Six years after the groundbreaking, Shepherd’s House opened its doors shortly before Easter to its first expectant single mother.
“We’re finally doing what we are here to do,” said Marilyn Gibbons.
Marilyn and Mike Gibbons and Alyce Meissler, the house parents, are eager to live out their commitment to providing a refuge where single mothers-to-be can await the births of their children and prepare for their futures.
The churches and volunteers who put Shepherd’s House together wanted to offer women an alternative to abortion.
Meissler is selling her home in East Hazel Crest to move into Shepherd’s House.
“When I heard about the vision, I wanted to get involved,” she said. “I’ve always been a pro-life person. I’ve had that in my heart.”
The Gibbonses are in residence after selling their home in New Lenox.
“We as Christians shouldn’t just say abortion is wrong,” Mike Gibbons said. “If we’re going to take a stance against abortion, we need to provide a place to go.
“We don’t have a sign (that reads), `Save the babies.’ My main goal has been to save the women.”
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Shepherd’s House, built on land donated by neighboring Christ’s Mission Lutheran Church on Cedar Road south of Laraway Road, can shelter 16 single pregnant women.
“If you have nothing but the clothes on your back, that’s all you need–and a willing heart,” Marilyn Gibbons said.
Young women can use their periods of residence to sort out their situations and make plans.
House parents and volunteers will offer counseling, oversee vocational and parenting classes, and help teach life skills, such as cooking and budgeting.
The enormous blue frame home with its wide veranda and cheerfully decorated rooms was furnished with donations from decorators, tradesmen and church groups. Bedrooms and bathrooms are decorated with bright quilts, towels wallpaper and teddy bears from church congregations.
The pantry is stocked with non-perishable foods, and there is a collection of turkeys in the freezer. Basement storage areas are full of donated clothing and toiletries.
“Everything here has been paid for. We’re debt-free,” Mike Gibbons said.
A benefit dinner is slated for May 3 at the Lions Community Center in New Lenox. For information, call 815-485-9515.