Executive Director Jill Hammer opens the program
Crowd of partners and supporters of Elizabeth House community
Alumna Amina Schrump (left) and Alumna and Board Member Philandria Washington (right)
Board Member and docent Dr. Jennifer Vaughn
Board Member and docent Vanessa Burnett
(From left to right) District Representative Darla Dyson from State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez’s Office, Associate Director of Outreach Shawna Diehl, Executive Director Jill Hammer, Alumna Amina Schrump
(From left to right) Associate Director of Outreach Shawna Diehl, Deputy Monica Banken from Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s Office, Executive Director Jill Hammer
(From left to right) Field Representative Miles Kealing from Assemblymember John Harabedian’s Office and Executive Director Jill Hammer
On Thursday, May 15, Elizabeth House opened its doors to a meaningful gathering of community leaders, partners, and supporters at the Center for Mother & Child Wellbeing. The event brought together local churches, businesses, civic groups, public figures, and foundations to honor the ongoing work of Elizabeth House and celebrate the shared commitment to supporting pregnant women and their children in the San Gabriel Valley.
On this beautiful afternoon, Elizabeth House alumna and board member, Philandria Washington and alumna Amina Schrump shared their personal stories of transformation, reflecting on how Elizabeth House has positively impacted their lives and families. Pastor Andrew Mark from Pasadena Covenant Church was present to honor the legacy of Elizabeth House, as it was 30 years ago that a member of the congregation donated the house that now serves as the residential home, the heart of Elizabeth House’s mission. Pastor Andrew commented, “Congratulations, Elizabeth House, for another year of changing lives and changing the narratives. We are so grateful to be your neighbors.”
Representatives from local government were also present to show their support. From State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez’s Office, District Representative Darla Dyson, from Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s Office, Deputy Monica Banken, and from Assemblymember John Harabedian’s Office, Field Representative Miles Kealing joined the celebration and reaffirmed their recognition of Elizabeth House’s impact.
Executive Director Jill Hammer expressed deep gratitude for the ongoing support from the community, noting that Elizabeth House’s work would not be possible without the dedication of its partners. The Center for Mother & Child Wellbeing, which serves as a space for education and gathering, was opened to the public for guided tours led by key volunteers and board members at this event.
The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to breaking the cycles of homelessness through trauma-informed care, mentorship, lifelong connection, and strategic pathways for women and children to thrive. Elizabeth House is proud to have served the community for the past 30 years and looks forward to continuing its work for the next 30 and beyond, alongside its incredible partners and supporters.
Elizabeth House is the only residential program in the San Gabriel Valley providing holistic care and services to pregnant women and their children up to the age of five. In the past three decades, Elizabeth House has supported more than 1,000 women and children through its residential program, which provides shelter, case management, wellness resources, life skills training, access to educational grants, mentorship, and mental health services designed to empower pregnant and parenting women while breaking the cycle of trauma and homelessness.
