Our Story

The Conception

A few years ago I met and worked with some of the prolife advocates who seek out women searching online for abortion assistance. These advocates help pregnant women find resources to address their physical and psychological needs so the mothers can carry their babies to term in a safe environment and the mothers and babies can have healthy outcomes.

After engaging with these advocates I realized I wanted to do more to help the homeless expectant mothers sleeping in the hallways of buildings, on friend’s couches, under the bridges and in cars and also to help the pro-life advocates who have already started this ministry.

With some experience on research and fact finding, I performed a gap analysis on the kind of help already available for the moms facing hardships and crisis pregnancies. Our community has a good number of pregnancy care centers and affiliates to assist women facing unplanned pregnancies. But women pregnant and homeless in our community face extreme difficulties in finding a place to stay safely and carry their babies to term. This need was especially present SW suburban area of Minneapolis and surrounding communities.

In looking at organizations that provide this sort of help, I came across a Christian home in St. Paul called Philomena House. Finding out more about Philomena House encouraged me to look at the possibility of creating a similar home in South West suburbs of Minneapolis Metropolitan area.

I talked to our pastor, a few parishioners and the Pro-Life committee. The idea was very well received, and many people are willing to help. Although my parish cannot sponsor the home at this time, they support our Mission and goals. I was moved and heard the call to serve, so I am taking the reins. Volunteers offered to help with creating the organization and filing for charitable organization status. Supporters came forward to assist with the logo and to build a website. Others are anxiously waiting to volunteer in whatever way they can!

We submitted the application towards Recognition of Exemption under Section 501(c) 3 from IRS on February 5, 2021.

We are humbled by “His Grace”! A home has come to Reality! Goal is to serve starting October 2021

Please pray for EHOH and the women who will be served! It is a privilege to be a volunteer and bring your passion to life.

I pray this will be on the list of charities that you support!

The Fruition

Dear friends,

Thank you for coming forward to help with making “Enkrateia House of Hope” a reality.

You would have heard about the formation of our Mission and through different sources over the last few months.

Our gratitude goes out to our friends, local organizations and places of worship for the immense support all of you have extended toward “Enkrateia House of Hope”.

Enkrateia, a Pandemic baby!

Though the idea was conceived two years ago in 2018, the adventure began in 2020. With the help of men, women and children who came forward to support the cause, Enkrateia (en-‘krah-tay-a) was formed. We incorporated our mission as a “Non Profit Charitable Organization on October 24, 2020, with the challenging goal of making it a reality by October 24, 2021.

Due to health restrictions and that a few of us fell under the vulnerable population criteria, we were not be able to meet with many of you and share our  Mission, Vision, Values, Beliefs, Commitments, Doctrine of Faith, Guidelines for Guests and Expectations from guests, Administration and Funding.

Miracles do happen and only prayers can bring miracles!

Yes, we are blessed! Fruition of our goal! This dream came to reality on October 20, 2021.

The Enkrateia Team grew from two to twenty.

Phase 1

October 2020 was the beginning of phase 1. All the preliminary formalities to officially create the organization were completed by the end of February 2021.

A Team was formed and Board was elected. We incorporated, obtained an EIN number, created logo, designed stationary, acquired a P.O. Box address, started a bank account, developed a web site and filed application for 501c3 charitable status from IRS. We started building awareness and sharing our Mission using our humble flyer!

Phase 2

Beginning March 2021, the goal was to find a home to rent and bring “Enkrateia House of Hope” to fruition by October 24, 2021, with His Grace! One year from the date of incorporation!

Yes, a miracle happened, and we were blessed with a home in the location we were hoping for. Renters moved out earlier than anticipated, giving more time to recondition the home to make it expectant mom friendly before October 24, 2021. What more could you ask from Heavens?

Prayer warriors, mentors, volunteers and donors came forward offering their time, talent and treasure!

All the immediate needs to welcome the guests were completed to move forward.

Who would want to miss the opportunity to answer the call for being Hands and Feet of “Our Father”?

“Enkrateia House of Hope” was blessed on October 20, 2021 by St. Joe’s pastor Fr. Stan Mader after celebrating a thanksgiving mass for the blessings received and seeking continued blessings for the Mission that Enkrateia is preparing to serve.

Looking back over the past year, I am humbled by the generosity shown by all of you to bring “Enkrateia House of Hope” a reality!

Marching with a grateful heart to Phase 3 starting November 1, 2021 toward a goal to greet a Resident House Mother and a Guest in need on God’s time!

Gratefully,

Dorothy Arockiasamy