Who is a typical resident?
What our residents have in common is that they either are pregnant or they have a newborn baby. Residents from from all walks of life, any age, and at any time during their pregnancy. Anyone can apply regardless of circumstances, race, religion, or financial need. Soemtimes a young mother with a newborn is referred to Rehoboth Home by an agency or because of an emergency situation. Rehoboth Home provides an individualized program for each resident. If there isn't enough room at the Home or there is a special need, applicants may be referred to shepherding homes, which are private homes, connected with Rehoboth Home.

How are the residents helped to make choices and set goals?
Sometimes the residents who come to Rehoboth Home have already made choices and plans for themselves and their babies. Often there are many uncertainties. They have many questions.

"Should I parent or release my baby for adoption? How do I know what is best for baby and me? What if my baby is adopted? Can I keep in touch with the adoptive parents? How can I support myself and the baby if I choose to parent? Can I continue my education? What about baby clothes, baby furniture, an apartment, if I live on my own?"

Caring staff will help the young woman find answers and will provide her with information so that she can make good choices for herself and her child. Appropriate referrals will be made to community and professional services as needed or as requested. Each resident is provided with an individualized program of care, taking into consideration her wishes, plans, goals and needs.

Backyard view of the Rehoboth Home, located in Springfield, Ontario.

What is the individualized program of care?
It consists of all or some of the following, applied according to the needs and wishes of the resident:
Schooling: If a resident is still early in her pregnancy she may choose to attend a local high school. High school credit courses are also offered by independent learning at home through the local Adult Learning Centre or through the Independent Learning Centre. Tutoring is provided by a qualified teacher on staff.
Employment: If a resident is able to work, she may be assisted to obtain employment and receive help in arranging transportation.
Health Care and Nutrition: A public health nurse visits regularly. Menus are planned to provide for the nutritious needs of expectant mothers.
Medical, Pre-Natal and Post-Natal Care: A local doctor and obstetrician are available in the community. Pre-natal classes are conducted in the home by a qualified nurse on staff, and a staff person will act as labour coach if requested.
Homemaking Skills: Cooking and cleaning are done co-operatively by all residents under the supervision and guidance of the staff.
Arts and Crafts: Classes are conducted weekly and planned according to the interests of the residents.
Life Skills and Decision Making: Classes are held weekly and individual sessions on goal setting are conducted. Topics covered are parenting, adoption, budgeting, nutrition, friendships, dating, marriage, living independently, baby care and development, etc.
Special Enrichment Programs: Presentations by LaLeche League, CPR training, and others are offered as available or as requested by the residents.
Spiritual Care: The Chaplain conducts a weekly Christian Fellowship hour. The hour may consist of music, Bible study, guest speaker, video or an interesting topic. The houseparent reads a short Bible passage at suppertime.
Recreation, Outings, and Community Events: Weekly outings are planned co-operatively by residents and staff. They may include concerts, bowling, movies, picnics, shopping trips, etc.
After-Care: When parenting is chosen, the resident and her baby may continue to live at the home for several months if she wishes, or may choose to transfer to Rehoboth Support Housing where she can live semi-independently until she feels ready to live on her own. Staff will help each resident with her plans to move into the community, and will be available for advice and support as needed.

How does a young woman apply for residency?
She may make the phone call herself, or may be referred by her parents, a friend, social worker, school counsellor, nurse, doctor, or church. A time will be set up for a tour and an interview if the young woman is interested in finding out more about the Home. Someone will gladly answer any questions and will give a package of information at the time of the visit. If the young woman lives too far away to come for an interview, the information may be mailed or faxed.

How is the Home operated?
A Board of Directors, representing various church communities, oversees the operation of the Home which is conducted under the supervision of the Executive Director. A live-in house parent and part-time staff supply 24 hour care. Rehoboth Home is licensed by the Ministry of Community and Social Services.