Brook Haven House Inc., (BHH) ‘A Place for New Beginnings’, is a non-profit and non-denominational ministry first established with non profit status (form 501© (3) in 1993 as Hope Hotline Inc. The name, Hope Hotline Inc., changed in 1997 to Brook Haven House Inc., ‘A Place for New Beginnings” as a result of broadened vision that grew out of the needs of young women. The ministry had developed into a unique (one of its kind / in NYS) Christian -based maternity home for young women located in Jefferson County in the village of Carthage, in Upstate New York. The Board of Directors consists of eight individuals who have a personal interest in the organization. The Board of Advisors consists of eleven prominent individuals from churches, businesses, and the community. The BHH opened for occupancy in August of 2003 at 423 Main Street in a structurally sound house in fair condition that is leased for the life of BHH, Inc. from the Grace Episcopal Church in Carthage, NY. BHH is a human service organization for unwed mothers of ages 18 years and over, and are the residents of (but not limited to) Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties, in New York. Any inquiries for this ministry are not turned away and are considered potential participants. Upstate Northern New York is an economically depressed area with the average income reported by the Census Bureau in 1999 in Jefferson County as being $34,006 with 13.3% living below poverty level. Since suffering much set back since 1999 with the closing of several major businesses, paper mills and factories, there is a high rate of unemployment and low morale. Therefore, BHH is thankful for whatever limited financial support that has come in from individuals and businesses, since they are not always able to donate or help support every good cause in this financially depressed area.
Vision, Mission and Goals
BHH is a human service organization whose vision is to help unwed mothers, to promote the sanctity of life, and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to help women in crisis pregnancy situations choose life for their unborn babies, and to help them experience a life-changing encounter with the person and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. BHH participants receive instructions in childbirth, financial planning, homemaking, parenting, and other life skills. Each participant also has the opportunity to put these newly learned skills into practice in the BHH setting. The goal is to help each young woman establish a solid spiritual base for her life while making a graceful transition into motherhood. While a participant in the BHH, the women have the opportunity to receive teaching and training to become well-balanced, well-adjusted mothers, wives and productive citizens. BHH participants who have not completed high school are encouraged to get their GED. The women are encouraged to apply for assistance to take advantage of the educational opportunities in this area. Programs at Jefferson /Lewis BOCES Career & Technical Center, or Jefferson Community College are available, as well as college courses on line to prepare themselves with a vocation to become independent and financially responsible. Another option is local employment with on the job training. The participants receive counseling, guidance, and are walked through this time when needed.
BHH has been successful over the years by witnessing several diverted abortions and many healthy births. Several of the women have been publicly baptized professing their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ with a desire to walk in the faith. Participants may stay up to a year after the baby is born and by then should be ready to be on their own. After such time, BHH will support them in any way possible to insure stability and a productive future. Every woman’s needs are different and this can often be reflected in her length of stay, which is voluntary. The ministry strives to meet the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of each woman by means of the following:
· Referrals to counselors, ministers and other professionals
· Access to doctors, hospitals and medicine at low or no cost
· Private sleeping quarters for each mother and baby
· Linking up with a mentor from the community
· Providing food, some from local sponsors- below wholesale costs
· Clothing by means of donations, thrift centers and baby showers
· Teaching and training for wholeness, and motherhood
· Personal tutoring
· Assistance in procuring financial aid to obtain a college education
However, to continue providing these services and promote public awareness of the organization, the BHH, Inc. needs financial support. The Board of Directors is praying to receive innovative ways to support BHH long term. The ‘Precious Life Club’ (PLC) is one fund raising plan implemented to help meet the long-term financial needs. This program allows the public to be a part of BHH organization by becoming a member and committing to a monthly or yearly donation. In return, they receive the following:
· Monthly updates via email
· Invitations to organizational events
· Opportunity to visit the BHH to observe the facilities and to become more familiar with the program
· An opportunity to meet the participants with the possibility of becoming a mentor.
· A certificate of appreciation, worthy of display
Other avenues for financial support include approximately 27 Churches, civic organizations, and over 175 different individuals and companies. These avenues are always being explored and expanded during the year. A yearly benefit dinner “Friends of Brook Haven House “ is organized for each spring along with several fund raising events each summer and fall. We are always open to considering other innovative means to support operating expenses as well as continuing to expand the ‘Precious Life Club’