CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – In a neighborhood in Clarksville, a home known as the Maria House has opened its doors to teenage mothers in foster care. For many of the girls who walk through the front door, it’s the first time they’ve had a steady place to live and someone willing to help them learn how to care for their babies step by step.
Operated by Agape, a Tennessee-based nonprofit that serves more than 3,500 people each year across foster care, counseling and domestic violence programs, The Maria House was created to meet a specific and often overlooked need: teenage girls in foster care who are pregnant or parenting.
(Video by Wesley Irvin)
The Maria House was created with help from an anonymous donor who had long been involved in foster care. The home was renovated and opened in September 2023. Its name was inspired by a young mother and baby, both named Maria, who were in care at the time. Since opening, the Maria House has served 16 teen mothers and nine babies.
Lorinne Vasquez, an Agape case manager, said consistent care is life-changing for these teens. In the first few months of placement, case managers and foster parents work to build trust, attending medical appointments, supervising visits, riding in the car together, and getting to know their story.
Trauma no child should endure
All of that starts at the Maria House with foster parents Troy and Rebecca Allen. The Allens have been foster parents for decades and have taken in nearly 50 children and adopted four sons. When they moved to Clarksville hoping to slow down and enjoy being grandparents, they didn’t expect to lead a home for teen mothers.
At first, they weren’t sure what they were supposed to do next, but as they saw the need, it became clear to them. “Maybe this is God telling us this is what we need to do,” Troy said. “You don’t do this unless you love it.”
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He explained that many of the girls have experienced trauma no child should endure. However, the Allens believe the foster children deserve a healthy family environment and life skills they can build on for the future.
Need has already outgrown Maria House
Success at the Maria House looks different for each young woman. It may mean finishing school, learning to parent independently, or breaking a cycle so their own children never enter foster care.
Ami Parker, Agape’s director of social services, says teen moms in foster care need the same things any new parent needs. They need meals, baby supplies, encouragement, someone to call in the middle of the night when the baby won’t stop crying, and love without judgment.
The need, however, is greater than one house. Agape receives regular calls about pregnant teens needing placement. Due to limited space they cannot accept every request. There is also little support for young moms who age out of foster care and still need guidance as they step into adulthood.
Support can take many forms, giving financially, volunteering time, providing respite care, or beginning the journey to become a foster family. If you would like to support the mission of Agape and The Maria House, you can visit their website to learn how to give or get involved.
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