Meet The Hannah Center
Located in the heart of Marshfield, The Hannah Center has a mission of assisting women in crisis through compassion and guidance in a nurturing environment. Since January of 1993, over 200 women have entered this home and turned their lives around.
In the beginning, The Hannah Center was dedicated to helping pregnant women and their children. Over the years, a change was made to accept any woman in time of need. Capable of housing up to 4 families with a number of children, a stable home environment has been created for those wishing to make positive changes in their lives.
As a nonprofit organization, fund raising efforts are always in place. 100% of the costs are raised locally without the help of state and federal aid. Staff is available 24/7 for residents, whether they are lending an ear or providing needed advice, they are dedicated to helping the women under their roof.
Tricia Fancher has been involved with The Hannah Center since 2013 and is the Program Coordinator. Displaying a passion for the program, Fancher is supportive in many ways.
“Many of these women grew up in chaos. We celebrate the successes and praise the small steps. We take pride and pleasure in that,” she said.
The task of keeping an organization such as this moving forward is no easy feat. From personal hygiene products to baby supplies to the meals that they eat, all is donated.
Monetary donations are appreciated as it takes cash to cover the utility bills, pay for repairs that need to be hired out and provide what is needed for the women to live each day.
While staying at The Hannah Center, the residents maintain jobs or attend classes and have five weekly goals that they set and meet. A portion of their paycheck goes towards rent and helps with learning how to budget. Life skills are taught and volunteers are sought to help out in these areas. Whether a person can provide instructions on how to change the oil in a vehicle, cook a meal or even teach simple sewing techniques, all are welcome to share their knowledge in life.
“Life coaching is what we do. We get them to where they know they can be,” said Fancher. “Success is different for each of us. Expectations are different for everyone. We’re helping to build successful community members by creating positive change.”
Along with providing residency, The Hannah Center also has an outreach program that helps women who need assistance but not housing. A clearinghouse exists to help community members clothe and feed their children. Each year, close to 400 families are provided with free items from the clearinghouse.
Referrals are also available to women whose needs cannot be met by The Hannah Center. While not an emergency or homeless shelter, contacts are available to those needing an immediate safe haven or roof for the night.
The key phrase to all The Hannah Center encompasses is “positive change”. Women are accepted into the home as long as they are ready to make a commitment to this. While the fear of having a roof over their heads and food on the table can be released while living here, steps must be taken to ensure families are heading towards a better life. Community involvement is encouraged, church groups as well as the AODA – Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, provide additional support and understanding.
Fancher added, “It’s an emotional state in their lives. We work to help them communicate in a positive way. It’s amazing to see how the girls rally around each other. We encourage them to get involved in the community as a support group.”
On average, residents stay between 9 and 11 months. “It takes residents 3 months to trust that their needs will be met.” said Fancher. “Change starts to happen after that trust has been formed.”
Once the core values of life, home and change have been achieved, the residents are able to graduate and become valuable members of the community. The graduates are equipped to handle physical, social and emotional needs that life presents. The Hannah Center takes pride is helping these women attain independence.
For more information on donating, volunteering, offering support and their upcoming Mother’s Day Rose Sale, please visit http://www.hannahcenter.com.
