Heart Well Homestead is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Plattsburgh,
New York. We are establishing transitional housing with comprehensive support services for
unstably housed women who are pregnant or parenting infants. Our program is designed to
create a safe, supportive environment where women can be empowered with the tools,
community connections, and resources so mother and child can thrive.
Programs
Once open, Heart Well Homestead will collaborate with each mother in our transitional residential program to create a personalized action plan. Each family’s program can last up to two years, if needed, to meet their individual goals. We will partner with local organizations, including Cornell Cooperative Extension, ETS, Healthy Families North Country, OneWorkSource, financial institutions, and others to offer in-house support and education on:
• Parenting
• Essential Life Skills
• Spiritual & Emotional Care
• Career Coaching & Employment Readiness
• Financial Literacy & Budgeting
• Infant & Child Development
• Nutrition & Healthy Living
• Breastfeeding
From Vision to Impact
Heart Well Homestead (HWH) began in 2014 when former Clinton County Health Department nurses Gloria Garami and Janice Tobin recognized the urgent need for comprehensive support for unhoused pregnant women. They envisioned a safe, nurturing maternity home with supportive programs to help mothers achieve stability and reach their personal and parenting goals. In 2022 they formed a Board of Directors, built local partnerships, and carefully studied maternity home models in New York and Ontario to inform best practices. HWH was incorporated and received 501(c)(3) status in June 2023, formalizing its mission and capacity to serve. In January 2024 HWH launched publicly with a website, social media presence, and fundraising efforts, focusing on raising awareness of mother–infant homelessness through presentations, community events, and targeted outreach. Local foundations supporting HWH include United Way of the Adirondacks, The George & Shirley Moore Foundation, Cloudsplitter Foundation, and the Chapel Hill Foundation. HWH reflects its founders’ decade-long commitment to empowering mothers, fostering collaboration across service providers, and addressing a critical community need; the organization exists because of Janice and Gloria’s deep passion, perseverance, and determination.
Community Partners Supporting Our Programs
PARENTING PROGRAM:
HWH has a Memorandum of Understanding with Behavioral Health Services Healthy Families New York to train our future staff and teach parenting classes to the mothers. The Adirondack Birth to Three Alliance will contribute as well to this effort.
NUTRITION PROGRAMING:
HWH has an agreement with the Cornell Cooperative Extension to provide residents with nutrition education including meal planning, produce shopping, safe food preparation and storage. Staff will receive training from the Cooperative’s Registered Dieticians. The Joint Council for Economic Opportunity will also assist in addressing food insecurity with the mothers.
EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING:
Employment Training Solutions and OneWork Source will accommodate HWH mothers to complete their GED or pursue further education and vocational training. This is an essential component of promoting self sufficiency and “a hand up.”
WELLNESS PROGRAM:
Partnering with Clinton County Mental Health and Addiction Services, trauma sensitive training and crisis de-escalation techniques will be provided to our staff, along with provision of consultation and streamlined direct referrals. Mindfulness training, outdoor activities for mother and child will be integral to weekly programming.
