Charleston nonprofit expands, opening new home for young mothers

May 18

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Young Moms Together is opening a new neighborhood home designed to help young mothers finish school, raise their children and prepare for independent living.

The nonprofit, which has served the Lowcountry since 1897, opened its second neighborhood home to provide a more immersive, home-like experience than its larger facilities.

The new location was chosen for its proximity to schools, child care and public transportation, allowing residents to navigate the community independently.

Building independence through location

Cheryl O’Donnell, Young Moms Together’s executive director, said the location was selected to help residents prepare for life after the program.

“We wanted to make sure that we found a home that was close to their school, that had opportunities for child care, that was close to public transportation,” O’Donnell said. “We wanted them to be able to navigate the community on their own.”

Each house has dedicated staff to help with parenting, school preparation and overall family support. Young mothers typically stay with the organization for about a year as they navigate their pregnancies, remain in school and learn to be mothers while entering the workforce.

The nonprofit focuses on giving each young woman a sense of independence, whether that is through school or cooking a meal for the house and their child; something their original location might have made intimidating.

A home, not an institution

O’Donnell said the smaller, quieter setting creates a calming environment that feels less like a program and more like a home.

Each room comes with dedicated spaces for the children and every mother can customize a room to feel like it’s truly their own.

“I remember the first night we walked one of the residents into the home before we moved in. The very first thing that she did was she walked over to her bed, lay down on it and put her baby on her chest and just rocked her baby to sleep,” O’Donnell said. “It was just a very natural feeling for her. If we were in a big institutional setting, it’s a less calming environment than what they’re able to experience here.”

The nonprofit is hosting a housewarming at the new home. Young Moms Together is hoping to continue giving young women a space that feels like home with additional neighborhood housing planned for the future.

Jill Almirall