• She has been asked to leave her home as a result of the pregnancy or her decision to continue the pregnancy.
• She has been living at various friends’ houses and is now pregnant and in need of help.
• She has been living with a boyfriend who is no longer interested in her now that she is pregnant.

A young woman should come to Faith Haven because she wants to make a positive change in her life. There comes a time when a young woman questions the choices she has made and realizes that she needs help getting back on the right path. It is at that time that Faith Haven can offer the most help. Housing is just one area in which Faith Haven can offer the most help. (See Services).

What is the age range of the residents at Faith Haven?

Residents range in age from 14 to 23. The average age is 17, but there has been an 11-year-old and a 27-year-old at the home in the past. Most of the time, women over age 23 don’t wish to reside in a home where they will be parented.

What happens after the baby is born?

During a young woman’s stay at the home, she is in the process of constructing a life plan. Part of the planning is determining where she is going to reside after giving birth. Many variables will impact this decision. Supportive relationships, finances and the outcome of a young woman’s decision to parent or place her child are major influences that determine a young woman’s options. Residing at Faith Haven after giving birth is not an option for those choosing to parent. The home was not established nor certified to house infants. Thus there is great emphasis on assisting young women in developing viable plans. Young women choosing adoption may return to the home for a period of up to 6 weeks. This time is offered so that Faith Haven may assist and support with the emotional transition involved in placing a child.

Does Faith Haven handle adoptions?

Faith Haven does not handle adoptions, but it will link young women that make the choice to place rather than parent, with a Christian agency that does. While every young woman that comes to Faith Haven must develop both a parenting and an adoption plan, it is those that make the choice to place their child that are referred to New Hope Adoption and Family Services, located in Syracuse, N.Y. Upon referral, an adoption worker initiates contact with the young woman to ensure that she is certain in her decision. If the young woman determines that she wants to pursue placement, the adoption worker will walk her through the process. Meanwhile, the young woman has her "Faith Haven family" as support through her pregnancy and the adoption process.

Does Faith Haven provide medical coverage and doctors?

No. Faith Haven does not provide medical coverage. Most young women are on their parents’ insurance policy. Others that do not have medical coverage, apply for Medicaid with our assistance. Pre-natal care is arranged through Drs. Long and Rockwell, both of whom practice down the road and around the corner from Faith Haven (nice and close). Young women residing at Faith Haven deliver their babies at F.F. Thompson Hospital in nearby Canandaigua, N.Y. In between doctor visits, a county nurse visits residents of the home. The nurse comes right to Faith Haven to check weights, blood pressure, and to discuss any concerns or discomforts. The young women that come to Faith Haven are very well looked after!

What do young women do while at Faith Haven?

Their day is divided between A) continuing their education, working or volunteering - which one, is dependant upon the young woman’s situation and goals; and B) in-house programs which consist of parenting and adoption education, life skills such as home maintenance, budgeting, etc., character building skills that lead to success, daily devotions, Bible study, family conferences, counseling (individual, group and family), and church attendance on Sundays. Interspersed between all this are crafts, recreation, and time spent with volunteers.