THE NEED

  • In Marion County, in 2005, there were 3,449 resident live births. Of those resident births, 181 were to girls 13-17, and 374 to girls 18-19.
  • Resident live births to unwed mothers, 13-17, was 165, and for girls 18-19 it was 311.
  • Marion County's percentage of live births receiving first trimester prenatal care was 67% against the state average of 78.5%
  • Of the resident live births to all age mothers in Marion County, 149 mothers had less than a 9th grade education, and 707 attended 9th /12th grade but did not receive a diploma.
  • Adolescent mothers engage in less smiling and positive eye and physical contact with their infants than adult mothers.
  • Children of teen mothers speak less and are more likely to have poorer cognitive and linguistic outcomes.
  • Teenage mothers are perceived to be more punitive in their child-rearing practices compared with adult mothers.
  • Adolescent mothers are less knowledgeable about child development than are adult mothers: they generally underestimate social, cognitive, and language functioning and overestimate the attainment of developmental milestones.
  • Teen mothers are more likely to be depressed than older mothers, and depressed mothers are less emotionally available for their children.
  • 24% of all teenage mothers had a second birth within two years of their first. However, those who continue their schooling after a first teenage birth are less likely to have a rapid second birth than those who do not.
  • When the primary caregiver of a child born to a teen mother is that child's grandmother, the likelihood that the teen mother will experience a subsequent birth during adolescence is increased; this may be due to the teen mother's release from the responsibilities and challenges of parenthood.
  • Supportive social relationships can play an important role in buffering the stresses experienced by teenage mothers, thus positively influencing their psychological well being and mothering ability.
  • Establishing a multi-disciplinary team is vital. Linkages between professionals and across community agencies are essential in providing a medical home, mental health and social services, and therapeutic interventions.

History

Hands of Mercy Everywhere (HOME) is Marion County's first Christian maturnity home for teens. A committee was formed in 1997 by members of Trinity Baptist Church in Ocala, Florida with the idea to establish this home for unwed teenage mothers. After many years of investigating property and trying to raise money, property was purchased in September of 2002.

The house that was purchased was built in the year 1885 and has three stories, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, office, parlor, and game room. The last owner had operated a home for troubled boys, but had to close when their funding dwindled. The house had already been remodeled and had passed state inspections. It was the ideal property for HOME.

Board of Directors (select name to send an email)

Kim Hoopengarner President, Treasurer
John Donahue Vice President
Janice Martin Secretary
Diane Schofield Executive Director
Chris Boyd Member
Pat Roaderick Member
Dr. Jim Casey Member
Sylvia Casey Member
Lynn Feaster Member
Roberta Brant Member
Julie BcCalister Member
Alyson Ferrer Member