Fontebella Maternity Home to merge with Caritas Family Solutions
The Board of Directors at Fontebella Maternity Home, a nonprofit organization providing shelter and support for women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, has agreed to merge with Caritas Family Solutions.
The plan was approved by the Caritas Board of Directors at its meeting Monday, April 23, and will become effective July 1, pending the filing of paperwork with the state of Illinois.
“The time has come to plan for the future of Fontebella and to ensure that our mothers and their babies receive the best possible care. We approached Caritas because we believe that our missions align and their infrastructure provides a strong foundation for the future we envision,” said Susan Hoff, who founded Fontebella in 2009 with her husband, Bob.
Caritas Family Solutions has provided pregnancy care and adoption services throughout Southern Illinois since 1947.
“We are excited to welcome Fontebella to our array of services,” said Gary Huelsmann, chief executive officer at Caritas Family Solutions. “The maternity home will add another dimension to our pregnancy care program which for many years has provided a supportive option for mothers experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.”
The mission of Fontebella Maternity Home is to empower homeless young women facing an unplanned pregnancy by providing them a safe place to live, and the opportunity to become independent women and great moms through educational programs, case management and counseling. Located in O’Fallon, Ill., the home offers shelter for expectant mothers who have made the courageous choice of life for their unborn child and who find themselves alone or without good and safe options. More information is available at www.fontebella.org.
Founded in 1947, Caritas Family Solutions is a charitable organization whose mission is to provide direct services that meet the social and emotional needs of people of all ages. Services include adoption, pregnancy care, foster care, counseling, residential treatment for abused and neglected children, multisystemic therapy for at-risk youth, independent living for adults with developmental disabilities, and assisted living and employment assistance for low-income seniors. Caritas serves more than 4,500 individuals annually across Southern Illinois from offices located in Belleville, Carterville, Mount Vernon, Olney, East Alton, and Effingham. For additional information, visit www.caritasfamilysolutions.org.
