By Gretchen Sauerman

Staff writer

Homeless and pregnant at 25 years old, Courtney decided it was time to make some changes in her life.

Without a high school diploma and lacking independent living skills, Courtney, whose last name has been omitted, faced a daunting challenge to find a well-paying job to support herself and her new baby.

She turned to Melbourne-based Genesis House, a shelter for homeless pregnant teens and young women, and homeless student mothers with children.

"Often, we get women in here because of bad choices they've made," said Mary Allen, director of Genesis House. "But getting an education - that's a good choice."

With the help of a small group of volunteers, Genesis House started with one rented apartment in 1977. Thirty years later, the operation has helped more than 9,000 women and children.

Last year, 78 women and 71 children resided at Genesis House, and twelve babies were born to residents.

The organization is now governed by a board of directors, and has three full-time house managers.

The goal of Genesis House is to help young women get an education and learn self-discipline and self-reliance. With these skills, clients are often able to move away from the welfare system and achieve higher self-esteem.

Genesis House consists of three individual shelters. The first house is a short-term living facility for homeless mothers and pregnant women.

Ms. Allen said most clients stay less than two months. If they enroll in a school program, the residents will qualify to live in Genesis House II or III.

Genesis House II currently houses seven mothers and 11 children as the young mothers complete their education. Some are seeking a GED, while others are in vocational school or college.

Genesis House III provides shelter for up to six pregnant teens and young women. Often, the women will move to Genesis House II after delivering their babies.

Courtney lived in Genesis House III while she was pregnant, and lives in Genesis House II. She has already earned her GED, and has started classes at Brevard Community College this semester.

"I look forward to being able to go to school in the criminal justice field," said Courtney.

She said she hopes to help other young women who may be experiencing some of the same challenges she has endured.

Life in the Genesis Houses is not easy. The women adhere to a strict set of rules. Regular drug tests are administered, and the women are given a list of household chores to perform each day.

Genesis House II residents must be enrolled in academic classes and must also take parenting classes.

Childbirth educators, tutors, financial planners, career planners and anger management counselors also advise the residents.

Each house has a live-in house manager. Gina Bennett, house manager for Genesis House II often drives the women to area colleges and vocational schools for day and night classes.

As a mental health professional, Ms. Allen believes education is the key for the women to better their lives.

"The past is the past," said Ms. Allen. "Now, the women can make new choices, new goals, and head in a new direction."

Genesis House is a 501(c)(3) corporation, and all donations are tax deductible. The shelter seeks cash donations as well as women's and children's items.

For information, visit www.genesishouse-shelter.org or call (321) 723-3133.

Contact Gretchen Sauerman at (321) 751-5961 or e-mail her at sauerman@hometownnewsol. com.