Empowering Survivors of Domestic Abuse – Stacey Womack

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.

The Impact of Trauma on Women’s Sexual Wellness

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.

Maternity Housing in South Dallas – Thana Hickman

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.

Housing Undocumented Women: When, Why, and How

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.

Hope: The Journey of sharing Jesus in Maternity Homes

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.

Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men

This is the time of year when we hear a message of peace and good will, and it’s even common to hear Christian Christmas tunes in secular settings. However, we still look at the world and see so much turmoil! Valerie Harkins takes us through a message of what God’s peace provides us during these times both as individuals and as ministry workers.

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.

 

Preventing Burnout in Your Maternity Home – Gina Tomes

Valerie Harkins interviews Gina Tomes about how the 24/7 care model of maternity homes can take a toll on staff and volunteers. Through years of experience (including founding the maternity home, Bethlehem House), Gina has learned a few key things to watch out for and how to prevent burnout among staff.

Contact housing@heartbeatinternational.org to connect with Valerie Harkins, Heartbeat International Housing Specialist

Notes:

  • High staff turnover is often attributed to burnout or exhaustion, especially in ministry work.
  • Staff should be trained well so that they are equipped to handle the many needs of residents.
  • Cross-training staff can help each staff member to take time off regularly.
  • Find a housing model that works well for both residents and staff.
  • Retreats and conference get your team outside of their typical day-to-day work and allows for time of fellowship and sharing of ideas.
  • Register here for Heartbeat’s Annual Conference!

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.

 

Breaking the Cycle of Domestic Violence

Women seeking help from maternity homes are often caught up in a cycle of domestic abuse. Ashley Potts, Founder and Executive Director of Selah Creek Maternity Home, explains how homes  can prepare to serve victims of abuse by learning as much about trauma-informed care as possible, and most importantly, learning to listen and develop trust. Listen in as Ashley shares how she and her team have helped women go from feeling that domestic violence is just the “normal” of relationships, to making cycle-breaking choices that will have a lasting effect on generations to come.

You can reach Ashley Potts at ashley@selahcreek.org or visit www.selahcreek.org

Sponsored by: Heart and 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.