Behind the Scenes With Ella's House Founder, Elise Jenkins
When Elise Jenkins found herself pregnant at the age of 21 during her last semester at Auburn University, she wondered what many pregnant collegiate women wonder: "How will I continue my education and have a child?"
The concept of balancing college with motherhood is one that comes with a social stigma many pregnant women face. After experiencing the fear, uncertainty, and contrasting joy that comes with an unplanned pregnancy, Elise realized the need for a place where pregnant college women could go to find support, encouragement, and friendship. |
This was how Elise came up with the idea for Ella's House, a comprehensive residential respite where pregnant women in college can find refuge and much-needed resources. Her daughter, Ella Rae, was born 18 days after Elise earned her Bachelor's degree and was the inspiration behind the name.
The mission of Ella’s House is to provide holistic help to pregnant collegiate women so they can balance education, health, and family. This is done by creating a place where women can cultivate friendships with other student moms and moms to-be through monthly community dinners, a welcoming space to hang out, and various other activities. The goal is to offer resources and support for women who leave Ella’s House feeling hopeful, connected, and well-equipped.
Elise is Executive Director of Ella's House and her mother, Susan Reinfeldt, acts as Development Director. Ella's House Resident Director Shelley Rose lives with the women housed by Ella's House. There is capacity for up to four women to live in the home. Residents are provided resources that are not usually offered on college campuses, such as physical and mental health resources, and supporting women as they pursue their degrees.
As with most non-profits, Ella's House relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers. In addition to the resources and sense of community fostered by the organization, supplies for mothers & their babies are also needed, and there is a wish list of items that can be purchased on the website. Ella's House hosts weekly family dinners for its residents and accepts meal train donations for each week's meal. There are several other ways for volunteers to get involved; if you are able to provide mentorship, tutoring services, assist with home/yard work, or help plan special events, sign up here.
*Ella's House is not religiously or politically affiliated and welcomes pregnant collegiate women from all walks of life.
Watch the interview with Elise below, where she talks more about Ella's House and how she hopes to empower, support, and provide for pregnant collegiate women. She shares the challenges she faced with an unexpected pregnancy and offers encouragement to other women in similar situations.
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