OUR PURPOSE

Did you know that in the state of Florida, by age 19, nearly half of young women in the foster care have been pregnant, compared to a fifth of their peers who are not in foster care? At least 30% of female foster youth who have been pregnant will experience a second pregnancy. Repetitive research consistently demonstrates the profound impact of adverse childhood experiences on various aspects of a child's life. Poor education, poor health, mental sickness, drug addiction, and a life of crime can all result from adverse childhood experiences.  Young parents are dealing with the long-term impact of these experiences while learning to parent a child.

Together with community support, we strive to provide an unprecedented level of support for teenage girls, pregnant or parenting teens. We make every effort to provide the resources needed for these girls to carry their child to term and have a successful and comforting birth experience. We focus on preparing them for responsible parenthood through education on the importance of prenatal care, parenting skills and allowing for spiritual development and growth. With the Lord’s guidance, the teen, the child, their family and our community will be blessed and become what God intended. We are here to build positive relationships and help families grow in love through Christ.

Hands Of Mercy Everywhere, Inc. (H.O.M.E.) a program of LSF provides residential accommodations as well as psychological, physical, emotional, and spiritual care in a safe, secure, Christian environment for young women in the foster care system.  These young women are between the ages of 13 and 17, may or may not be admitted with a sibling, may be pregnant and/or parenting and/or have a case plan goal to reunify with her child.

H.O.M.E. - LSF has an all-encompassing program to address the needs of teen girls, teen mothers, and their children. H.O.M.E. a program of LSF works in partnership with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Community Based Care (CBC) Agencies throughout Florida, and our local community to make this all possible.

MISSION

Our mission is to provide Christian based residential group homes for teen moms and their babies and homeless teen girls at risk of sex trafficking.

VISION

Hands of Mercy Everywhere, Inc. (H.O.M.E.) a program of LSF and our community will work together to provide teen girls and teen mothers with needed resources including education, parenting classes, life skills, career development, counseling and other means of evidenced-based programs and support as we lovingly transition them into adulthood.

VALUES

Hands of Mercy Everywhere, Inc (H.O.M.E.) a program of LSF will help prevent abuse, abandonment, and neglect by focusing on individual strengths and needs related to safety, permanency, and well-being through quality residential care.

Faith House

Est. 2004. The Faith House, established in 2004, is a historical home with a rich heritage dating back to 1889, known as the "Bush House." While it has undergone remodeling, the house has retained its original historical charm, including stained glass, wood floors, and windows. As the first house acquired by H.O.M.E. - LSF, it was specifically intended to support teen mothers and their babies, featuring 12 bedrooms spread across three stories, with the stunning original banisters and stairways adding to its allure. The presence of a wrap-around porch further enhances the house's appeal.

Hope House

Est. 2015 The second acquisition made by H.O.M.E. - LSF was aimed at expanding our services and subsequently underwent remodeling using a community development block grant. The property now features seven bedrooms, three baths, and is complete accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Originally intended to serve as a daycare facility to support teen girls while they attend school, the Hope House was acquired by a board member who believed that the expansion aligned with a divine plan.

Grace House

Est. 2020 The house was bequithed in the will of Emma Jean Smith, a high school typing teacher. Additionally, the house underwent remodeling using a community block grant to ensure it met all building codes. With seven bedrooms, three bathrooms, and two stories, Grace House now serves as a residence for teen mothers and their babies, providing them with a nurturing environment and the support of a dedicated full-time house mother.

Lakeside Center

Est. 2024 This house was the former Belleview Community Center, and was generously donated to H.O.M.E. by the Belleview Historical Society in 2017. In 2020 Diane V. Schofield re-imagined it as a vocational prep center. It was financed by the Marion County Board of Commissioners through a community development block grand. The grand opening Lakeside Learning Center was June 1, 2024. This vocational learning center will provide life skills training, pre-vocational skills development in culinary, hospitality, daycare, mortuary cosmetology, CNA, as well as GED programs.

“Start children off on the way they should go, even when they are old they will not turn from it.”  | Proverbs 22:6