In 1961, Gianna Baretta Molla was expecting her fourth child. Complications plagued the pregnancy and by the time of delivery, the Italian physician and mother pleaded with her family and doctors, “If you must decide between me and the child, do not hesitate, choose the child.”
That decision lived on in the hearts of many and Gianna was beatified in 1994 and canonized as a saint in 2004.
The founder of Gianna House, Sister Diane Masson embodied those words by creating a home for pregnant youth who are choosing life but lack the resources and support needed to bring their child to birth. Gianna House is a haven for mothers and children, providing a safe home, medical care, educational opportunities, and independence.
“Gianna House is an organization that helps pregnant women who are single moms and may be struggling with their responsibilities,” said Hassan Mehlem, Comerica Bank Vice President and External Affairs Market Manager. “It is so impactful because they are helping someone who will be responsible to another human being–which is the baby.”
With a slogan that says, “Saving two lives at a time!” Their mission is clear: To provide support through education and life skills programming to young, pregnant women and mothers who are at-risk or lack safe housing to transition them to independence.
Comerica recognizes that financial literacy is key to transitioning to independence and Comerica Financial Education Brigade volunteers are facilitating a four-part course for the mothers including basic banking and credit scores.
“Many of the women are employed in the service industry including cosmetology and other independent work,” Mehlem said, explaining why courses on how businesses obtain credit and how to develop a business plan round out the offerings.
Since it first launched in 2015 in Eastpointe, Gianna House has provided thousands of direct services to hundreds of women struggling during this challenging period. Gianna House provides classes that include but are not limited to parenting, personal growth, Lamaze labor techniques, prenatal, breastfeeding, healthy nutrition, yoga, crocheting and sewing.
In addition, Gianna House distributes free of cost to women and children critically needed items such as clothing, diapers, wipes, pack & plays, formula, car seats, bottles and blankets, women’s toiletries and gift cards.
Women who register for and attend education and self-improvement classes gain “baby bucks,” which they use to buy needed items from the distribution room. In this way, the program provides a ‘hand up’ instead of a ‘hand out’ to restore self-esteem and reward initiatives that can enrich their families and futures.
“We have five young ladies in our residential program right now. We also work with community members outside of the house who may need support. Many of the ladies come from impoverished areas where they didn’t have the opportunity to finish high school perhaps or to go off to college,” explains Joella Bush, Gianna House Executive Director. “They also missed a lot of the opportunities that a lot of young women would have experienced just living or growing up in a more traditional household.”
Bush explains that she and the young women who participate in the program are appreciative of learning how to save money and build their credit.
“I notice a lot of difference,” Bush said, “I see young women who finish our program and find that they have enough money set aside in their savings to put a deposit down on their new place to live.”
She adds, “Financial literacy is a benefit for the entire community because these become women and mothers who are armed with valuable information.”
Melany Bigham, Comerica Bank Senior Vice President and Director Loan Servicing, Lending and Trade Services said that she enjoyed volunteering to lead the session on basic banking.
“Afterwards, there was pizza, drinks and chatting,” said Bigham. “I stayed because …BABIES! I stayed about another hour just to chat and hold babies, but that was not expected. Everyone was very friendly, and it was good to chat less formally. Some of the families brought their kids – who honestly were just as engaged as the families.”
Bigham said that she would be excited to return.
“We have young women who have experienced various levels of trauma,” Bush said, “This opportunity with Comerica is incredibly valuable.”
One participant noted on the Gianna House website that, “The day I walked into Gianna House I felt so loved. I started attending classes and have learned so many valuable skills. I have attended cooking classes and have learned how to make clothes for myself and my family. I call Gianna House ‘Heaven’ because if it were not for their incredible caring and committed staff I don’t know where I would be today. The people that work at Gianna House make me feel welcome and accepted. Gianna House saved my life and my baby.”
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