Foundation House Ministries: Restoring Hope for Mothers and Youth in Crisis

On a recent episode of Main Street Moments, host Maggie Blaine sat down with Stevie Burns, Non-Residential Case Manager, and Jennifer Rojas, Community Engagement Coordinator, from Foundation House Ministries in Cleveland, Tennessee — a faith-based organization quietly doing extraordinary work for women and youth in crisis across East Tennessee.

A Maternity Home With a 150-Mile Reach

Nestled in downtown Cleveland, Foundation House Ministries operates the only maternity home within a 150-mile radius, serving women in crisis from across the region and the entire United States. The organization provides residential programs for mothers facing homelessness, crisis pregnancies, domestic violence, and substance abuse — offering not just a safe place to stay, but a full path toward self-sufficiency. "We meet women right where they are," said Jennifer Rojas during the interview. The process begins with a phone screening and face-to-face interview, after which staff help incoming mothers enroll in insurance, food stamps, WIC, and other essential resources before they even step through the door. From there, mothers work with case managers to set personal goals — whether that's earning a GED, completing job training, or securing stable housing — and they're welcome to stay as long as it takes to achieve them. Job training happens right in the heart of downtown Cleveland through Good Foundations Thrift Shop, where mothers gain hands-on work experience and build the confidence and skills they need to re-enter the workforce.

A New Youth Program: Prevention Before Crisis

Foundation House recently launched an exciting new initiative in collaboration with the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth — a 12-week substance abuse and homelessness prevention program for youth. Stevie Burns, who serves as the outreach coordinator for the program, is actively visiting schools, working with counselors, and connecting with community organizations to enroll young people before crisis strikes. The program includes both residential options and classroom-based sessions, giving youth flexible pathways to get the support they need. It's a proactive step toward building a stronger safety net for the next generation in our region.

Spring Banquet Fundraiser — March 31st

Foundation House Ministries is hosting their Spring Banquet on Tuesday, March 31st at 6:00 PM at Westwood Baptist Church. The evening will feature a plated dinner, speaker presentations, children singing, a thrift-shop fashion show, and "blessing buckets" for collecting donations. Youth from the new program will also participate, showcasing their growth and achievements. The theme for this year's banquet is "For Such a Time as This," inspired by Isaiah 43:1 — a reminder of the urgency and importance of protecting life and restoring hope for mothers and families in crisis. All proceeds support the programs and services of Foundation House Ministries. This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to show up for an organization doing vital, life-changing work right in our backyard.

How to Get Involved or Get Help

Whether you or someone you know needs support, wants to volunteer, or is interested in attending the spring banquet, Foundation House Ministries welcomes your call.