Shiloh's Place - A Haven of Hope

written by Erica Ewy    

Speaking with MaryAnne Brubaker, she may seem soft-spoken and unassuming, however her mission at Shiloh’s Place is anything but. The mission at Shiloh’s Place, according to MaryAnne, the Executive Director of this nonprofit, is “to provide hope to young mothers and help them find a place to belong.” When asked what inspired her to take up this mission, Brubaker explains that God placed it on her heart. It was a calling, which makes the organization’s name, Shiloh, which translated from Hebrew means “Belongs to the Lord”, all the more fitting. 
    Being a mother is not easy. Period. Even with all the familial support, planning, anticipation, and resources, being a mother is one of the most difficult, albeit rewarding, things you can do. The reality is, many young women do not walk into motherhood with the same support and resources that so many of us take for granted. 
    The work MaryAnne does with this organization includes running support groups for unwed mothers or mothers-to-be up to 23 years old. One of these support groups, Embrace Grace, is a 12 week group that concludes with a celebratory baby shower for the expectant mothers. One of Maryanne’s main goals in these support groups is to show these young women that they are loved, and worthy of love, as well as setting them up for success as mothers. Shiloh’s Place then offers a follow up support group, Embrace Life, which offers encouragement and comfort for a further 24 weeks. 
    Another way Shiloh’s Place shows compassion is through their sponsorship of Love Boxes. These are given to young women who are just learning they are pregnant and are in the process of deciding their next steps. These boxes include many uplifting and empowering elements such as “Best Gift Ever” onesies, journals, and hand-written notes of strength and encouragement. MaryAnne explains that every box is prayed over with these young women and their futures in mind. She wants these young women to know that regardless of possibly uncertain times ahead, they are already good mothers; they are actively making the choice to keep their baby. 
    Looking towards the future, Brubaker has big goals for Shiloh’s Place. They are beginning to host a third support group, Post Abortion and Miscarraige Support. This group will be open for people of all ages, women and men, that have experienced the loss of a baby and are seeking spiritual healing. 
    A second significant goal Shiloh’s Place is working towards this upcoming year is building a Teen Maternity and Parenting Home. MaryAnne says that many young expectant mothers find themselves in the position of having to choose between keeping their baby or being allowed to stay at home. She wants to take homelessness out of the equation. Not only will this Home be a safe space for expectant mothers, it will also provide support in the way of life skills such as health, nutrition, and budgeting, as well as parenting or assistance in adoption planning. 
    Shiloh’s Place hosted a Teen Maternity and Parenting Home benefit in early November, raising $20,000 towards their $100,000 goal. With 100 benefit attendees, this is an impressive dent. However, they have a ways to go. MaryAnne is optimistic and pleased with their progress thus far. They are accepting donations through their Facebook page, Shiloh’s Place, Inc. or through Paypal. Keep an eye out on their Facebook page for donation drawings and other great opportunities to donate. In December, donors were placed in a drawing to win a 2 night stay at the Cottages of Willow Pond, including a steak dinner, dessert, and breakfast! 
    Shiloh’s Place is truly a labor of love for MaryAnne Brubaker. She and her board are doing fantastic work. To young women who may be reading this article and facing their own uncertain futures, she says, “If you need us, we are here for you.”