What is MOMMAS ?
MOMMAS is a home for young mothers aged 17 to 21 years and their babies. For approximately two years, the young mothers at MOMMAS house continue education or vocational experience interrupted by pregnancy. With guidance and direction, the young mothers can learn to support themselves and their children independently.

Why is MOMMAS house needed?
Long Island has a high incidence of teenage pregnancy. Birthright of Nassau/Suffolk, in counseling crisis pregnancies for nearly twenty years, noted an alarming fact: Many young pregnant women, unwilling to part with their children through adoption placement, had no place to which they could bring their baby home to.

Some of the young mothers were homeless-- living in cars, sacking out in dives, surviving in temporary situations. A few had been homeless for a long time, while others had been thrown out of their home when their parents learned they were pregnant.

Many other young mothers lived with parents who would not let them return with a baby, or the young mothers were part of dysfunctional homes considered dangerous for an infant. The infants of all these young mothers in crisis often became victims of child abuse and neglect. Moreover, the young mothers themselves would become isolated and hopeless, trapped into a life of dependency upon public assistance.

What is Our Vision for MOMMAS House?
MOMMAS House is dedicated to ensuring that any pregnant young woman on Long Island can have a realistic opportunity to choose life for her child even in the most difficult of circumstances. MOMMAS can make a difference for teenage mothers abandoned by their families, having no place to take their babies other than a seedy rooming house and no prospects other than being chained to welfare. Young mothers, whose choice of life for their child is at odds with a society which too often promotes death, now have a place to take their baby home.

When former Vice President Dan Quayle visited MOMMAS House in 1990, he observed: "What struck me most about MOMMAS House is the love and care that these young women and their children receive from director, Pat Shea, and the staff. It's true it's difficult to raise a child alone, and it's true that society puts a lot of pressure on pregnant teenagers to have an abortion. It's important that pregnant teens be provided with a real choice and a real alternative to having an abortion."

What Program Is Offered to Young Mothers at MOMMAS House?
During the first six weeks after the baby is born, each young mother is encouraged to bond with her infant. Vocational counseling and other counseling are provided as needed. After the first six weeks, the young mother must proceed with vocational or educational goals which are to be accomplished during her residency.

During their year at MOMMAS House, the young mothers are afforded a supportive environment. Parenting classes instruct the young mothers in proper infant care, thereby helping to minimize neglect often associated with teenaged motherhood. Tutoring and other classes are offered as needs become apparent. As they learn the practical skills needed to be a working parent, they must save money in preparation for the day they leave MOMMAS House.

How Did MOMMAS House Get Started?
A group of volunteers from Birthright of Nassau/Suffolk, led by John Connell and Patricia Shea, had long been working on the planning of this program, when it finally came to fruition in 1986. The first MOMMAS house was opened in Wantagh because of the generosity of Joe Haley, a born-again Christian who felt a real need to help. After three years, the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Malverne offered the use of an abandoned building on their property. The parish and village community of Malverne refurbished this lovely old house into a beautiful home and the program moved into this location.

In 1994, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Brookville offered the use of a building that was formerly a convent. As a result of their kindness, the second MOMMAS house was opened in a truly beautiful setting.

A third MOMMAS house opened in the former Rectory of St. Rocco's Church in Glen Cove.

In 2006, our St. Paul's home was moved to a new site in Jericho.

What Are the Goals of MOMMAS?
MOMMAS House has five basic goals:

1. Provide young mothers age 17 to 21 years old with a sheltered atmosphere where responsibility is stressed, yet support is available.

2. Prevent child abuse by alleviating the isolation of the young mother.

3. Avoid child neglect by teaching parenting and child care.

4. Offer a stable environment where young mothers can be nurtured and encouraged to obtain training and schooling.

5. Assist the young mother in establishing a secure job in order to become financially stable and not be dependent on a welfare allotment.

How Is the Program at MOMMAS House Supported?
The Maternity and Early Childhood Foundation pays a portion of the salaries of the house managers and day care providers. The young mothers must contribute toward their room and board in accordance with their means. Some will receive public assistance and some will work. All other support is provided by donations and the assistance of volunteers.

What Can You Do to Help?
If you believe in our program, we welcome volunteers and donations. We need volunteers for driving, clerical work, infant care, relief of house managers, house maintenance, tutoring, teaching self-improvement classes and counseling. We need donations!