Amber's Hope Maternity Home
The Story of Amber:
Amber went to the Pregnancy Care Centre in 2018. She had a nine-year-old son, was pregnant with twins and was in an abusive relationship. At first, she was reserved and closed off. She didn’t trust anyone. However, in time she began to open up and we got to see her soft heart. Amber loved deeply and gave generously of everything she had. She was beautiful, smart and her greatest desire was to be a good mom.
Amber was taking business administration courses and had employment opportunities lined up. Unfortunately, she kept having to drop her schooling due to her personal living circumstances. She took her three children and left her home to escape abuse. She spent several months living in a women’s shelter. Eventually she felt like she was ready to go out on her own. For a short time, she did well. But in a moment of desperation, she reconnected with her abuser. When asked why, she simply stated,
“I needed milk”
In the summer of 2020, Amber was in the midst of re-establishing a safe space for her and her children. She deeply desired to create stability in her children’s lives. When visiting her mentor’s (her Pregnancy Care Centre advocate) home, Amber looked around and said, “I want a house, just like yours.”
Amber never had the chance to give her children the home she longed to give them. She died the summer of 2020.
There is a lot of confusion about what happened in her final days. All we know for certain, is that our current systems were not enough.
It is too late for us to provide safe housing for Amber and her family, but we do not want to miss the opportunity to provide for other women and their child(ren) who need a safe and supportive home.
ABOUT US
​Supportive Housing
Amber’s Hope offers long term supportive housing to women and their children facing a crisis during or after pregnancy. Our program will accommodate women and their children, providing round-the-clock supportive care.
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Education
Amber’s Hope aims to assist and link the women under our care with resources to guarantee that every mother has the necessary tools to finish or pursue their education, enabling them to succeed in securing a career.
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Health and Vitality
Amber’s Hope provides a nurturing and supportive environment that promotes overall well-being, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Marica Wierda
Chair of the Board of Directors
Marica Wierda is a wife, mother of 3 and art instructor. She brings a creative, empathetic, and caring approach to her role on Amber's Hope Maternity Home Board. She leads the board with strength and tenderness and is committed to seeing Amber's Hope maternity home serving this commmunity.
Kim Webster
Vice-Chair of Board of Directors
Kim has been a part of the Amber's Hope team since the very beginning. It was her work with the Barrhead Pregnancy Care Centre that alerted her to the need for supportive housing for pregnant women and their children. She has been dedicated to seeing this vision come to life since the spring of 2019. Kim has many years of valuable experience as a School Trustee, the Director of the Barrhead PCC, a small business owner and as a mom.
Katherine Nanninga
Executive Director
Katherine is a hard working mother of 4, entrepreneur, Jesus loving local woman. Katherine is an original "Dream Team" member, and is our Executive Director. Katherine will be managing the staff, and the home, while also coordinating events and media for Amber's Hope Maternity Home.