Aunt Leah's House offers supported housing for teen mothers with an integrated approach to successful independent living.

Aunt Leah’s House Residential Program

Aunt Leah’s House is a residential program for pregnant and parenting teen mothers.

Aunt Leah’s House was the Society’s first residence, a licensed resource for teen mothers in the Lower Mainland. The home provides services specifically for pregnant and parenting youth who are in foster care. Pregnant or parenting moms under the age of 19 years can qualify to live at Aunt Leah’s House if they are in the care of the Ministry for Children & Families. Priority is given to aboriginal moms. Residents may live at Aunt Leah’s House through their pregnancy and delivery, and where age dictates, may stay for an additional six months with their baby. Aunt Leah’s is dedicated to providing young mothers with a safe and comfortable home where they can begin to parent. Many young mothers have had their “beginnings” as a family with us over the past twenty years. We look forward to welcoming many more young mothers and babies to Aunt Leah’s House.

These young women need a place where they can adjust to the changes that are happening in their lives. They are offered support and information so they can make plans for their future. The house is a place where they can, if they choose, involve the father in the decisions around the care of their baby, and where their support network (family & friends) are welcomed and encouraged.

The program was originally created to offer street youth an alternate lifestyle where they can begin to take responsibility for themselves and their babies in a safe environment.

Who comes to Aunt Leah’s House

Pregnant or parenting women under the age of 19 years can qualify to live at Aunt Leah’s House if they or their baby are in the care of the Ministry for Children & Families.

Residents may live at Aunt Leah’s House through their pregnancy and delivery, and may stay for an additional six months with their baby. Aunt Leah’s is dedicated to providing young mothers with a safe and comfortable home where they can begin to parent. For young women who do not meet the requirements for residency, we will offer referrals to other resources and consider whether we are able to offer specialized resources or make an exception on an individual case basis.

What Aunt Leah’s House Provides

• Pre-natal and post-natal education
• Labour coaching
• Celebration & homecoming for mom & her new baby
• Instruction on baby care
• Baby Safe First Aid
• Support & information on custody issues life skills training
• Referrals to parenting programs, drug & alcohol treatment, personal therapy & education programs
• Babysitting & respite care
• Nutrition info & meal planning
• Assistance purchasing baby equipment & supplies
• Assistance acquiring all necessary documentation
• Follow-up visits from Health Nurse
• Breast feeding support
• Access to Aunt Leah’s Society’s life skills & employment programs

For more information about Aunt Leah’s House Residential Program, please contact us.