe and secure environment to achieve increased self-sufficiency through education, vocational training, and personal growth. Since its founding in 1987, the program has assisted more than 600 mothers and their children, including 73 in 2025.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane expressed his gratitude to those who attended the event, many of whom have supported the program for many years. The Bishop noted that the 25 years of events had a profound impact on the women and children served.

“Some of the stories from the mothers are incredible, and the difference the program made in their lives is thanks, in no small part, to your generosity and for that I thank you,” Bishop Dewane said.

Christopher M. Root, CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice, said Our Mother’s House reaches out to help the mothers be the best mothers they can be. In addition to all the direct support Our Mother’s House provides to the mothers and their children, Root said, “We are giving them the one thing they will carry with them forever, the love we share with them, the love of Christ that we give them that they can take to eternal life and that is endlessly shared with everyone with whom they come in contact.”

Our Mother’s House has 21 housing units and is run on the profound belief in the inherent strength and resilience of every mother. The program provides a safe and nurturing environment where mothers can find hope, stability, and the tools needed to build a brighter future. A dedicated team of case managers is committed to addressing the unique challenges faced by single mothers, offering comprehensive support services. Through a holistic approach, the team strives to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness, empowering mothers to become self-sufficient, confident, and independent. Together, the staff, volunteers and benefactors, are creating a haven of love, support, and empowerment, where every mother and child can thrive and flourish.

“Our Mother’s House is a new beginning, a place to start over again, a fresh outlook on life,” said Brooke, a resident.

The impact of Our Mother’s House is clear: 100 percent of mothers are employed; 87 percent are enrolled in or completed vocation certification of job training; 50 percent are enrolled in degree-seeking programs; 100 percent participate in counseling and life skills programming to address trauma, parenting, and financial literacy struggles. On average, the mothers leave the program with personal savings that can help build a bright future for them and their children, and nearly all exit the program into safe and stable housing (98 percent).

Sarah, a recent resident, came into the program after being homeless and living in her car with her 1-year-old.  In just a short period of time being in the program she has become gainfully employed, attends classes to get her associate’s degree, and participates fully in each life skills class to achieve her goals. Sarah also goes to counseling and is saving money for her own place after Our Mother’s House.  “Watching her and her child blossom has been such a gift and testament to our mission here,” said a case worker.

If you are interested in volunteering or helping Our Mother’s House, please call 941-485-6264 or email omh@catholiccharitiesdov.org. If you would like to make a financial donation, please visit https://catholiccharitiesdov.org/donate.

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.

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.