On September 15, the first resident of the Mother Teresa Home in the former Saint Adelbert's rectory on Stanislaus Street will move in. The opening of the home occurs as sainthood is granted to Mother Teresa.
Sister Mary Johnice, executive director for the adjacent Response to Love Center, spoke at Thursday's dedication.
"What we're going to do with the women who will be living here, they'll be coming to partake in the services that we have at Response to Love Center," she said.
"Many of them have not had their high school diplomas so they'll be coming over there for services. We also have social workers for counseling. We're going to help find housing for them."
The facility was renovated with funds from the Catholic Diocese and private donors. A team of volunteers worked to make it happen.
"If you just think of unplanned pregnancies, they are not confined to a particular demographic and we find that in every demographic," said Bishop Richard Malone.
"Of course, this part of our city, we all know, is in more need for all kinds of human services and the church is responsible for a number of those and other groups, as well."
Credited as a driving force in making the facility a reality is Cheryl Calire, the diocesan director of pro-life activity, who says the Mother Teresa Home's mission is to "empower not to enable" young mothers. She also pointed out that no federal or state funds were used for the renovation.
Calire and Sister Mary Johnice plan to be in Rome for the canonization of Mother Teresa on September 4.
