Newsletter August 2025

- BY KAREN PATOTA, FOUNDER​

Last year at this time, our Housing Services were hit with a challenging dilemma. We received notice from our landlord to vacate the premises where we had invested $100,000 and offered free housing to homeless pregnant moms for 8 years. Rather than closing the doors to our housing services, we entered the over-priced real estate market and, by the grace of God, were able to find a property in Phoenixville that fit our needs. For the first time ever, ABB owns property to offer housing services. Now, no landlord can take away our ability to offer housing. In addition to Phoenixville, we are excited to announce our joint-mission partnership in a new location in Collingdale, where we will provide transitional housing for moms and their children as they navigate their crises.

Assisting Mothers in Crisis

One mother preparing to move into the new facility has a baby about nine months old. She first connected with us at Wayne through core services, seeking emergency medical care, and delivered her baby late last year. We maintained contact, providing food and supplies as she navigated an abusive situation, where multiple family members physically abused her. In the spring, we were approached to provide housing for her and her child, making her our first resident at the Phoenixville home. This was a significant exception, as the mother was a minor and we had not previously housed mothers with children.

The Collingdale Location

The Collingdale site is located in a former convent that once housed 38 IHM nuns. The local pastor, who is supportive of our mission, expressed particular interest in collaborating with us. Chris Cassidy, the Founder and President of The Good Saint Anne organization is our partner at this location. He offers emergency shelter for victims of human trafficking and rescues individuals from abortion clinics, in addition to providing transportation and food drops from local stores with surplus goods. We met with Fr. Sodano, the pastor at St. Joseph’s, and the only remaining detail was the appointment of a house mom.

The Role of the House Mom

At our Phoenixville home, Linda has served as house mom for eight years. Her presence has been essential in maintaining order and supporting residents, as she lives on-site and takes on a demanding role. In Collingdale, Chris Cassidy interviewed fourteen candidates for the house mom position. Ultimately, a conversation with our volunteer coordinator, Montserrat, led to her agreeing to take on the role at the new location. Montserrat’s bilingual skills are especially valuable, as many mothers placed at Collingdale are Spanish-speaking, making her an ideal fit for the community.

God constantly reminds me that He is in control, and the blessings and challenges He gives us are always for the best. It’s difficult to remember this during challenging moments, but it’s so rewarding to let God be God.

A day of golf, food, raffles & fun for

moms and babies in need 

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