New moms in high-risk situations have had the chance to independently care for their children, look for employment, get an education, learn life skills and pray together, while focusing on their health and pregnancy. The challenges faced by unwed, pregnant women are immense, and St. Clare’s gives mothers a real chance to succeed.

And, it also gives their babies a chance at life when abortion was, perhaps, a woman’s only other option. 

But the upstate isn’t the only place in South Carolina with high-risk, crisis pregnancy situations. The Greenville success showed the need for the home and has provided a model for how the ministry can thrive and grow. On June 4, the Diocese of Charleston opened a second St. Clare’s Home in the Charleston area.

Hospitaller Sister Leena Joseph, who staffs the new home alongside Hospitaller Sister Cherry Butaslac, said the reception at this new location “has been incredibly positive. It’s clear there’s a strong desire within the community to support this mission. The engagement from the volunteers, Knights of Columbus, and local parishes in particular, has been outstanding, demonstrating a beautiful spirit of collaboration.”

Women who live at a St. Clare’s Home have a supported and structured life with a holistic environment focused on practical needs and personal growth. The day-to-day is designed to help moms gain stability, independence and strong parenting skills. Women are given chores and basic household duties.

“This instills a sense of accountability and prepares them for managing their own households,” Sister Leena said.

They participate in devotional time together for quiet, spiritual nourishment. Women are offered counseling services and given personal time to relax. Dinners are always “family style,” and mothers are encouraged to cook and prepare meals. Breakfast and lunch are open, and women are free to participate in life skills courses during the day, attend school or go to work. 

St. Clare’s Homes strongly encourages mothers to become self-sufficient, and women are expected to work or actively pursue an education toward a degree. They are given babysitting and rides to appointments, plus weekly check-ins on progress and goals to address any challenges or concerns.

There is dedicated time for prayer, conversation and connection among the residents and staff. 

“This time of day provides an opportunity to debrief the day and offer mutual support,” Sister Leena said.

Volunteer support plays a crucial role in the homes’ operations. Volunteers babysit, provide transportation, manage facilities, organize and work events, teach classes and much more. Communities also assist with employment, educational resources and healthcare services. 

The goal for St. Clare’s is for new mothers to find stability, acquire essential life skills, address personal challenges and ultimately to build a secure future for themselves and their children. It’s a place of hope and empowerment.

Valerie Baronkin, executive director, said they love to hear from “alumni moms and the achievements they have made living outside the home. The joy of seeing these 2-, 3- and now 4-year-old children is heartwarming. Several moms have continued the quest to get better-paying jobs, have worked to get additional certifications and have received raises.

“The need is great to help homeless pregnant women in our state,” she said. “Sadly, family, friends and the baby’s dad abandon [a woman] when she is most vulnerable. We receive calls almost every day for someone needing help. St. Clare’s Home is and will continue to support these women in crisis.”

Leadership prayerfully anticipate establishing more homes in the future, as the Holy Spirit leads them to protect the sacredness of life and nurture healthy family environments.