Casa Teresa

Casa Teresa's mission is to provide pregnant women in crisis a loving home to begin their healing journey.

Founded in 1976 in Santa Ana, Casa Teresa initiated as a home for pregnant women over the age of 18 who were alone and had no support. At the time, there were very few resources or shelters specifically for single, homeless pregnant women, and founders Neill and Sally Sullivan launched Casa Teresa as a four-unit building and cottage to meet the need. After nearly a decade in Santa Ana, Casa Teresa moved to its current site in Orange in 1985, where its Old Towne location ensured access to nearby stores, public transportation, and healthcare for residents. Besides accessibility, Casa Teresa has ensured that the needs of pregnant women and mothers are met by adding new programs and services. For example, we established the Hannah’s House Adoption Program in 1995 to address the needs of women interested in placing their baby with an adoptive family. In 2001, we opened the Transformation I Program to serve residents who would benefit from a longer stay with Casa Teresa, and the independent apartment building housing the Transformation II Program soon followed in 2006. We opened the Emergency Maternity Shelter (EMS)—in 2013, catering specifically to women struggling with chronic homelessness, substance abuse, and other intensive issues. We also have the Alumni Resource Center, which provides educational classes, counseling, and other supportive services for graduates from our programs.

Accomplishments: We served 162 women, babies and children last year and 262 alumnae. Our resale store, The Collection by Casa Teresa, has provided over 60 women with workforce training and learning life skills since its opening in May 2016. This past year, 8 women achieved their High School Equivalent. Over the coming year, Casa Teresa anticipates achieving the following results, serve over 150 women, children, and babies across all our programs; serve over 200 alumnae and their babies/children and gather impact data to ensure none of our residents return to homelessness. Strive to have 85% of residents show marked progress toward reaching the goals they set with their case managers.

 Our top needs are: With the economic landscape and growing inflation, financial contributions are our top need which funds the programs that directly impact the pregnant women, moms and babies. Household supplies: as women rotate through the programs, we are in need of new linens, pillows, kitchen item, etc. to continue to keep the rooms well stocked. Gift Cards for grocery, gas, pharmacy, and retail for maternity undergarments and other maternity needs.  Clothing: Maternity clothing (including new maternity wear) and new/like new clothing for our resale store (both men and women).

The majority of our residents are from the Orange County, but we also serve the counties of Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino.

For more than 48 years, Casa Teresa has changed the lives of pregnant women, and through their transformation, creating healthy communities, families that thrive and hope for the future. This past year we served 162 women, children and babies. Their transformation reminds me of their strength and courage. I am so grateful for our community, who hear the story of the transformational work in the lives of those we serve, want to invest in Casa Teresa. If you have any questions or would like to learn more please reach out to me. I would be happy to share our story and welcome you into the family.

My personal passion, and the passion of all at Casa Teresa, comes from the desire to serve these women and their children. Our drive comes from seeing that impact and hearing the stories of these women, one, two, even 15 or 20 years post graduation from the program. It's not only life, but two, and it's not "some" of the residents but nearly all who make the best of their time in the program to change the trajectory of their lives.