Category Archives: Housing

Empowering Survivors of Domestic Abuse – Stacey Womack

Posted on by

Join Valerie Harkins in conversation with Stacey Womack, Founder and Executive Director of Abuse Recovery Ministry Services (ARMS) to explore the topic of domestic abuse and the impact on victims who find themselves in the pregnancy help setting. Drawing on over 27 years of experience in abuse recovery ministry, Stacey offers guidance on the “dos” and “don’ts” of supporting victims and helping them to find healing and abundant life.

Sponsored by Heartbeat Academy

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Email | RSS | More

The Impact of Trauma on Women’s Sexual Wellness

Posted on by

Originally published on The Dr. Joe Show, this episode features Dr. Joe Malone and Valerie Harkins as they discuss the implications of trauma in regards to women’s sexual health and wellness. With an expertise in maternity housing, Valerie sheds light on how the wraparound care that maternity homes provide can help women to recognize that they have the option to raise their own children in an environment that is different than how they were raised, breaking the cycle of abuse and creating healthy attachments in future relationships.

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Email | RSS | More

Maternity Housing in South Dallas – Thana Hickman

Posted on by

Valerie Harkins interviews Thana Hickman from Viola’s House in South Dallas about recognizing the specific needs of the community and working to meet those needs. Learn how this grassroots maternity home grew to a 61-person staff, with over half being women who served in the ministry and are ready to give back. Thana and Valerie also discuss how to measure success, break client cycles, and how the discernment process might look for an individual considering opening a home.

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Email | RSS | More

Housing Undocumented Women: When, Why, and How

Posted on by

Valerie Harkins is joined by Faith Cintron from Aid for Women (Chicago, IL) to discuss how to best serve undocumented women in the maternity home setting. Faith draws from her experience to answer Valerie’s “frequently asked questions” surrounding this topic.

Sponsored by: Heart & Home E-Newsletter

Notes: 

  • Undocumented residents may come from all over the world. Maternity home staff should be prepared to be understanding of different cultures and traditions.
  • It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes and build a strong relationship with agents so that residents can obtain the correct paperwork as asylum seekers.
  • Connect with area churches that serve the same culture as your resident to help them feel more comfortable.
  • Government assistance may not be available to undocumented women; check your state laws.
  • Maternity homes can help women stay on top of court appointments and paperwork so that they can legally stay in your home.
  • Ask lots of questions! Be ready and willing to learn.

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Email | RSS | More

Hope: The Journey of sharing Jesus in Maternity Homes

Posted on by

Valerie Harkins, Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition interviews Allie Reuscher, Director of The Nesting Place Maternity Home about her experiences that led her to starting a maternity home, and what she has learned along the way. They discuss challenges that come with opening a new home and when/how to share the Gospel.

Email Valerie at Housing@heartbeatinternational.org

 

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Email | RSS | More

Maternity Home FAQs

Posted on by

Director of the Maternity Housing Coaltion, Valerie Harkins, takes us through some of the frequently asked questions that she hears from the Maternity Housing community. Valerie covers homes for minors, goals for residents, funding your ministry, housing models, and more!

Resources:

Sponsored by Heartbeat International’s Annual Conference

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Email | RSS | More

Insurance for Maternity Homes – Kirk Thomas

Posted on by

Valerie Harkins brings in Kirk Thomas from Johnson-Witkemper Insurance to talk about considerations when choosing insurance for your maternity home. He covers questions surrounding what insurance companies will ask and how to keep insurance costs low for ministries.

Resources:
–Click here to contact Kirk Thomas at Johnson-Witkemper Insurance
Email housing@heartbeatinternational.org to connect with Valerie Harkins

Notes:

  • Remember to cover your physical assets and people assets with insurance
  • Take into consideration your home structure – single family, multi-family, or mixed use property
  • Utilize things like security cameras, sprinklers, fire alarms, etc. to help minimize costs of insurance
  • Have a plan in place ready to implement in a crisis situation such as a natural disaster or home evacuation for other reasons.
  • Set clear expectations for residents

Sponsored by: Heart & Home E-newsletter


Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Email | RSS | More

Adding Apartments to Your Maternity Home – Vicki Krnac

Posted on by

Vicki Krnac, Executive Director of Hannah’s Home talks with Valerie Harkins about the process of adding apartments to their maternity home to meet the need of residents who are ready to move into more independent living while still working alongside the staff of the maternity home. While it seemed like an overwhelming endeavor, Vicki and her team were intentional about following God’s timeline for the project, and saw His hand guiding each step along the way.

Resources

  • Heart & Home Newsletter
  • Maternity Housing CoalitionHeartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Email | RSS | More

Media and Maternity Homes

Posted on by

Maternity Housing Specialist, Valerie Harkins talks with VP of Communications & Marketing, Andrea Trudden about the media’s increased interest in maternity homes over the past year. Andrea provides guidance on how to respond to attacks and how to effectively communicate with your supporters.

Resources:

Sponsor: Pregnancy Help Institute


Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Email | RSS | More

Trauma-Informed Care During the Christmas Season

Posted on by

Valerie Harkins, Director of the Maternity Housing Coalition, interviews Suzanne Burns from Foundation House about serving women during the Christmas season who have experienced trauma. While most of us see this time of year as a season of joy, traditions, and celebrations, we recognize that for others, it is a difficult season to navigate as challenging family relationships, trauma, or loss may trigger negative emotions. Find out how you can help your clients to find healing and hope as you celebrate the birth of Jesus together.

–Click Here to Access the Recorded Webinar

Sponsor: Option Line

Heartbeat International provides a forum to express a marketplace of ideas for an audience of life-affirming pregnancy help organizations and those who support such organizations.  The ideas, views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and may or may not reflect advice, opinions, policies or views of Heartbeat International, Inc. Presenters come from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds, inside and outside of the Pregnancy Help Movement.  We encourage listeners or viewers to do their own additional research and discern for themselves how to apply the materials presented.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Email | RSS | More