What does Holy Ground do?

Holy Ground shelters and mentors homeless, pregnant and parenting young mothers (ages 17 to 23) and their children, who are willing to make positive changes in their lives. The organization makes a long-term commitment to work individually with each young mom to help her towards independent living, economic sustainability, a stable family situation, and lasting generational change. Holy Ground began as a concept in 2008 and had its first full year of operation in 2011. It has been serving young moms and their children in Palm Beach County for the past 6 years.

Who does Holy Ground help?

Holy Ground works with local homeless, young mother and mothers-to-be. The nonprofit’s Development/Vocational Director, Angela Wing-Allen sites a Harvard study that explains: “It is only through helping the young mothers improve their life skills such as problem solving, coping with adversity, furthering their educations to improve their financial situation and counseling, that their children will able to beat the odds associated with teen pregnancy.” For this reason, Holy Ground focuses strongly on education and vocational training. These are essential to the success of their clients and why it’s a long-term program: It takes time to build new skills, complete a degree or job training.

How do people get help from Holy Ground?

Young moms are referred to the nonprofit by other agencies, hospitals and high school guidance counselors. Holy Ground partners with other nonprofits whenever possible. In the past, their young families were housed in modest but safe apartments around the county. This month, Holy Ground closed on a new property of their own! The moms will still be assigned female mentors, attend the monthly life-skills series and work on goals with the case manager. The organization also provides counseling services whenever they are needed.

What will they do with the Quantum in the Community funding?

Quantum Foundation funding will be used for Holy Ground’s “A Home & Hope” Program which assists with rent, utilities and counseling for their young families.

What are Holy Ground’s immediate needs?

Holy Ground’s next challenge is to renovate their new property and prepare the eight apartments for the young families they are honored to serve. Executive Director, Phyllis Turner Jepson says: “We confidently believe that having our own building will be highly beneficial for our clients, accelerating their progress and further improving our impact and outcomes”. They need financial donations to assist in the renovations and furnishings as well as all the home basics like towels, bedding and kitchen items. Ms. Jepson adds: “Please remember us in your end- of- year giving; it would truly be a blessing for our young families”. You can also support Holy Ground by attending their annual luncheon and auction on Jan. 21 at the Kravis Center. For more information, please call Holy Ground’s office at 561-355-5040.