“I didn’t even know how to properly parent when I arrived,” “Heather” says. That was before her three years at Magdalena House, a transitional shelter for women and children who have survived domestic violence or trafficking. After receiving counseling and parenting coaching, she has made significant strides in her emotional well-being and parenting skills. Her son, who once struggled with aggression, is now thriving thanks to the combination of therapy and coaching. “Now, I understand my son better, and I can be the loving, nurturing mother he needs.”
Family is one of the most important influences in a child’s life. When healthy, family provides protection, care, and love. Family relationships are so powerful that they shape future connections. Yet, for many families, this foundation has been fractured by violence and instability. Since opening in 2007, Magdalena House has been working to restore and rebuild that foundation, one family at a time.
“The ultimate goal is for them to leave and never need another shelter after they complete our program,” says Tiffany Fleming, Director of Development at Magdalena House. Through the program’s focus on healing, education, and empowerment, over 170 individuals have regained stability and independence. “We want to equip these women with the tools they need to thrive on their own.”
A core part of this empowerment is education. All mothers at Magdalena House are full-time students pursuing college, trade certification, ESL classes, or working toward their GED. They are not given a deadline to leave; instead, they are welcomed to stay and heal as long as they continue to meet their quarterly covenant goals—set in collaboration with Executive Director Becca McNitzky—and remain committed to their educational journey. This unique structure allows each woman to heal at her own pace while gaining the skills and confidence to become self-sufficient and financially independent.
With the support of donors, Magdalena House families experience a safe home, loving community, and the tools to heal. “Lucy” arrived with no driver’s license and spoke little English. She speaks English fluently now, advocates for her children's well-being, and has obtained her driver’s license, increasing her independence. “Magdalena House didn’t just give me shelter,” Lucy says. “They gave me the skills I needed to take care of myself and my family. I now have the confidence to make decisions and advocate for my children.”
As the mothers heal, they can love more fully and provide the stability their children need. Another mom remarked, “Being at Magdalena House has let me have a better, closer relationship with my kids. Before, I couldn’t focus on them because I was so focused on surviving.”
The shelter’s offerings go beyond typical shelter services. In addition to therapy and counseling, mothers can participate in parenting classes, financial education workshops, and even fun activities like goat yoga. The kids are not left out either; they engage in therapy, peer-support groups, and community activities like the summer reading challenge, birthday celebrations, and Trunk or Treat. Children receive bicycles, a practical and symbolic gift of freedom and carefree
fun. “They’re not just surviving here; they’re learning to live,” Fleming says. “Seeing the growth in these women is the most rewarding part of my job.”
Since its founding by Reverend Denise Barker, Magdalena House has grown from housing just four families at a time to supporting as many as 12 at once. In the coming years, they plan to double their capacity again, building three additional homes to serve an additional dozen families. The impact of this extended family of care is life-changing. As one mom shared: “I have no family. Without Magdalena House, my child and I are alone. You are my family.”
This Mother’s Day, Magdalena House invites the community to honor the love, strength, and resilience of mothers by making a donation that brings hope, healing, and a brighter future to mothers and children escaping violence and instability. Donors can make a gift in honor of a mother they love, and Magdalena House will send a beautiful card to the honoree, letting them know that their gift has helped a mother receive the support she needs to care for and provide for her children.
Because it strives to be a place of transformation, Magdalena House has become a home where women and children can heal, grow, and ultimately thrive, breaking the cycle of trauma for themselves and the generations that follow. “Mary” recounts the story of her journey from victimhood to being empowered like this: “I didn’t need someone just to pay for my rent; I needed someone to help me really rebuild my life,” she says. “Magdalena House has done so much more for me than I could ever express. They’ve helped me rediscover who I am and become a better mother and person.”
maghouse.org | 210-561-0505
To donate online: maghouse.org/give | mail: P.O. Box 692041, San Antonio, TX 78269.
“Magdalena House didn’t just give me shelter; they gave me the skills I needed to take care of myself and my family.” —”Lucy”
“The ultimate goal is for them to leave and never need another shelter again. We want to equip these women with the tools they need to thrive on their own.” —Tiffany Flemming