After a life changing event in her teen years, a former Drayton resident is giving back to the organizations that helped her through a difficult time.
Jennifer Johnson has begun a drive to help teenage girls who require the services of Monica Place and Monica- Ainslie Place. Monica Place (formerly Saint Monica House) is a licensed agency that has a been serving young pregnant women and young mothers and their children since 1968.
Under the direction of the Anglican Diocese of Huron, the house was a centennial service project in 1967. The 26-bed residence’s mandate was to provide residential care and support to single, young expectant women.
Many young women came from out of town to the Waterloo facility, gave birth, put the child up for adoption and returned to their homes. By 1970, the Waterloo County Board of Education established an on-site school, enabling young women to continue their education during their stay.
In 1974, services were expanded to include a full-day school program. Learning opportunities included parenting options, communication, decision making, life skills and stress/anger management. The need for such a facility grew to the point that services offered to residents were extended to young women living in the community.
In the mid 1980s most young woman were choosing to parent rather than place their babies up for adoption. In response to the shift in changing attitudes, a support program was established not only for women in the program but also for young mothers and their children living on their own in the community.
Even with the decline in adoption, it was still necessary to provide support for young women who chose the adoption route. A post-adoption counselling support group formed and was made available to both community clients and Saint Monica House residents.
In May of 1992 the residential program was expanded to provide short-term accommodations for young mothers and their newborn infants. The “Moms and Babes” program offered 24/7 support for moms and their newborns during the critical first eight weeks of bonding.
September of the same year saw the opening of Monica-Ainslie Place, a 16-unit, two bedroom apartment housing complex and resource centre for young single mothers and their babies in Cambridge. The addition of this facility allowed expansion of essential services in a safe environment to high risk, single mothers and their children. This allowed these mothers to progress towards full independent living.
In 2012 the centre became known as a Trauma Informed Model of Service. One year later Saint Monica House changed its name to Monica Place for Pregnant and Parenting Youth, with a motto “Supporting Lives, Two at a Time.”
Their goal is to empower young women who are pregnant, parenting or choosing adoption, to make healthy and informed choices for themselves and their children. The centre is funded by the Ministry of Child and Youth Services, church sponsorships and private donations.
“As a rebellious, pregnant teen, living an unhealthy life, I am thankful to Monica Place for saving my life. The organization took me in and got me headed in the right direction.” Johnson said.
Monica Place provided Johnson with everything she needed during her pregnancy, from prenatal vitamins to maternity clothes.
Financial assistance, regular doctor’s appointments, transportation needs and meetings with Family and Children’s Services are all part of the program at the facility. Women are encouraged to continue receiving an education.
Johnson opted for the open adoption. The couple chosen to adopt her child was with her during her pregnancy and in the delivery room. Johnson plays a role in the life of the child, with regularly-scheduled visits.
“I am blessed to be part of my daughter’s life. She lives in a community close to mine. Giving her a better life than I could give her was what I felt was best for her. She has amazing adoptive parents,” Johnson said.
Johnson is now ready to make a difference in the lives of young women who require the services of Monica Place and Monica-Ainslie Place.
While cleaning out a clothes closet, Johnson knew she wanted to do more than just donate clothing to a local thrift store. She recalled a young mother in residence at Monica Place, the same as Johnson, that only had one outfit to wear, an outfit that came from her brother’s closet.
After praying and talking with friends and family, Johnson has set a goal to establish donation centers in local communities. While working toward attaining that goal, Johnson has started small by offering her vehicle as a pick up centre for clothing, accessories and supplies that a Mom would need before and after the birth of her baby.
“After Christmas many people have gifts that they just don’t know what to do with. In the spring, people clean out closets and in the fall everyone prepares for winter. I would like to make myself available to pick up the unwanted gifts, personal items and clothing that can be put to good use,” Johnson explained.
At present Johnson is willing to make pick-ups in Southwestern Ontario and deliver the donated articles to Monica Place.
Johnson has been working at getting the word out about her cause. She has contacted Monica Place, established an email address and Facebook page. Many of the young women who stayed at Monica Place during Johnson’s stay have been in touch with her and are supporting her cause, in appreciation of the help they received as young mothers at the facility.
“One lady contacted me and explained that her young daughters had asked for donations for my cause instead of receiving birthday gifts,” Johnson said.
“The family had no car to deliver the donations but wanted Monica Place to have them. It was a pleasure to meet with this family, who shared with me that it was better to give than receive.”
Donation centre in Drayton
A donation centre has been set up at Studio Factor in Drayton. Johnson would like to have another centre in the Drayton/Moorefield area. Anyone interested in hosting this location is asked to contact Johnson. Pick-ups are scheduled for the Drayton/Moorefield area on Sundays.
To donate gently used articles including bedding, toiletries, maternity clothing, children’s clothing (up to one year) or gift cards for children’s stores, email Johnson at chance2donate@gmail.com or on Facebook – Second Chance Donation Center.
