Residential: In the previous LifeHouse model, the ministry operated two homes with a total capacity of 9 women and no other children outside of a women’s current pregnancy. In the new space, LifeHouse will operate a communal apartment model allowing mother and child(ren) to remain together with an anticipated capacity of at least 24 women and their children.

Program: The new HUB space will operate adjacent to our residential structure and will be open to the public. It will be approximately 20,000 sq feet consisting of 2 stories on 1.2 acres of land in the heart of the city. This space will include child-care facilities including a child-watch area (for our volunteer moms with kids), our LH staff, collaborative office space for other non-profits and business partners in the city, our coffee and workforce development partner and event venue. This will be a Houston “gathering space” for women of all ages, stages, and walks of life across our city seeking community to build authentic mentorship relationships. Through research, we know that for people who have experienced deep levels of trauma, even one caring relationship can make the difference in helping them to heal and move into a new season. We have seen that to be true among the women in our care, and believe that in creating a space that is welcoming for all women with Motherhood as the great equalizer. We value working and learning side by side, and this will be a game changer for helping our women and their children move out of a place of poverty and into a place of thriving and reintegration into the community.

LifeHouse will be offering a variety of new and enhanced programming in addition to continued weekly social work case management and counseling services, women engaged in the program will also be able to benefit from the following new programs:

Job-Readiness/ Workforce Development
We believe that life-giving connection with others and deep communion with God can be experienced in and through meaningful work. In light of these beliefs, LifeHouse of Houston has begun the process of launching a customized Workforce Development Program. This includes personal development and job-readiness classes as well as the opportunity to gain additional skills and practical experience by working in a social enterprise.

Our core classes are focused on equipping residents with the skills necessary to engage in meaningful work.

The YES Program, Your Enhanced Skills and Your Employment Success

The YES Program  focuses on the integration of personal development and job-readiness curriculum all through a Trauma Informed Care lens. The program provides individual and small group industry-specific coaching and further develops and equips job seekers in order to ensure a stable, work-force ready employee.

Skills Based Training
Skills-based training plays a pivotal role in equipping vulnerable women with the tools needed to secure stable, fulfilling employment. Providing training within the context of an onsite coffee shop, event venue, and a retail store, LifeHouse women will gain practical workplace skills, enhancing their employability and overall self-confidence.

Onsite Cafe and Coffee Shop
Lifehouse will be offering a skills-based training program within an onsite coffee shop and catering venue to provide women a variety of opportunities from learning the art of crafting specialty coffee beverages to developing excellent customer service skills. Lifehouse women will learn about coffee sourcing, brewing techniques, and the nuances of different coffee blends. This specialized training not only provides opportunities for meaningful engagement with customers and our community, but also allows the women to gain practical business knowledge; gaining insight into inventory management, cash handling, and daily operations. LifeHouse women will emerge with practical skills and fresh experience that can continue to open doors within the coffee industry and in other customer-facing roles.

Event Venue
Conducting skills-based training in an event venue environment offers women a chance to develop a range of skills applicable to the hospitality and event management sectors. From event planning and coordination to decor setup and guest interactions, participants can gain expertise in creating memorable experiences. Training within an event venue setting enables participants to understand the intricacies of organizing different types of events, effective time management, adaptability, and problem-solving as they face the real-time challenges that can arise during a live event. Our program allows participants to explore future careers in event management, hospitality, and project coordination.

Retail Store
A retail store offers LifeHouse women the opportunity to master aspects of sales, merchandising, and customer-relationship management. Participants will learn how to curate product displays, optimize store layouts, and assist customers effectively. Additionally, training in areas such as inventory management, sales techniques, and basic accounting provides a comprehensive understanding of retail operations. The skills acquired in a retail setting extend beyond sales, fostering interpersonal abilities and enhancing problem-solving skills. This training opens avenues for women to pursue careers in retail management, sales, and entrepreneurship, as they grasp the fundamentals of running a business.