The Return of Open Hours
If you were to visit the Richmond House in 2019, you would have found the space lively with the coming and going of Teen Mamas and their kiddos. During the day, mamas would stop by to grab a snack, do a load of laundry, and rest in the company of people who love and care for them. This time was a favorite for our mamas, they loved having the freedom to come when they wanted, and leave when they needed. They found comfort in knowing that Grace’s Table would be available to them no matter what.
But then 2020 came, and the doors of the Richmond House closed.
While Grace’s Table was still available and continued to support Teen Mamas throughout the pandemic, it looked a little bit different. Instead of intimate conversation in the living rooms, mamas chatted over zoom in their pj’s. Instead of gathering for celebrations, Teen Mamas drove by the Richmond House for shouts of affirmation, love, and support.
The Grace’s Table Team quickly became experts at adapting and evolving in order to keep pursuing our mission to walk alongside Teen Mamas. As we’ve learned and grown over the last two years, we have continued to search for the best ways to answer the question that is central to that mission.
The answer is probably more simple than you think. Teen Mamas need support. But what does that support look like? Teen Mamas, who are experiencing fear, isolation, and loneliness, need community. They need access to critical resources, the ones that teenagers may not even know exist or that they need. Most importantly, Teen Mamas need space. Space to learn and grow, space to feel safe, space to set their own goals and advocate for themselves and their little ones. This is the space that Grace’s Table provides. It is the space that Grace’s Table has been perfecting for over 6 years.
We want to welcome as many new Teen Mamas as possible into our space and into our community. But taking that first step can be scary. As we have examined our programs and space, we noticed that the perfect way to begin is already built-in.
If you’ve been to the Richmond House, you know how great this porch is. It’s where we welcome people into our home, and let them know how excited we are to have them here. For new Teen Mamas, it is where they get their first glimpse at what being part of the Grace’s Table community is all about. If they’re ready, they take that first step through the front door and into our living room. If they aren’t quite sure, they can return again and again until they are comfortable enough to take off their shoes and come inside. But how do we get Teen Mamas to the porch of the Richmond House?
By offering Open Hours again!
We are so excited to announce the return of Open Hours at Grace’s Table. On Mondays from 4 pm-7 pm, and on Thursdays from 9 am-12 pm, the Richmond House will be open to any Teen Mamas (ages 13-24) who want to come and hang out in our space. Open Hours are a perfect time for mamas to learn what we are all about and take the first steps towards getting involved at Grace’s Table. They can sign up to do a load of laundry or to take a shower, and they can meet some of our amazing volunteers and get to know other Teen Mamas. And Open Hours aren’t just for new mamas, any Teen Mama who’s involved with Grace’s Table is welcome too! Open Hours are all about Teen Mamas, making them feel safe, loved, and welcome in our home.
If you’re a Teen Mama, we can’t wait to meet you. If you know a Teen Mama, we’d love to connect with them! Details about open hours are on our Facebook Events Page. If you have questions, please reach out to us on our Contact Page!
