The 6th Annual Women on the Rise event held in March served to empower women, raised more than $20,000 to benefit Our Mother’s Home and increased awareness of the organization’s mission. The funds will be used to renovate the organization’s new larger location near downtown Fort Myers that serves teen mothers and their children transitioning from foster care to stable, productive lives by breaking the cycle of generational poverty.
“It was an incredible day that brought a diverse group of women together to celebrate mental health, wellbeing and empowerment,” said Our Mother’s Home Executive Director Alicia Miller. “From the speakers to the attendees, you could feel the enormous strength and energy in the room and their passion for our mission. The success of the event is helping us to carry out our mission of empowering young mothers. The new location is closer to the services and resources needed to help them gain independence and confidence, while offering a safe place for them to thrive.”
Held March 11 at the Collaboratory in Fort Myers, nearly 100 people attended the uplifting celebration of educating and empowering women to live their best life. Themed “If Women Ruled the World,” the event featured a panel sponsored by Lee Health, and keynote speaker, Dr. April Brown, LMHC, CST, who focused on mental health and wellness and the importance of taking time for self-care.
Our Mother’s Home is currently located in San Carlos Park. The new location recently purchased at 2666 Swamp Cabbage Court, near downtown Fort Myers is significantly closer to schools, medical providers and other resources frequently visited by the teen mothers and their children, but it requires a full renovation. Women on the Rise attendees had the opportunity to sponsor rooms in the new home, raising over $20,000 toward needed repairs and remodeling. Additional opportunities are available.
Since its launch, more than 400 mothers and children have benefited from Our Mother’s Home Mentored Living Program, successfully preserving families, transitioning young mothers to self-sufficiency, and saving the lives of children by avoiding their re-entry into foster care. This unique home is the only one of its kind in Southwest Florida. For more information or to donate, please call 239-267-4663, or visit ourmothershome.org/.
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- Attendees at the Women on the Rise event hosted by Our Mother’s Home
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- Connie Ramos-Williams and Alicia Miller
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- Attendees at the Women on the Rise event hosted by Our Mother’s Home
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- Alicia Miller and Talisha Faber
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- Talisha Faber, Janna DePue, Vanessa Tyler and Marilyn Santiago
Our Mother’s Home
Our Mother’s Home (OMH) was founded in 2000 by Helen Coppage, a foster parent who saw the need for a dedicated residential program to allow teenage mothers and their babies to remain together as mother and child. The organization provides a safe environment and transition for teen mothers (ages 11-21) and their children from foster care and human trafficking to stable, happy, and productive lives by providing a nurturing home, education, parenting support, along with physical, mental and spiritual care. Since its launch, more than 400 mothers and children have benefited from Our Mother’s Home Mentored Living Program, successfully preserving families, transitioning young mothers to self-sufficiency, and saving the lives of children by avoiding their re-entry into foster care. This unique home is the only one of its kind in Southwest Florida. For more information, call 239-267-4663 or visit ourmothershome.org.
