Empowering Pregnant
and Parenting Mothers

Heart Well Homestead is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Plattsburgh, New York. We are in the process of establishing transitional housing with comprehensive support services for homeless women who are pregnant or parenting infants, for up to two years. Our program is designed to create a safe, nurturing environment where women can rebuild their lives, work toward long-term stability, and achieve independence.

OUR MISSION

To offer a residential program that empowers pregnant and parenting mothers by supporting their physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs so they can thrive.

OUR VISION

To see healthy mothers and their children prepared to move into a stable environment with the support of family, friends and community.

OUR CORE VALUES

1
We believe women have the right to be treated with respect and to live in a safe environment.

2
We believe women have the right to make their own decisions and plans for the future.

3
We believe women have the right to a supportive environment.

WHO WE SERVE

Heart Well Homestead is preparing to serve pregnant and parenting women experiencing homelessness in Clinton, Essex, and Franklin Counties. While we will not be a homeless shelter or a medical treatment facility, we will help connect mothers to essential resources, including transportation to medical, mental health, and substance use treatment services. Our goal is to provide compassionate support and guidance, offering a pathway to stability and independence for mothers in need.

LOCAL NEED

Heart Well Homestead will address the urgent need for maternity housing in Clinton County, where homelessness increased by 84% in 2024. The January 2024 Point-in-Time count recorded 289 homeless individuals, including 14 households with at least one child. Despite this growing crisis, there are no maternity homes in the Tri-County region to support homeless pregnant and parenting mothers. To learn more about the risks associated with homelessness during pregnancy and early childhood, and how Heart Well Homestead will help mitigate these challenges, swipe below and click to learn more.

Programs

Once open, Heart Well Homestead will collaborate with each mother in our transitional residential program to create a personalized action plan. We will partner with local organizations including Cornell Cooperative Extension, ETS, Healthy Families North Country, OneWorkSource, financial institutions, and others to offer in-house support and education on:

• Parenting
• Essential Life Skills
• Spiritual & Emotional Care
• Career Coaching & Employment Readiness
• Financial Literacy & Budgeting
• Infant & Child Development
• Nutrition & Healthy Living
• Breastfeeding

From Vision to Impact

Heart Well Homestead (HWH) was inspired in 2014 by Gloria Garami and Janice Tobin, former nurses at the Clinton County Health Department, who recognized a critical need in our community: comprehensive support for homeless pregnant women in a nurturing home environment.

In 2022, Gloria and Janice began laying the groundwork for HWH, drafting bylaws and defining the organization’s mission, vision, and core values. They expanded the Board of Directors and forged partnerships with local organizations that will be integral to HWH’s programming. Visits to successful maternity homes in New York State and Ontario during this period provided valuable insights and models as they developed plans for HWH’s future home in Plattsburgh, NY. By late 2023, HWH was officially incorporated and received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS.

In January 2024, HWH launched its vision to the community by establishing a website and social media presence, alongside an active fundraising campaign for its Capital Campaign. Raising awareness about mother-infant homelessness in the tri-county region has become a focal point, inspiring outreach efforts through presentations to local professionals, community events like Parks Come Alive, and hosting fundraising events such as our First Annual Golf Tournament and Superhero Strides 5K.

HWH’s dedication to its mission has garnered support from numerous local foundations, including the United Way of the Adirondacks, The George & Shirley Moore Foundation, as well as Cloudsplitter Foundation. As of November 2024, we have exceeded the halfway point toward our Phase 1 Capital Campaign goal, which will enable us to secure and prepare a home in Plattsburgh. Phase 2 will ensure sufficient resources for operational expenses for a full year, allowing us to provide continuous care without any gaps in service. Once Phase 2 is complete, we will welcome mothers into our transitional residential program, where they can stay for up to 24 months.

The establishment of Heart Well Homestead is a testament to a decade-long commitment to creating a safe haven for homeless pregnant and parenting women. What has truly inspired us is the strength of community connections, uniting individuals who generously contribute to making this vision a reality. The story of Heart Well Homestead goes beyond infrastructure; it embodies compassion, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit to address a pressing need in our community.

Meet the Board

Our Board of Directors are recruited from the local community based on their interest in what we do and their range of perspectives and skills. They are elected and serve for a minimum of two years. If you are interested in knowing more please contact us.

  • Co-Founder | Executive Board
    BScN, IBCLC at the University of Vermont Health Network Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital, former Public Health Nurse at the Clinton County Health Department

  • Co-Founder | Board Member
    BScN, Retired Public Health Nurse at the Clinton County Health Department, Founding Board Member of Plattsburgh Pregnancy Center, Respite Foster Parent, Parish Coordinator for Walking With Purpose Ministry

  • Chair | Development Director
    Primary Care Pediatrician at Mountain View Pediatrics, Behavioral Health Pediatrician at Clinton County Mental Health Services, Medical Director of the North Country Mission of Hope, Healing Grace Center Board Member

  • Vice-Chair | Media & Marketing Director
    Associates in Humanities and Social Science, Former ARC Residential Supervisor, Former Social Media Marketing: It Works Global

  • Treasurer
    Master of Divinity (In Progress), Concentration in Spiritual Care and Counseling, BSBA Management Information Systems (MIS) & Business Administration, BS Electrical Mechanical Engineering, Kairos Prison Ministry International Certified Volunteer, NYS Department of Correction and Community Services Certified Volunteer

  • Secretary
    BA of Science, Associates in Dental Hygiene, Senior Account Executive with Twinstate Technologies, Former NYS Registered Dental Hygienist involved with the nonprofit Dentistry From the Heart, Formally worked with College For Every Student, active volunteer with Saranac Elementary and Middle School

  • Business Operations Director
    Masters in Management and Human Services, Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Lecturer in Supply Chain Management and International Business SUNY Plattsburgh School of Business and Economics, Facilitator of the PACT program at BHSN

  • Board Member
    BA in Mathematics, BA in Accounting, CPA and Tax Manager with The Hoffman Eells Group, involved with the Saranac Elementary Family School Organization, and serves on the Kent Delord House Museum Board of Directors

  • Director of People
    Society of Human Resource Management – Certified Professional, Founder of Hemisphere Business Solutions, Former consultant at Soteria HR & Total HR

  • Board Member
    Bachelors Degree in Human Development and Family Relations, Masters Degree in Student Affairs and Higher Education, Performance Consultant for the North Country at Healthy Alliance

  • Board Member
    Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, Master’s Degree in Fundamental Theology, adjunct professor in the Business, Communication, and Language Departments at CCC & SUNY Plattsburgh, served as a missionary and priest in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Canada, and the US for 25 years, founder of the Maronite Circle and the Maronite Institute of Theology and Christian Studies in Canada

  • Board Member
    B.S Social Work, Masters in Social Welfare, Social Worker at UVMHN- CVPH, Adjunct lecturer for SUNY Plattsburgh, Member of the National Association of Social Workers & New York Chapter, Involved in with Glasgow Elementary Family School Association

In the News

The news articles below spotlight the incredible community support behind Heart Well Homestead and the urgent need to address homelessness in our region. Stories about Heart Well Homestead focus on the generosity of individuals, organizations, and businesses rallying to help bring our mission to life: providing safe, nurturing housing for pregnant women and mothers with young children facing homelessness. Additionally, articles on local homelessness shed light on the challenges our region faces and underscore the importance of collaborative efforts to create lasting solutions. Together, these stories reflect both the spirit of hope and the pressing need for action in our community.

  • "The Growing Homeless Population in the North Country"

    Mountain Lake PBS
    Television News Story
    by Mountain Lake Journal

    January 31, 2025

    View Article

  • "Agencies Partnering to Address Homelessness in Clinton Co."

    The Press Republican
    Newspaper Article
    by Carly Newton

    January 23, 2025

    View Article

  • "Annual Homeless Population Count Underway"

    WCAX Channel 3 News Story
    Television News Story
    by Alek LaShomb

    January 22, 2025

    View Article

  • "Caring for the Homeless in Clinton Co."

    The Sun Community News
    Newspaper Article
    by Kim Dedam

    January 22, 2025

    View Article

  • "DFCU Employees Raise $1K+ For Heart Well Homestead"

    The Sun Community News
    Newspaper Article
    by News Report

    July 6, 2024

    View Article

  • "Heart Well Homestead Gets Boost to Fundraising Campaign"

    The Press Republican
    Newspaper Article
    by Carly Newton

    April 19, 2024

    View Article

  • "George and Shirley Moore Foundation Steps Up"

    Peru Gazette
    Digital Newspaper Article
    by John Ryan

    April 17, 2024

    View Article

  • "Heart Well Homestead Awarded $25K Grant"

    The Sun Community News
    Newspaper Article
    by Kim Dedam

    April 17, 2024

    View Article

  • "New Efforts to Address Growing Homeless Population in Northern NY"

    WCAX Channel 3 News
    Television News Story
    by Alek LaShomb

    April 3, 2024

    View Article

  • “Effort to Create Maternity Home Underway”

    North Country Catholic
    Newspaper Article
    by Mary Beth Bracy

    February 28, 2024

    View Article

  • "Navigating Homelessness in Clinton County"

    WCAX Channel 3 News
    Television News Story
    by Rachel Mann

    December 22, 2022

    View Article

Get Involved

The doors of Heart Well Homestead can only open because of compassionate supporters like you. Every homeless pregnant woman we aim to shelter, every life we strive to uplift, depends on your generosity and involvement. Your donation is more than a gift—it’s a lifeline, a promise of hope, and a vital step toward breaking the cycle of homelessness for vulnerable mothers and their babies.  But we need more than just donations—volunteers are the heart of what we do. Your time and skills can help make a lasting impact.

Thank You Donors

Heart Well Homestead is deeply grateful for each and every one of our donors. Your contributions directly fuel our mission to provide safe housing, essential resources, and supportive services for homeless pregnant women and mothers with children under two. Every donation strengthens our ability to help families build stable and hopeful futures. Thank you for making this vital work possible.

  • Andree LaBarge
    Anne-Marie B. Spear DDS
    Anne Slattery & Catherine Taylor - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Anonymous - In Memory of Lynn Nightingale
    Becky Ladue
    Bobbie Criss
    Bread of Life Baptist Church - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Captain Michael T McKeon & Patricia McKeon
    Carolyn & Kelvin Pierce
    Catherine Camarda
    Chelsea Menn
    Cheryl Carte
    Cliff Thompson - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Cristi Wells
    Darlene Pavone
    Dawn Jakobetz
    Dominique Sherman
    Dianne Martineau
    Elks Lodge #2072
    Glenda Raynor - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Heather Gould
    Hilary Smart
    Irene Papavasil
    James & Ann Felio - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Jason Pagaeu
    Jeanette Voss
    Joanne Wood
    Joy Good
    Kavanaugh Realty
    Kim Lawrence
    Liberty's Garage Inc
    Mahesh Desai
    Marianne Wemette
    Mark Dubrey
    Meaghan Pierce
    Nancy & John Cowen - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Nancy Hughes
    Natalie Allen
    Nurses Association
    Oscar & Yamilette Flores
    Pat Mckeon
    Patricia Brochu
    Permelia Provost
    Peter & Kathleen Snell
    Raymond Aubin
    RE/MAX North Country
    Rev. James & Peggy Gangwer - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Richard Munn
    Rick & Susan Mikkelson - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Rosa Salinas
    Ruth Mary Ortloff
    Sharon Nephew
    Shelby & Michael Duprey
    St. Bernard's Church, Parishioners
    St. Catherine of Sienna Parish
    Steve Rothamel
    Stu B Ironworks
    Suzanne Bezio
    Tina Powell
    True North Dental Group
    Zeffy

  • Adirondack ElliptiGO
    Alice Benson
    Andrew Garami
    Anne de la Chapelle
    Arrow Bank
    Audra & Josh Squier
    Brett & Melissa Carpenter
    Champlain Smiles
    Cheryl Fortin
    Chris & Tracey Mitchell
    Clute Wealth Management
    Community Bank
    Corey Murphy
    DELLA AUTO GROUP
    Donald Recore Agency LLC
    Earle J Crahan
    Ethan & Mariel Stansbury
    Evelyn McGill
    Father Carter Pierce
    First Presbyterian Church Women
    Fleet Promotional Products LLC
    Haila J Conant CPA PC
    Ivan Warmuth - In Memory of Lena Pomerville
    Jason & Casey Ford
    Jeff & Denise Luck
    Joanne Kristel
    John & Tina (Calkins) Covey
    Jonathon Schneiderman
    Knights of Columbus Council #255
    Margo Nightingale
    Mike Foote State Farm Insurance
    Msgr Dennis Duprey
    Murnane Builders
    NBT Bank - Bonnie Pelerin
    North Country Federal Credit Union
    Northeast Irrigation & Landscape LLC
    Pepsi
    Robert Shambo
    Saranac Veterinary Clinic
    SeaComm
    Shirley Rascoe
    The Hoffman Eells Group CPAs
    UVM Health Network - CVPH
    Victory Bible Church
    Warren Tire Service Center
    Yuri Bouharevich

  • Adirondack Coast Events
    Catholic Daughters Court Mary Immaculate #479
    Chapel Hill Foundation
    Cheryl & Mark Henry
    Dannemora FCU
    Gloria & Anthony Garami
    Heidi G. Clute
    Knights of Columbus Council #13127
    Lena & Vic Pomerville
    Michelin / Camso Manufacturing
    Nathalie Teevin
    United Way

  • Anonymous

  • Cloudsplitter Foundation
    Janice Tobin
    The George & Shirley Moore Foundation
    The Roman Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg

Join Our Upcoming Events

  • March Madness, with a Major Impact

    April 6 & 7, 2025
    Men’s and Women’s NCAA Championship Game Squares Fundraiser, where each square is just $25.

    Two grids are available: one for the Women’s National Championship on April 6 and one for the Men’s National Championship on April 7. Updated grids are accessible on Facebook, Instagram, or upon request.

    How It Works:
    Purchase your squares for $25 each, then contact Tracey Mitchell to confirm which squares and which grid (Men’s or Women’s) at the contact info below. Your confirmed squares will be marked with your initials. Full details in the link below.

    Text: (518) 420-3288
    Email: TraceyMitchell455@gmail.com

    Purchase Squares

  • 5K Run/Walk

    Saturday May 31, 2025
    Check In: 10:00 am
    Kids 1K Fun Run: 10:30 am
    5K Start: 11:00 am

    Rulfs Orchard
    531 Bear Swamp Road
    Peru, NY 12972

    Presented by:
    Adirondack Coast Events

    Joined by:
    Adirondack Food Therapy

    Runners ages 13+ Registration Fee:
    $30 in Advance | $35 on Race Day
    Kids under 12 are FREE!

    Superhero Costumes Encouraged

    Registration Link

  • Community Yard & Bake Sale

    Friday June 27, 2025

    A community yard and bake sale in support of Heart Well Homestead.

    More details coming soon.

  • Second Annual Golf Tournament

    Friday August 22, 2025
    11:00 am Registration
    11:30 am Putting Contest
    12:30 pm Shotgun Start
    6:00 pm Dinner & Prizes

    The Barracks Golf Course
    24 Golf Course Road
    Plattsburgh, NY 12901

    Player and sponsorship opportunities available.

    For questions contact:
    Janice Tobin, Tournament Director
    Call/Text: (518) 569-5370
    HeartWellHomestead@gmail.com

    Registration Form

  • Paint & Sip

    Sunday, September 14, 2025
    Time TBD.

    Olive Ridley’s
    37 Court Street
    Plattsburgh, NY 12901

    More details coming soon.

  • Bowl-a-Thon

    Saturday September 27, 2025

    More details coming soon.

  • Silent Auction

    Saturday October 25, 2025
    Time TBD.

    Olive Ridley’s
    37 Court Street
    Plattsburgh, NY 12901

    More details coming soon.

Check Out Our Past Events

  • Holy Cross Parish Fish Fry

    Friday March 14 & 21, 2025
    4:30pm-6:30pm

    Holy Cross Parish Center
    4917 S Cathrine Street
    Plattsburgh, NY 12901

    Meet and Greet dinners with some of our Board of Directors during the 2025 Lenten Season. Hosted by the Knights of Columbus.

  • Monthly Volunteer Fair

    Tuesday March 18, 2025
    🕚 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
    🌙 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM

    Join Us for Our Monthly Fundraising Volunteer Fair!

    We’re excited to host our third virtual Fundraising Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, March 18th, and we’d love for you to be part of it! Whether you want to help plan fundraising events or simply lend a hand when needed, there’s a place for you.

    Bring a friend and be part of something meaningful! Reach out to Tracey Mitchell to register:

    Call/Text: 518-420-3288
    Email: traceymitchell455@gmail.com

  • Panera Dine to Donate

    Friday March 7, 2025
    4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

    Panera Bread
    408 Route 3
    Plattsburgh, NY 12901

    Enjoy your Panera favorites while making a difference— 25% of sales will be donated to Heart Well Homestead.

    Here’s how to participate:
    Show the linked flyer to your server when you order, or enter FUND4U at checkout.

    Dine-in, pick-up, drive-thru, and delivery orders all count!

    Panera Flyer

  • Volunteer Fair

    Monday February 24, 2025
    11:00 - 11:30 am or 6:00 - 6:30 pm

    Online Sessions

    Join us at Heart Well Homestead's Second Virtual Fundraising Volunteer Fair and discover how you can help change lives! Learn about our mission, how fundraising volunteers fuel our programs, and the ways you can use your time and talents to create lasting impact. Whether you're experienced or just getting started, there’s a role for you.

  • Paint & Sip Fundraiser

    Sunday, February 2, 2025
    12 pm - 2pm

    Olive Ridley’s
    37 Court Street
    Plattsburgh, NY 12901

    Tickets $35 Per Painter
    Pay at the door.

    Join us at Olive Ridley’s for an afternoon of creativity, fun, and prizes at our Paint & Sip Fundraising Party! Come early to check out exciting raffle prizes, including a 50/50 cash raffle!

    Facebook Event Link

  • Volunteer Fair

    Tuesday January 21, 2025
    11:00 - 11:30 am or 6:00 - 6:30 pm

    Online Sessions

    Join us at Heart Well Homestead's First Virtual Fundraising Volunteer Fair and discover how you can help change lives! Learn about our mission, how fundraising volunteers fuel our programs, and the ways you can use your time and talents to create lasting impact. Whether you're experienced or just getting started, there’s a role for you.

  • Coffee For a Cause

    We're thrilled to announce an amazing partnership with Jo Coffee for a fundraiser that will fuel our mission at Heart Well Homestead! 

    100% organic, small-batch coffee delivered RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR, all while supporting a great cause!

    A portion of each order until January 6, 2025 will go directly towards supporting our mission at Heart Well Homestead!

    Use the exclusive Fundraiser Code HWH-DHD at checkout.

    Order Here

  • Baby Safe & Snug Presentation

    Thursday December 12, 2024
    10:30 am Following Story Time

    Plattsburgh Public Library
    Downstairs Children’s Room
    19 Oak Street
    Plattsburgh, NY 12901

    Join Heart Well Homestead and BHSN's Healthy Families North Country for a FREE program! Enjoy story time for kids, followed by an informative session on the latest safe sleep recommendations during cold and flu season.

  • Car Seat Safety Presentation

    Thursday November 14, 2024
    10:30 am Following Story Time

    Plattsburgh Public Library
    Downstairs Children’s Room
    19 Oak Street
    Plattsburgh, NY 12901

    Join Heart Well Homestead and BHSN's Healthy Families North Country for a FREE program!

    Enjoy a fun and engaging story time for kids, followed by an informative session on carseat safety.

  • Women In Business

    Wednesday September 25, 2024
    9:30a - 3:30p

    The Brookside Barn
    Rainbow Wedding and Banquet Hall
    47 Woods Falls Road
    Altona, NY 12910

    Come celebrate women in business for a full day of inspiration, networking, and education. Heart Well Homestead is a panelist for Women Driven Local Nonprofits.

    Schedule & Speakers

  • Applefest

    Saturday September 21, 2024
    10:30 am - 4:30 pm

    St. Augustine's Church
    3030 Main Street
    Peru, NY 12972

    Join us for family fun!

  • Parks Come Alive

    Thursday September 12, 2024
    4:30p - 7:30p

    South Platt Street “Fox Hill” Park
    21 South Platt Street
    Plattsburgh, NY 12901

    Join us for a FREE family friendly event that includes games and activities for kids, live music, and local food trucks. Plus meet tons of other local community organizations.

    More Information

  • 5K Run/Walk

    Saturday September 7, 2024
    Check In 9:00 am
    Race Time 10:00 am

    Y at the Oval
    52 US Oval
    Plattsburgh, NY 12903

    Presented by Adirondack Coast Events
    & Joined by Pipsqueak’s Party Time

    Runners $30 each
    Kids under 12 are FREE!

    Superhero Costumes Encouraged

    Race Results

  • Annual Golf Tournament

    Friday August 23, 2024
    Registration 11:00
    Putting Contest 11:30
    Shotgun Start 12:30

    The Barracks Golf Course
    24 Golf Course Road
    Plattsburgh, NY 12901

    Contact:
    Brett Carpenter 518-569-6650
    Shelby Duprey 518-536-2367
    HeartWellHomestead@gmail.com

    Photo Gallery

  • Parks Come Alive

    Thursday August 8, 2024
    4:30p - 7:30p

    South Acres Park
    41 Flynn Avenue
    Plattsburgh, NY 12901

    Join us for a FREE family friendly event that includes games and activities for kids, live music, and local food trucks. Plus meet tons of other local community organizations.

    More Information

  • Parks Come Alive

    Thursday July 18, 2024
    4:30p - 7:30p

    Melissa Penfield Park
    139 Boynton Avenue
    Plattsburgh, NY 12901

    Join us for a FREE family friendly event that includes games and activities for kids, live music, and local food trucks. Plus meet tons of other local community organizations.

    More Information

  • Bottle Drive

    Bring your bottles and cans, and donate the proceeds to benefit Heart Well Homestead.

    March 22nd, 23rd, and 24th 2024
    6:00am-10:00pm

    Northern Cakes Redemption Center
    1290 Military Turnpike
    Plattsburgh, NY 12901

  • Holy Cross Parish Fish Fry

    Reoccurring weekly Meet and Greet dinners with our Board of Directors during the 2024 Lenten Season.

    Friday February 16th, 23rd,
    March 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd
    4:30pm-6:30pm

    Holy Cross Parish Center
    4917 S Cathrine Street
    Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Need Help Now?

Discover a network of local organizations dedicated to providing essential support. At Heart Well Homestead, we believe in cultivating connections rather than recreating existing programs. Here you'll find a variety of resources offering assistance with housing, food assistance, healthcare, education, employment, and more—ensuring individuals and families can access the help they need, when they need it most.

Contact Us

Would you like to learn more or further assist us in our mission? Contact us with any questions.

Phone:
(518) 310-7750

By Mail:
28 Morrison Ave.
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Email:
heartwellhomestead@gmail.com