Group wants a new home for at-risk moms

Choices for Youth wants to expand its work with young, at-risk mothers.

Through its Momma Moments program, it tries to combat intergenerational poverty, recidivism and the revolving door to foster care.

But the organization wants to do more.

Sheldon Pollett, the group’s executive director, said they want to build a parent resource centre for young mothers.

“We can’t get into all of the details at the moment, but the idea is to have housing, a daycare and resources all under one roof so we can provide better support, because when they have it, they do much better,” he said.

“We know young at-risk pregnant women live in isolation and in poverty, and when you have all these issues to contend with, it’s difficult to parent effectively,” said Pollett.

The land has been donated by the City of St. John’s and is in Pleasantville.

The Momma Moments program and the centre are the reasons for a fundraiser Saturday at Glendenning Golf Course in St. John’s.

“We have a lot of mothers who come in here who are pregnant and we see what happens when they’re not supported and we see what happens when they are supported,” says Jane Henderson, director of programs at Choices for Youth.

A portion of the proceeds will be used for the program and some will be put away for the building of the centre.

Henderson said the event is bound to be exciting and someone will be riding home from it in style.

Aside from a champagne re- ception, live music and an auction, Jill and Trevor Morris and Maureen Williams have donated a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Sport for the grand prize.

It starts at 6:30 p.m. and tickets can be purchased by calling 754-0446. For more information, go to www.choicesforyouth.ca.

“We can’t get into all of the details at the moment, but the idea is to have housing, a daycare and resources all under one roof so we can provide better support, because when they have it, they do much better.” Sheldon Pollett, executive director Choices For Youth