The House Next Door began as a ministry of Grace Church in 2015, becoming its own nonprofit in March 2017.  The initial idea for The House Next Door came from a visible need in the community as we worked with young mothers trying to pursue higher education.  Many single mothers, who had no extended family support,  felt higher education was too far out of their reach.  When discussing the possibilities of this ministry at one of Grace's congregational meetings, several women in the church spoke about their own personal experiences and challenges as mothers, especially as single mothers.  The primary challenges raised were in trying to continue their education.  

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The House Next Door is well suited for its purpose: there are 3 floors, 3 bathrooms, and 4 bedrooms as well as 2 common space areas and a play room.  There is also a generous fenced-in backyard with plenty of space to play and garden. The House's location - literally next door to the church - made it feasible for this new ministry.  When the opportunity to acquire The House arose, the idea for The House Next Door became a reality!  This beginning was made possible through the hard work and vision of Grace Church and the generous gift of Matthew and Kristin Maguire, who purchased The House with the understanding that, in the next five years, The House Next Door will find its own funds to purchase The House and own it forthright.

 

Residents live rent-free but are asked to pay their portion of the utility expenses each month ($75 per family).  Families who live at The House Next Door are invited (but not required) to participate in family living education opportunities, community service, financial planning, and even the life of the church.

 

The Director of The House Next Door also supports each woman in her educational and life journeys, as each mother learns how to navigate life as both mother and student.  All the mothers meet together monthly with the Director to build community, to check in on how life and school are going, and to dream about future goals.  Likewise, The House Next Door is partnered with both the community and local area churches to help support these mothers on their journeys.  For more information on how you can get involved, please visit thehousenextdoornampa.org. 

 

We know we cannot sustain this mission alone and are grateful for our community partners in this endeavor.  It is exciting to be a part of something that will change the lives of individuals and families, while enriching the community at the same time.  We envision a long and gratifying future for all involved with The House Next Door!

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