2024 Community Impact Report
L VE LIVES HERE
VISION MISSION
We aspire to be the premier service provider in Maricopa County to our moms, babies and families, breaking the cycle of generational trauma to transform our community.
Maggie’s Place provides safe housing and a nurturing community for homeless pregnant women, empowering them to thrive throughout their lifetime.
CORE VALUES
MAGGIE’S PLACE HOUSING
Housing capacity has increased by 21% since 2023.
Love Lives Here is more than a phrase around Maggie’s Place, it is a way of life.
Love is the central tenet of Maggie’s Place, it’s one of our core values and it is the foundation our other values are built on.
Welcoming everyone with dignity and respect is the philosophy our staff believes and follows every day. Love is what we call upon when we have had a challenging day, and an exhausted mom with a crying toddler walks in and needs a listening ear. Love is what we experience when a baby is born.
Love lives here, love grows here, and love heals here.
Thank you for being part of our ever-growing community.
FROM OUR CEO
LAURA MAGRUDER, M.ED. Chief Executive Officer
LETTERS FROM THE BOARD
Looking back on two years as Chair of the Maggie’s Place Board of Directors fills me with profound joy. Now, I am able to reflect not only on the past two years, but the past 25 years as Maggie’s Place has been faithfully serving the moms and babies who need us. Another thought that crosses my mind is that Maggie’s Place is poised for growth. The need for Maggie’s Place continues to grow, and the dedicated staff, talented executive leadership, and deeply committed board of directors are ready to nurture that growth. I urge all those who are reading this to renew your passion for Maggie’s Place. You are needed, and appreciated.
JOHN SCOLA
2024 Board Chair
LOVE LIVES HERE A place where love, kindness and support thrive.
Maggie’s Place embodies the definition of love lives here in all we do. Our moms and babies are valued, every one of their stories matter and every heart has a home. We emphasize compassion and support and inclusion, providing loving safe homes along with many opportunities for moms to receive counseling, training and a sense of family.
As we prepare to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Maggie’s Place we reflect on the last 25 years of serving our community in the unique family centered homes we provide. We look forward to preparing for the future of Maggie’s Place: building homes, creating hope and spreading love.
While reading our impact report, hopefully you feel some of the love from our moms and babies. Without your support this loving work would not be possible. Love lives here and so do you.
Grateful for you,
LYNN GALLETT
2025 Incoming Board Chair
MEGAN
The Gabriel House, 2023
What was your first reaction to living in the home?
I moved into The Gabriel House in August 2023. As a newly pregnant mother, I felt relief to have a safe and supportive place to stay, but also nervous about adjusting to a new environment. However, I quickly felt welcomed by the community and staff, which made the transition much easier. Cat and Briley (AmeriCorps Team Members) were especially welcoming, and on the day I moved in, we went on a house outing to a pottery painting session. It was so much fun and truly set the tone for my experience at Maggie’s Place!
What were some goals you had when entering Maggie’s Place?
When I first arrived, my main goals were to find stability, complete my real estate classes, prepare for my baby’s arrival, and work toward financial independence. I was already working full-time and saving money with the hope of buying a house when it was time to move out with my daughter. I wanted to build a strong, structured support system and develop the skills needed to create a better future for both of us. Additionally, I aimed to grow emotionally and mentally so I could raise my child in a healthy environment, breaking the cycle of trauma I experienced growing up.
How did you meet the goals that you set for yourself?
I stayed focused and took advantage of the resources provided at Maggie’s Place. I followed a structured plan, participated in workshops, and worked on improving my financial situation. Having the support of the staff and other moms also helped me stay accountable and motivated. I truly wanted to grow emotionally and mentally so I could create a better future for myself and my child. I stuck to my plan, and my daughter was and still is my biggest motivation!
Maggie’s Place Mom
SUCCESS STORY
What programming or services did you use while living in the home and how did they help you?
I participated in Nurturing Parenting, financial literacy workshops, and counseling services. These programs gave me the knowledge and confidence to take better care of my baby and manage my finances responsibly. The emotional support and guidance I received also helped me feel less alone in my journey.
What successes and challenges did you find after leaving Maggie’s Place?
A major success has been securing a job, creating a home for my daughter and me, and maintaining financial independence. I’ve grown into a stronger, more confident parent while also building meaningful relationships and focusing on personal growth. While I have affordable childcare, it becomes challenging when my daughter gets sick and I have to call off work. It’s a difficult balance, and at times, I worry about the future, but I continue to push forward, adapting and finding solutions as I go.
Moms housed through 2024 1,242 Babies housed through 2024 738
Total number of moms who moved in during 2024 41
Total number of babies housed in 2024
Total number of moms housed in 2024
Total number of babies born in 2024 33
100% of moms in our 5 homes receive prenatal care. We provide all our moms with resources to obtain medical care during their stay.
LASHAY
Community Resource Specialist, Maggie’s Place
The Elizabeth House, 2014 , The Gerard House, 2019
Were there any programs or people at Maggie’s Place who had a significant impact on your journey?
When I lived at Gerard, everyone at Maggie’s Place was so helpful. I had a couple of wonderful family coaches. They really helped me by encouraging me. They made me feel safe, understood, and heard.
Is there anything about your story or your experience that you feel is important to share?
Being homeless for as many years as I was, I am so happy that Maggie’s Place was there for me years later with all the support and love.
What advice do you have to give to someone just starting their journey at Maggie’s Place?
Set some goals and know that you can accomplish so much in a short amount of time. I am living proof that anyone can go from homelessness to thriving.
Maggie’s Place Mom
SUCCESS STORY
How do you think your story could inspire others who are going through similar tough times?
I think knowing what I survived and seeing where I started is inspiring. Some people don’t make it out of addiction, some don’t make it out of homelessness, but I did and that is inspiring.
Why did you want to work at Maggie’s Place?
It’s home away from home. I love everyone here, because they are my family. The best part is I get to help women who are like me.
FAMILY SUCCESS CENTER
Once a Maggie’s Place Mom, Always a Maggie’s Place Mom
We have built a large and vibrant alumni mom community. We believe a mom and their baby don’t stop needing support after they leave our homes.
At our Family Success Center we host classes and programs such as workforce development, peer support, addiction recovery, grief group, and additional programs throughout the year.
In addition, we bring our community together with events held at our Family Success Center. We host Easter, Mother’s Day, Back to School, Trunk or Treat, Fall Festival, and a Christmas Party.
LUSHA “DESIRÉ”
Family Success Center Administrative Coordinator, Maggie’s Place
The Magdalene House, 2023
What kind of support or services did you find most helpful while living in the home?
Therapy was the most helpful service for me. It was a crucial support system that helped me navigate through difficult emotions and situations.
Were there any programs or people at Maggie’s Place who had a significant impact on your journey?
The AmeriCorps team had a significant impact on my journey. I looked to them for guidance, and they helped me stay focused. My stability specialist was also a key part of my support. They trusted me to make my own decisions, which kept me driven and empowered.
Maggie’s Place Mom
SUCCESS STORY
What strengths or skills did you discover in yourself throughout this experience?
I discovered my ability to discern situations clearly and be productive in life. I learned how to plan and execute goals, something that became vital for me moving forward.
How did your experience at Maggie’s Place influence how you see yourself as a mom?
Maggie’s Place showed me that I am deserving of love, and my child is worth it. It helped me realize that I am capable and strong enough to be the best mom I can be.
Why did you want to work at Maggie’s Place?
I wanted to work at Maggie’s Place because I truly believe in its mission. This place has a heart for families and mothers who are struggling, and I wanted to be part of not only benefiting from it but also helping others through similar challenges.
FAMILY SUCCESS CENTER EXPANSION
The Family Success Center is the hub of activity for our programs. The additional 1,600 square feet allows us to offer more of our moms access to various programs, meetings, family coaching, workforce development, and large fun events. In 2024, our facility was visited 5,667 times. We strive to continue to better serve our moms and their families.
“ The food pantry has helped me to be able to provide food to my family.”
A Maggie’s Place Alumni Mom
CELENA
The Magdalene House, 2017
What was your first reaction to living in The Magdalene House?
I was newly sober and became a mom again after 10 years. I guess you could say my first reaction was this is a godsend. I was homeless at the time and my husband was in and out of jail. I had a lot of emotions my first few months there.
What programming or services did you use while living in The Magdalene House and how did they help you?
I did almost everything that was offered my first year with Maggie’s Place; parenting classes, support group, holiday parties, and self-care days. During my time there, Emily was my Family Coach and she helped me through so much. I struggled a lot with guilt and shame over leaving my oldest son, Christopher, while I was in my addiction, and some of the groups helped me learn the skills needed to repair that relationship. He just turned 19 and is a student at GCU which is a proud mom moment for me!
What is something impactful that happened to you during your stay at Maggie’s Place?
I was almost one year sober when we found out that Christopher had Burkitt’s Leukemia. The AmeriCorps gathered around me, prayed with me, and loved on me during this time. I am so grateful that I was at Maggie’s Place when I learned about his cancer and was able to receive the love and support that I did.
How is your life after leaving Maggie’s Place?
Maggie’s Place Mom
SUCCESS STORY
I have the most amazing job today and I get to give back to other people who are currently struggling in their addiction. My family lives in a good part of town, my kids have both of their parents, and my husband and I are a team today!
What success and challenges did you find after leaving Maggie’s Place?
I think the biggest challenge I faced after leaving Maggie’s Place was how to make it without the stability that I had there. It had been such a long time since I had that, and it was scary to think that I was going to be doing it all on my own. I continued to go to groups at the Family Success Center and made sure I got set up with counseling. I was hired full time at a women’s recovery center. My family reunited and although my life is not perfect today, it is more than I ever had and that’s enough for me!
AMERICORPS
In 2024, our Maggie’s Place AmeriCorps program was awarded the ASC award for Outstanding Service Program, an award only given to one program per year. AmeriCorps members served 16,908 hours in 2024.
WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers provide essential support to our five homes across the Valley and at our Family Success Center.
5,146
2024 Volunteer Hours
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BREAKFAST
April 23, 2024
THE HEART OF THE HOME AWARD
Phillips Law Group
THE MICHAEL HOUSE AWARD
Karen Guy
MAGGIE’S THRIFT AWARD
Leticia Carey, Eldene Spelder & Yesenia Mata
THE MAGDALENE HOUSE AWARD
Mary Beth Kalkbrenner
THE FAMILY SUCCESS CENTER AWARD
Carl Clapp
THE HANNAH HOUSE AWARD
Susanne Bolden & Maggie Ahern
Phillips Law Group
Mary Beth Kalkbrenner
GRANT PARTNERS
2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John Scola Chair
Lynn Gallett Vice Chair
Brenda Halpain
Treasurer
Julia Hall
Secretary
Erin Naugton Alaimo
Megan Amdahl
Ingrid Evans
Consuelo Grant
Leslie Rocha
John Smith
Gerry Stenson
Laura Magruder, M.Ed.
Maggie’s Place, Chief Executive Officer Thank