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Gianna House presents services, community baby shower to Eastpointe City Council
Summary
Gianna House, a local nonprofit shelter for pregnant and parenting young women, presented its residential and outreach programs and invited councilmembers to a July 19 community baby shower and other fundraising events. Executive Director Joella Bush described services, recent program metrics and partnership activity.
Joella Bush, executive director of Gianna House, told the Eastpointe City Council on July 15 that the nonprofit provides residential shelter and community outreach for pregnant women and young mothers.
Bush said Gianna House operates from a converted convent on the grounds of Saint Veronica’s Parish in Eastpointe City, using roughly 10,000 square feet to provide “mommy and baby” suites and wraparound services. “Gianna House becomes more than a place to stay. It becomes a turning point, a path to a new beginning,” Bush said.
The presentation described a residential program for women ages 18 to 25 that offers 24/7 care, room and board, prenatal support and life-skills training. Bush said the outreach program distributes essentials and services — including diapers, formula, car seats, parenting classes and job-readiness training — to families across Eastpointe City and surrounding areas. She said the program had provided shelter to about 17 mothers and their babies in the past year and serves “over 200” community members through outreach; staff also reported distributing more than 10,000 diapers and dozens of hygiene kits and clothing bundles.
Bush invited councilmembers and residents to three upcoming events: a community baby shower on Saturday, July 19, a Sister Diane golf outing on Aug. 18 and a Night at the Races fundraiser on Oct. 3. She gave the organization’s website as www.giannahouse.org and said volunteers, donations and marketing help sustain the programs.
Councilmembers thanked the presenters and several offered to arrange visits. Interim City Manager Elke Toome said she toured the facility when she previously served as city manager and described it as “comfortable” and well organized. Mayor and councilmembers encouraged other residents to consider volunteering or attending upcoming fundraisers.
Gianna House representatives present at the meeting included board member Cynthia Cockrell, community outreach coordinator Latoya Green and partner Robert Roscoe, all identified by Bush during the presentation.
Gianna House said residents may stay through pregnancy and up to one year after a birth, and Bush described many clients as coming from situations involving domestic violence, trafficking, foster care or lack of prenatal care.
The presentation was given during the council’s regular meeting and generated brief council discussion and offers to tour the facility.
