n 2005, a small group of women who were serving at a pregnancy crisis center realized that they wanted to offer more than empty words and common cliches to young women experiencing unplanned pregnancy. Being face-to-face with young expectant mothers who were having to make life and death decisions without the support they needed weighed heavy on the women’s hearts. After five years of praying, brainstorming and planning together, the dream of giving these young mothers more than just basic care became a reality. In 2010, Heart of Hope - A Sanctuary for Women opened.
“They wanted to give these young ladies the foundation they needed to give life to their children and let them know that they have a purpose and a destiny,” said Jodi Burns, executive director of Heart of Hope.
“They needed much more than just a shelter, they needed a faith-based home where they were nurtured, supported and loved.”
Heart of Hope is unique to our area as there are no other comparable maternity homes within a 100-mile radius. The maternity home houses up to eight young women at a time, who can range in age from 11 to 23. As some of these young ladies may come from challenging circumstances, the volunteers and staff of Heart of Hope offer more than just shelter. Their mission is to provide a haven where young expectant mothers can center all their efforts on the decisions that are before them — being a single-parent or choosing adoption — by focusing on the women’s physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs.
“It’s more than a warm bed, it’s more than three nutritional meals and snacks and life skills,” Burns said. “We’re living as a family, which is something that some of them have never experienced before.” The young women also receive private medical care, professional counseling and classes on life skills, childbirth and parenting.
Not only does Heart of Hope provide support before the babies are born, but after-care is equally important. “We were concerned about the staggering statistics of teen moms who dropped out of high school,” Burns said. “Sixty-seven percent of teenagers that become pregnant don’t graduate or get a high school diploma or GED by the age of 20.”
Sixty-seven percent of
teenagers that become
pregnant don’t graduate
or get a high school diploma
or GED by the age of 20.
This sparked the remodeling of one building on the Heart of Hope campus into a fully equipped and functional classroom. “We partner with our local school system and these young ladies have been doing virtual learning for the last eight or nine years,” Burns said. “Then in 2020, when the pandemic hit, everyone became familiar with virtual learning.” Two certified teachers and educational technology tools including computers and smart boards are provided to the women to help them finish their accredited education.
Heart of Hope has served more than 95 expectant mothers since its inception. But the dream cannot continue to grow without the support of volunteers and donations from the community. Volunteers are needed in areas of resident care, ministry care and special events; additionally, instructors are needed to teach life skills and lead Bible studies.
“We know that God has called us to do something unique, something that nobody else is doing in Shreveport-Bossier,” Burns said, “so that He could transform these women’s lives and pour purpose back into them.”
For more information on volunteering or donating to Heart of Hope-A Sanctuary for Women, please call 318.925.4663 or visit www.heartofhopeministry.org
10420 Heart of Hope Way, Keithville, LA 71047
Phone : (318) 925-4663 | Crisis Line : (318) 277-9506
www.heartofhopeministry.org