Frequently Asked Questions - marysrefuge.com

our most frequently asked

Questions

Who do you help?

We serve pregnant women aged 18 and up who are ready to make a change in their lives. We help young ladies and women who need a safe and loving place to stay, and offer programs that help them transition into the most rewarding and challenging stage of their life – becoming a mother.

Is Mary's Refuge a shelter?

No, Mary’s Refuge is a pro-life program that provides housing, guidance, and support for a pregnant mother whose environment is unsafe. The program is based on an independent living model of self-determination, self-responsibility, and self-reliance. Mothers are encouraged to make good choices and expected to adhere to the house rules and expectations of the program.

Do I need to be religious to receive services?

No. Religious beliefs do not play a role in the intake process and there are not religious demands made of any person living at Mary’s Refuge or participating in our programs.

We encourage young mothers to stay active in their community and faith – and will help coordinate rides to weekly services at your chosen place of worship.

How are referrals made?

Referrals can come from pregnancy centers and other pregnancy help agencies. Referrals may also come from a pastor or minister, hospitals and physicians; from a case worker or other human service agency in the community, family members and the pregnant mother herself.

Whomever makes the referral of the prospective guest is to encourage the mother to initiate the call to Mary’s Refuge.

What is the home like?

Mary’s Refuge is a sanctuary for young expectant mothers who need a hand-up. Located in downtown Martinsburg, West Virginia – we’re easily accessible to local transportation, employment opportunities, resources and social centers.

Our home has space for 9 mothers and their children. Our space is ample and comfortable, including a full kitchen, dining area, office space with computer access, a multi-unit laundry room and Montessori themed nursery playroom.

Each private bedroom unit is furnished with a bed for both mother and child, closet space and a personal safe for keeping sensitive documents and medications.

“Mary’s Refuge embraces the gift of life. We provide a haven of hope and support for both mother and child, where every heartbeat is cherished and every story is a testament to the beauty of choosing love.”

- Allison Ferrell, Director

Can I bring my child(ren) if I am pregnant again?

Yes, we welcome women who have one child, ages 3 and under, as long as they meet the intake requirements.

What is the cost to stay at Mary's Refuge?

Price of admission is common courtesy of the staff and other mothers, along with a good faith effort to make positive change in your own life.

Financially speaking, Mary’s Refuge services, including a place to live – are offered at no cost to the young women who need the service. Our focus is teaching young mothers to become self-sufficient, and want all of our residents to find employment, and use their paychecks to become financially stable.

Mary’s Refuge is 100% funded by donors and do not accept government assistance of any kind.

Do I have to provide my own baby crib?

No, Marys Refuge provides cribs for use while staying at our maternity home.

What is the Program?

We encourage our mothers to self-determine their stay at Mary’s Refuge. With a holistic approach to daily living and setting their own goals, they gain autonomy and are fully engaged in planning a healthy, sustainable future for themselves and their child.

With classes on-site and in the local community, resources are shared so mothers can build careers, education, and become involved citizens. The tools are provided to accomplish their self-chosen plan of action.

With staff and volunteers modeling good behavior, listening and engaging in conversations and sharing information, the mothers grow in self-confidence and that critical sense of self-worth. Child development and the needs of children are taught and offered so the bond of mother and child grows.

How long does the application process take?

Each applicant is looked at on an individual basis, which means that the process varies. We encourage everyone to fill out an inquiry application on our website as soon as they know they’re interested in accessing space at Mary’s Refuge. Afterward, one of our matriarchs will get in touch with you for an initial phone screening and explanation of our program. We perform a background check for all prospective candidates, which can take up to 72 hours to be completed.

If you want to learn more, we also offer home tours and interviews to become better acquainted. Our initial interview is structured around honesty, respect and trust – so prospective residents can anticipate an in-depth process on your history and background.

What is the process for Admission?

Whomever makes the referral of the prospective guest is to encourage the mother to initiate the call to Mary’s Refuge. During that initial call a screening will occur so the mother can tell her story of her circumstances and the Program can be explained to her. An onsite interview and tour of Mary’s Refuge with the prospective guest will follow.. Each candidate must show proof of pregnancy and agree to a background check including criminal history..

The candidate will be considered for entrance to the Program.

Applicants must be:

We are a Program that is applied to, not a shelter. As a Program, there are house rules and expectations that you self-determine with guidance from our team.

Referrals are welcome, with the understanding the prospective guest will freely and willingly initiate a call to Mary’s Refuge. This is the beginning step to self-determination.

House Rules

House rules to be followed are based on daily living and include:

The atmosphere is set up as a home, with a community kitchen, private bedrooms for each family, a child playroom based on Montessori principles, as well as class space, and a job/work center. Mary’s Refuge has partnerships with the community at large for resources to assist you in meeting your needs.

Mutual respect between guests of Mary’s Refuge, staff and volunteers is expected at all times.