Empowering Pregnant
and Parenting Mothers

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.

OUR MISSION

To offer a residential program that empowers pregnant and parenting mothers by supporting their physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs so they can thrive.

OUR VISION

To see healthy mothers and their children prepared to move into a stable environment with the support of family, friends and community.

OUR CORE VALUES

Respect
We respect each woman’s personal priorities, values, and dignity in a safe, inclusive environment, promoting autonomy and self-determination.

Empowerment
We foster confidence, self-reliance, and strong support networks in mothers through shared community and meaningful relationships, enabling growth and informed choices.

Stewardship
We provide essential support and tools that foster long-term stability, encouraging effective use of resources to help mothers build sustainable and resilient futures.

Integrity
We act with honesty, accountability, and compassion, creating a safe and trustworthy space where every mother is valued.

WHO WE SERVE

Heart Well Homestead is preparing to serve pregnant and parenting women experiencing unstable housing in Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties. While not a homeless shelter or a medical treatment facility, we will help connect mothers to essential resources, including transportation to medical, mental health, and substance use treatment services. Our goal is to provide compassionate support and guidance, offering a pathway to stability and independence for mothers and their children in need.

LOCAL NEED

Heart Well Homestead will address the urgent need for maternity housing in Clinton County, where homelessness increased by 84% in 2024. The January 2024 Point-in-Time count recorded 289 homeless individuals, including 14 households with at least one child. Despite this growing crisis, there are no maternity homes in the Tri-County region to support homeless pregnant and parenting mothers. To learn more about the risks associated with homelessness during pregnancy and early childhood, and how Heart Well Homestead will help mitigate these challenges, swipe below and click to learn more.

Meet the Board

Our Board of Directors are recruited from the local community based on their interest in what we do and their range of perspectives and skills. They are elected and serve for a minimum of two years. If you are interested in knowing more please contact us.

  • Co-Founder | Executive Board
    BScN, IBCLC at the University of Vermont Health Network Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, former Public Health Nurse at the Clinton County Health Department

  • Chair
    Primary Care Pediatrician at Mountain View Pediatrics, Behavioral Health Pediatrician at Clinton County Mental Health Services, Medical Director of the North Country Mission of Hope, Healing Grace Center Board Member

  • Vice Chairperson
    Masters in Management and Human Services, Ph.D in Organizational Leadership, Lecturer in Supply Chain Management and international Business SUNY Plattsburgh School of Business and Economics, Facilitator of the PACT program at BHSN.

  • Secretary
    BA of Science, Associates in Dental Hygiene, Senior Account Executive with Twinstate Technologies, Former NYS Registered Dental Hygienist involved with the nonprofit Dentistry From the Heart, Formally worked with College For Every Student, active volunteer with Saranac Elementary and Middle School

  • Education and Networking Committee
    Masters in Adult Education

    Program Director at BHSN-Healthy Families North Country, Board Member

    NYS Association for Infant Mental Health

    Adirondack Birth to 3 Alliance

    SUNY Human Development and Family Advisory Board

    JCEO Consultant

  • Board Member
    BA in Mathematics, BA in Accounting, CPA and Tax Manager with The Hoffman Eells Group, involved with the Saranac Elementary Family School Organization, and serves on the Kent Delord House Museum Board of Directors

  • Board Member
    Master of Divinity (In Progress), Concentration in Spiritual Care and Counseling, BSBA Management Information Systems (MIS) & Business Administration, BS Electrical Mechanical Engineering, Kairos Prison Ministry International Certified Volunteer.

  • Board Member | Community Liaison
    Bachelors Degree in Human Development and Family Relations, Masters Degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education, Performance Consultant for the North Country at Healthy Alliance

  • Board Member

    Vermont Law School: Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, Vermont Law Review

    Associate Court Attorney, 4th Judicial District

    Former Social Services Attorney, Clinton County Department of Social Services

  • Media and Marketing Director

    BA in Marketing and Psychology, Marketing Manager at Cardinal Way Culinary Co., Former Mental Health Residential Counselor

  • Development Director
    Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Master’s Degree in Fundamental Theology, adjunct professor in the Business, Communication, and Language Departments at Clinton Community College & SUNY Plattsburgh, served as a priest and missionary abroad.

  • Event Coordinator

    B.S in General Studies from SUNY Plattsburgh. Experienced higher education, mental health professional, and rare disease advocate. Social media and fundraising volunteer with The Cockayne Syndrome Foundation, SUNY Plattsburgh - Former Applied Learning Specialist and Career Counselor

In the News

The news articles below spotlight the incredible community support behind Heart Well Homestead and the urgent need to address homelessness in our region. Stories about Heart Well Homestead focus on the generosity of individuals, organizations, and businesses rallying to help bring our mission to life: providing safe, nurturing housing for pregnant women and mothers with young children facing homelessness. Additionally, articles on local homelessness shed light on the challenges our region faces and underscore the importance of collaborative efforts to create lasting solutions. Together, these stories reflect both the spirit of hope and the pressing need for action in our community.

  • Treasurer
    Senior Revenue Accountant and Certified Public Accountant with experience in financial reporting and internal controls. Background in public accounting, providing audit services to private and nonprofit organizations. BBA in Accounting from Temple University Fox School of Business.

  • "The Growing Homeless Population in the North Country"

    Mountain Lake PBS
    Television News Story
    by Mountain Lake Journal

    January 31, 2025

    View Article

  • "Agencies Partnering to Address Homelessness in Clinton Co."

    The Press Republican
    Newspaper Article
    by Carly Newton

    January 23, 2025

    View Article

  • "Annual Homeless Population Count Underway"

    WCAX Channel 3 News Story
    Television News Story
    by Alek LaShomb

    January 22, 2025

    View Article

  • "Caring for the Homeless in Clinton Co."

    The Sun Community News
    Newspaper Article
    by Kim Dedam

    January 22, 2025

    View Article

  • "DFCU Employees Raise $1K+ For Heart Well Homestead"

    The Sun Community News
    Newspaper Article
    by News Report

    July 6, 2024

    View Article

  • "Heart Well Homestead Gets Boost to Fundraising Campaign"

    The Press Republican
    Newspaper Article
    by Carly Newton

    April 19, 2024

    View Article

  • "George and Shirley Moore Foundation Steps Up"

    Peru Gazette
    Digital Newspaper Article
    by John Ryan

    April 17, 2024

    View Article

  • "Heart Well Homestead Awarded $25K Grant"

    The Sun Community News
    Newspaper Article
    by Kim Dedam

    April 17, 2024

    View Article

  • "New Efforts to Address Growing Homeless Population in Northern NY"

    WCAX Channel 3 News
    Television News Story
    by Alek LaShomb

    April 3, 2024

    View Article

  • “Effort to Create Maternity Home Underway”

    North Country Catholic
    Newspaper Article
    by Mary Beth Bracy

    February 28, 2024

    View Article

  • "Navigating Homelessness in Clinton County"

    WCAX Channel 3 News
    Television News Story
    by Rachel Mann

    December 22, 2022

    View Article

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) was inspired, in 2014, by Gloria Garami and Janice Tobin, former

nurses at the Clinton County Health Department. Both saw firsthand the urgent need for

comprehensive support for unhoused pregnant women by providing a safe and nurturing home

with programs to help mothers attain their goals.

In 2022, Gloria and Janice began laying the groundwork, forming a Board of Directors and

building partnerships with local organizations. Visits to maternity home sites in New York and

Ontario provided valuable models. By June 2023, HWH was incorporated and received

501(c)(3) status.

In January 2024, HWH launched its vision publicly with a website, social media presence, and

active fundraising. Raising awareness about mother-infant homelessness in the tri-county

region has become central, with outreach through presentations, community events, and

fundraising gatherings. Growing support has come from local foundations, including United Way

of the Adirondacks, The George & Shirley Moore Foundation, Cloudsplitter Foundation, and the

Chapel Hill Foundation.

The establishment of HWH reflects the decade-long commitment of its founders, whose vision

extends beyond infrastructure—empowering mothers, fostering collaboration, and addressing a

critical community need. Heart Well Homestead owes its very existence to Janice and Gloria,

whose passion and determination have made it possible.

Get Involved

The doors of Heart Well Homestead can only open because of compassionate supporters like you. Every homeless pregnant woman we aim to shelter, every life we strive to uplift, depends on your generosity and involvement. Your donation is more than a gift—it’s a lifeline, a promise of hope, and a vital step toward breaking the cycle of homelessness for vulnerable mothers and their babies.

While donations help open our doors, it’s the compassion, time, and dedication of volunteers that bring our mission to life. Whether you're helping at a fundraiser, organizing donations, or lending a hand behind the scenes, your contribution creates a real, lasting impact for the mothers and babies we serve.

Open Volunteer Opportunities

There are many ways to get involved, and we’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team. Some of our current volunteer needs include:



Donate

  • This team supports a variety of efforts, including planning and executing events, securing sponsorships, collecting auction items, writing thank-you notes, and reaching out to local businesses and community members for support.

  • These volunteers assist with a wide range of tasks to ensure everything runs smoothly from start to finish. Responsibilities may include setting up tables and displays, decorating, checking in guests at the registration table, managing raffle or merchandise tables, guiding attendees, and helping with cleanup. Whether you're comfortable interacting with guests or prefer behind-the-scenes support, there's a role for everyone.

  • Social Media Ambassadors play a key role in expanding Heart Well Homestead’s reach and visibility. By regularly sharing our posts, events, and stories on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, you help us connect with more people who may want to support our mission. Ambassadors may also help brainstorm social content, create reels or posts, invite friends to events, and engage with our online community.

  • Volunteers in this role help manage the behind-the-scenes work that powers our community sales and support efforts. You’ll assist with collecting donated items, organizing and sorting them for upcoming yard sales, giveaways, or special events.

  • Administrative and Outreach volunteers support the foundational operations of Heart Well Homestead. Tasks may include preparing and stuffing mailings, entering data, helping track donations or sign-ups, and delivering flyers or sponsorship packets to local businesses.

  • Do you have an eye for design, a knack for writing, or a passion for photography? Volunteers with creative skills can make a big impact by helping us tell our story in compelling ways. Whether you’re capturing photos at events, designing flyers or social media graphics, or writing blog posts or newsletters, your talents can help uplift our mission and bring attention to the needs of homeless pregnant and postpartum mothers in our region.

    • Volunteers who serve on these committees play a vital role in shaping and supporting the core areas of our organization, such as fundraising, outreach, events, facilities, and programming. Committee members meet regularly to plan, strategize, and carry out tasks that move our mission forward. This is a great opportunity for individuals who want to contribute their time, skills, and ideas in a more focused and collaborative way.

Volunteer
eDonor Bill of Rights

Heart Well Homestead (HWH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operated entirely by volunteers. Your contributions fuel our mission to empower homeless pregnant and parenting mothers to build stable, thriving lives. Volunteers do not receive financial compensation, personal gain, or other benefits from soliciting or managing donations. Donations to HWH are made with the understanding that the organization does not provide goods, services, or other material benefits in return for contributions, other than the intrinsic value of supporting our mission.

Thank You Donors

Heart Well Homestead is deeply grateful for each and every one of our donors. Your contributions directly fuel our mission to provide safe housing, essential resources, and supportive services for homeless pregnant women and mothers with children under two. Every donation strengthens our ability to help families build stable and hopeful futures. Thank you for making this vital work possible.

  • Andree LaBarge
    Anne-Marie B. Spear DDS
    Anne Slattery & Catherine Taylor - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Anonymous - In Memory of Lynn Nightingale
    Becky Ladue
    Bobbie Criss
    Bread of Life Baptist Church - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Captain Michael T McKeon & Patricia McKeon
    Carolyn & Kelvin Pierce
    Catherine Camarda
    Chelsea Menn
    Cheryl Carte
    Cliff Thompson - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Cristi Wells
    Darlene Pavone
    Dawn Jakobetz
    Dominique Sherman
    Dianne Martineau
    Elks Lodge #2072
    Glenda Raynor - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Heather Gould
    Hilary Smart
    Irene Papavasil
    Ismat
    James & Ann Felio - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Jason Pagaeu
    Jeanette Voss
    Joanne Wood
    Joy Good
    Kavanaugh Realty
    Kim Lawrence
    Lenny Shoe & Apparel
    Liberty's Garage Inc
    Mahesh Desai
    Marianne Wemette
    Mark Dubrey
    Meaghan Pierce
    Nancy & John Cowen - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Nancy Hughes
    Natalie Allen
    Nurses Association
    Oscar & Yamilette Flores
    Pampered Chef
    Panera, LLC
    Pat Mckeon
    Patricia Brochu
    Permelia Provost
    Peter & Kathleen Snell
    Raymond Aubin
    RE/MAX North Country
    Rev. James & Peggy Gangwer - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Richard Munn
    Rick & Susan Mikkelson - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Rosa Salinas
    Ruth Mary Ortloff
    Sharon Nephew
    Shelby & Michael Duprey
    St. Bernard's Church, Parishioners
    St. Catherine of Sienna Parish
    Steve Rothamel
    Stu B Ironworks
    Suzanne Bezio
    Tina Powell
    True North Dental Group
    Turtle Ledge Wood Working
    Zeffy

  • Adirondack ElliptiGO
    Alice Benson
    Andrew Garami
    Anne de la Chapelle
    Arrow Bank
    Audra & Josh Squier
    Brennan Buick GMC
    Brett & Melissa Carpenter
    Champlain Smiles
    Cheryl Fortin
    Chris & Tracey Mitchell
    Clute Wealth Management
    Community Bank
    Corey Murphy
    DELLA AUTO GROUP
    Donald Recore Agency LLC
    Earle J Crahan
    Ethan & Mariel Stansbury
    Evelyn McGill
    Father Carter Pierce
    First Presbyterian Church Women
    Fleet Promotional Products LLC
    Haila J Conant CPA PC
    Ivan Warmuth - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Jacob Miller
    Jason & Casey Ford
    Jeff & Denise Luck
    Joanne Kristel
    John & Tina (Calkins) Covey
    Jonathon Schneiderman
    Knights of Columbus Council #255
    Margo Nightingale
    Mike Foote State Farm Insurance
    Msgr Dennis Duprey
    Murnane Builders
    NBT Bank - Bonnie Pelerin
    North Country Federal Credit Union
    North Country Savings Bank
    Northeast Irrigation & Landscape LLC
    Pepsi
    Robert Shambo
    Rosa Salinas
    Saranac Veterinary Clinic
    SeaComm
    Shirley Rascoe
    The Hoffman Eells Group CPAs
    UVM Health Network - CVPH
    Victory Bible Church
    Warren Tire Service Center
    Yuri Bouharevich

  • Adirondack Coast Events
    Casella
    Catholic Daughters Court Mary Immaculate #479
    Chapel Hill Foundation
    Cheryl & Mark Henry
    Dannemora FCU
    Gloria & Anthony Garami
    Heidi G. Clute
    Knights of Columbus Council #13127
    Lena & Victor Pomerville
    Michelin / Camso Manufacturing
    Nathalie Teevin
    United Way

  • New Testament Church

  • Cloudsplitter Foundation
    Janice Tobin
    The George & Shirley Moore Foundation
    The Roman Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg

Donor Recognition Tiers
Capital Campaign Update
2024 Annual Report

Join Our Upcoming Events

  • Superhero Strides 5K

    June 7th

    Rulf’s Orchard

    531 Bear Swamp RD, Peru, NY 12972

Need Help Now?

Discover a network of local organizations dedicated to providing essential support. At Heart Well Homestead, we believe in cultivating connections rather than recreating existing programs. Here you'll find a variety of resources offering assistance with housing, food assistance, healthcare, education, employment, and more—ensuring individuals and families can access the help they need, when they need it most.

Contact Us

Would you like to learn more or further assist us in our mission? Contact us with any questions.

Phone:
(833) 534-8433

By Mail:
PO Box 2346
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Email:
heartwellhomestead@gmail.com