Ten years ago, Gloria Garami and Janice Tobin, colleagues at the Clinton County Health Department, embarked on a mission to improve the living conditions for homeless women in their community. While conducting home visits to moms and babies in motels, they recognized the need for a better solution. The pair visited a house with a realtor, which hinted at the potential, but the timing wasn't right.

Fast forward 8 years to May of 2022, after Janice's retirement, she heard of a large home for sale in the heart of Plattsburgh. This discovery reignited the spark, prompting Janice to explore the possibilities. A conversation with Father Bill Edwards led her to Chris Bell of Good Counsel Homes, who emphasized the importance of prioritizing people and fundraising over the building itself.

Motivated by this insight, Gloria and Janice delved into the intricate process of developing Heart Well Homestead. The name was inspired by the official name of the large home in Plattsburgh. Their first monthly board meeting was held on July 27th, 2022 with Gloria, Janice and Cassandra Jean-Baptiste as secretary.

They meticulously crafted bylaws, gradually grew the board, and navigated the complexities of incorporation.

In the summer of 2022, Janice visited the first maternity home in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. The following spring, Janice and Gloria visited two more maternity homes in Central New York. Touring these three homes fueled their inspiration and provided much guidance. The Joseph’s House in Syracuse was an eye opener to them regarding the need for safety, rules and curfews. Paula Belemjian of the Margaret Home in East Rochester has been a valuable supporter during these formative years.

Their unwavering dedication led to the establishment of Heart Well Homestead as a 501c3 nonprofit tax-exempt organization whose file date was finally back dated to January 31st, 2023.

The journey from acknowledging the inadequacies in existing services, to the official establishment of Heart Well Homestead, reflects a decade-long commitment to creating a haven for homeless pregnant and parenting women. The story behind Heart Well Homestead is not just about bricks and mortar; it's about compassion, collaboration, and the persistent pursuit of a better future for those in need. Heart Well Homestead stands as a testament to the transformative power of individuals determined to make a positive impact on their community.