In the last five years, the ministry originally known as House of His Creation (HOHC) and briefly called Family of Restoration Ministries (FORM), has been through a number of changes. After becoming FORM in 2016, the ministry moved from Lititz Pike to the Brickerville area, but as of late 2019, the name had reverted to HOHC, and in February 2021, the ministry moved to the site of a former bed-and-breakfast at 301 N. Broad St., Lititz.

Through all the changes, the mission of the ministry has been to affirm life by providing women with a place to heal and grow through maternity and after. In its new location, HOHC will continue to provide those services through maternity housing for women age 18 and up - especially women leaving abusive situations - who are in the first two trimesters of pregnancy and have been sober for several months. The women must also be willing to consider adoption and parenting plans and to take advantage of growth opportunities, and be educated toward reaching goals.

Client housing for four women is provided on the second floor of the house, where each room has a private bathroom. The family living model includes individualized case management and education about basic life skills, finances, and parenting options, along with recreational activities.

Michelle Gibbs, program director for HOHC, noted that a change from former programming models is the aftercare services that are available for one year after the mother is discharged from the program. "That means that I would come and do a home visit and assess how they're doing," said Gibbs. "We follow through with things they may have started and provide support so they don't feel out there and alone."

Mothers who choose to actively parent often need to learn how to do that while working, but according to executive director Matthew Neff, women who make an adoption plan may be especially in need of aftercare. "When a woman makes an adoption plan, it is very emotionally hard," said HOHC house mom and Matthew's wife, Callie. "She may need help to navigate the roles and the relationships around that." Callie noted that when the pregnancy was not the woman's first, other issues may be involved. "(When a woman has) multiple children (who are) part of their story, then it becomes reunification or rebuilding relationship with children they haven't actively been parenting," said Callie. "Those children wouldn't necessarily live here, but we would help (the woman) negotiate toward a goal that may include parenting rights in some cases." Aftercare program goals include education in mindful parenting, empowerment to access community resources, and engaging parents to connect with other parents. HOHC offers parenting classes called "Parenting Journey" and "Parenting Journey for Fathers." The 12-week experiential programs include guided discussion to develop knowledge and skills.

More information about HOHC may be found at http://www.hohc.org. Those with specific questions may email mail@hohc.org or call 717-626-0263.

Readers who have questions about parenting classes may email Michelle@hohc.org or call 347-206-3617.