How 100+ Women Who Care Are Transforming Lives at The Moms House

When a group of compassionate women unites around a shared purpose, the results can be life changing. That’s exactly what happened when 100+ Women Who Care of the Western Reserve selected The Moms House – a MetroHealth recovery residence for pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders – as the recipient of their latest charitable donation. Their collective generosity is helping transform the lives of mothers and children at one of the most vulnerable points in their journey.

Each quarter, members nominate and vote on a local nonprofit, combining their individual contributions into one impactful gift. At their July 22 meeting, more than 50 members heard presentations from three organizations. After thoughtful deliberation, they selected The Moms House, recognizing the urgent need for recovery-focused care for mothers and their children.

The Moms House opened in January 2021 in Cleveland’s Clark-Fulton neighborhood. It now includes two homes that provide a healthy, clean and safe living environment for pregnant and postpartum women in recovery and their children. The program is part of MetroHealth’s Mother and Child Dependency Program, led by Jessica L. Pippen, MD, FACOG, Director of the Mother and Child Dependency Program and Assistant Program Director of the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Program.

The original home was made possible through the generosity of Jacke and Eric Wiedemer, who were inspired to give back after experiencing the compassionate care that MetroHealth provided to Eric’s father. Their gift helped launch a program that now serves as a model for maternal recovery care.

Unlike many recovery programs, The Moms House embraces multiple pathways to sobriety, including medications for opioid use disorder. Residents live under a strict code of conduct in a structured, peer-accountable environment overseen by a house manager and project coordinator. While the homes do not provide clinical services on-site, residents are connected to MetroHealth’s full range of medical, behavioral health and wraparound services.

Social workers assess each woman’s needs to determine whether she is a good fit for the program. If eligible, she may live at The Moms House during her pregnancy and remain until her child is nearly two years old. The goal is not just sobriety, but long-term stability, healing and success for both mother and child.

In addition to Dr. Pippen, the program is supported by a dedicated team, including:

• Monica Matia, M.Ed., Program Coordinator
• Sharla Doss, Resident Supervisor
• Eileen Donohoe, LSW, Social Work Coordinator
• Mansi Ng, LISW-S, Social Work Coordinator

The Moms House is also generously supported by the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OHMHAS), whose partnerships help sustain and expand the program’s reach and impact. This kind of community support is essential and deeply appreciated by those who serve on the front lines.

“Community support is vital to the work we do,” said Monica. “We are incredibly grateful to 100+ Women Who Care for recognizing the importance of our mission. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of these women and families.”

The donation will help expand services for both mothers and their children. Plans include job readiness programs, transportation assistance, a hobby fund for crafts and monthly activities or outings to foster personal growth and community engagement. These tools have proven to reduce relapses and promote lasting recovery.

The Moms House team looks forward to returning to the October meeting of 100+ Women Who Care to share how the funds have been used and the impact they’ve made.

To learn more or support the program, visit our Mom's House page.