Hundreds of women will gather for a luncheon to support Mary’s Shelter, which offers services for pregnant women and women with newborns. WPTV NewsChannel 5 Anchor Ashleigh Walters is serving as the Mistress of Ceremonies.
Mary’s Shelter is a transitional home for pregnant women and women with newborns. It offers residential and non-residential services, including shelter, food, parenting instruction, personal finance and budgeting and more. The shelter strives to help women achieve self-sufficiency and independence by working with each woman individually to create an action plan for education and job training goals.
In 6 years, Mary’s Shelter has helped hundreds of women, including more than 120 homeless, pregnant women. Every baby born to the women in that time has been born healthy, including 60 babies that were born during their mother’s stay at the residence.
Founders Jan and Noel Lindsay has been working to help homeless pregnant women and their babies for more than 30 years. The effort started in Minnesota in 1982. To date, Lindsay has opened five Mary’s Shelters, including Mary’s Shelter of the Treasure Coast.
The luncheon Tuesday at Willoughby Golf Club will include fun shopping and auctions to raise money for the shelter. The organization does not receive government funding. It relies on generous donations and grants, plus proceeds from its thrift store, to fund services. The event Tuesday, January 19 is 10:30-2 p.m. and it is expected to sell out to a crowd of more than 300 supporters. The luncheon and fashion show has raised more than $105,000 in five years, including $40,000 last year alone. WPTV NewsChannel 5 Anchor Ashleigh Walters will serve as MC this year. Anchor Kelley Dunn has served as MC in the past.
The Heart of an Angel Education Fund allows supporters to assist women with specific education needs, like a $165 high school GED fee, or $800 toward education to become a Patient Care Technician. In two years, 35 women have participated in the program with assistance from $14,000 raised at the luncheon.
On February 13, the Mary’s Shelter Valentine’s Gala will raise money for the organization. There is a cocktail hour, wine tasting, dinner, auction, dancing and entertainment.
Learn more contacting (772) 223-5000 or by visiting www.maryssheltertc.org