Norwich Rotary Use Community Grant to Help Local Women in Need

Aunt Mary’s House and Norwich Rotary Club are pleased to announce the successful completion of a project to help equip Aunt Mary’s House in preparation for its opening later this year.  The project was financed by a Rotary Community grant for almost $2,200 plus contributions of $250 each from New York State Women’s Inc and Norwich Rotary Club.

Aunt Mary’s House is a non-profit organization located in Chenango County which will provide emergency and transitional shelter to homeless pregnant and parenting young mothers 18+ years of age and their babies, from pre-born to 2 years old.  The house itself is located in Norwich and will provide a safe haven for young mothers to gain opportunities, use resources and acquire knowledge toward becoming self-sufficient.  The house is currently undergoing renovations with a view to welcoming its first residents in late 2024.
 
Aunt Mary’s House offers the opportunity for mothers and their babies to live in a stable, judgment-free environment, for up to 2 years.  Pregnant and parenting mothers will have access to pre-natal healthcare, consistent childcare, support services, educational and vocational resources, counseling and other services.  They will also receive support and training to help them develop life skills, parenting skills, career goals and financial literacy.  This support and these services will help mothers build a strong future, transition into permanent housing, and gain lasting independence in the community.

(Before renovations)

The Rotary Community grant and other funds were used to purchase essential furniture for the house, such as dressers, chairs and beds, plus supplies and educational toys for the babies.  The funds were also used to cover the cost of background checks for volunteers who will support the ongoing operation of the facility.  Finally, the project also provided for cooking and baking classes, to be led and hosted by the Cottage Bakery in Norwich.

Brenda White, Executive Director of Aunt Mary’s House, said “We are so thankful for the support that the Norwich Rotary Club has given us.  We have received two grants from them, each allowing us to purchase necessary items for Aunt Mary's House to be ready to welcome our first mothers.  We are lucky to have this group in our community supporting our local programs. We look forward to welcoming our first mom into Aunt Mary's House and continuing to work with the members of the Rotary Club to make a difference in our community."

(Renovations in progress)

Norwich Rotary Club is a group of service-oriented people working on, and providing funding to, community projects in the Norwich area.  Recent and ongoing projects include low-cost annual blood screenings in Norwich, provision of basic dental kits for all Norwich elementary school children, and providing free books to pre-school children through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.  You may also have seen club members serving breakfast at the Chenango Blues Fest and Saturday in the Park.  The club meets twice monthly at Moi’s Center City Bistro in downtown Norwich.

For further information on Aunt Mary’s House, please contact Executive Director Brenda White at executivedirector@auntmaryshouse.net

For further information on Norwich Rotary Club, please contact by email at norwichrotary4890@gmail.com