Bruce and Jan Willson of Mechanic Falls, Maine saw the need to provide care to mothers in Maine. For 8 years they ran Maine's only family foster home specifically licensed for pregnant and parenting teens and young adults. They called their dream "Hope House".

6 other Hope Houses opened around Maine. In 1994 an outreach center drawing 600 clients a year was opened on College Street in Lewiston, in buildings loaned by Trinity Orthodox Presbyterian Church.

In 1998 St Mary's Regional Medical Center bought those buildings and donated them to Hope House, ensuring that our services to Lewiston would continue.

Also in 1998 an apartment building (1/2 mile from the center on College Street) was donated by the St. Laurent brothers. This enabled Lizzy's Lodge, a residential program for single mothers, to operate for 6 years in Lewiston.

Area businesses, churches and individuals provide the financial and volunteer support that enables Hope House to offer it's various care services.

Hope House is becoming a model. It has received national recognition through groups such as Focus on the Family, Heartbeat International, the National Right to Life Committee, and others. Bruce and Jan have spoken widely about Hope House's effectiveness, offering tools they've developed like "Oil and Wine for the Wounded" abuse recovery course, now in it's third printing.

The Pregnancy and Single Moms' Support Center
91 College Street
Lewiston, Maine 04240

Monday 6:00-8:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00-Noon
Call 777-3776 for an appointment

• Classes and Support Groups on
  Birth preparation
  Parenting skills
  Life skills
  Single mothering
  Abuse recovery
  Health and first aid
  Healthy relationships
• Helpful literature
• Book and video library (an extensive family video section with over 700 videos)
• Quarterly baby showers, and new-baby gift bags
• Seasonal parties
• Free gifts to moms at many of the activities
• Nursery and childcare for infants to age 10 during most activities
• Transportation as needed
• Work experience certification, an opportunity to learn employable skills and earn a certificate in 1 of 6 different volunteer jobs at the center, with childcare provided.
  
  
  

Women's Health Cottage
87 College Street
Lewiston, Maine 04240

Monday 6:00-8:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00-Noon
Call 777-3776 for an appointment

• Free pregnancy tests
• Free pregnancy option information
• Free prenatal care
• Labor support doulas
• Homebirth Midwifery
• Breastfeeding support
• Childbirth classes
• Free literature on pregnancy, birth, and newborn care
• A large selection of over the counter meds, vitamins and herbal remedies
  
  

Bearly-Used Boutique
91 College Street
Lewiston, Maine 04240

Monday 7:00-8:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00-Noon
Or call for an appointment at 777-3776

• New and recycled moms' and kids' clothing
• Baby items and furnishings
• Toys
• Diapers
• Housegoods
• Food
  
  

All at Mommy Money prices (earned at the center). Special exceptions are made for clients who are brought in by area agency representatives. Weekly sale items are also offered which do not require coupons.