The House of Mary

COMPASSION - HOPE EMPOWERMENT - FREEDOM

Assisting Women In Transition From Prison, Community Reentry, Employment, And Independent Living.

COMPASSION - HOPE - EMPOWERMENT - FREEDOM

What We Do

Transitional Housing

Marys House is safe, secure, and affordable housing. This is key to women’s ability to successfully transition from jail or prison.

Behavioral Health Services

Our Behavioral Specialist support our customers through, growth, recovery with a focus on maintaining healthy relationships.

Job Training

Pre­par­ing to work is often more than learn­ing a par­tic­u­lar set of skills. Women return­ing first need to address the trauma they have exper­i­enced.

Employment Assistance

Find­ing work after incar­cer­a­tion is chal­len­ging but we can help you. Our strategic partnerships with various businesses allows recently incarcerated women a change at a new beginning.

Group Therapy

People participating in the group can see that others are going through the same thing, which can help them feel less alone. Group members can serve as role models for other members of the group.

Peer Support

Individuals come together, overseen by a trained peer support specialist or facilitator, to talk with one another about their experiences, struggles and challenges.

Our Why?

At The House of Mary, we believe every woman deserves a second chance. Too often, women leaving prison face overwhelming barriers—limited resources, broken support systems, and the weight of stigma. Without the right guidance, many return to prison not because they reoffended, but because they lacked the tools to successfully reenter society.

Our mission is to change that cycle. We provide compassion, hope, and empowerment so women can rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose. By walking alongside them through reentry, employment, and independent living, we help open doors to freedom—so every woman has the opportunity to create a future filled with possibility.

The House of Mary

Core Beliefs

At The House of Mary, compassion is the cornerstone of everything we do. We understand that every woman we serve has a unique story marked by struggle, loss, and resilience. By meeting each woman with empathy and kindness, we create an environment where healing can begin. Compassion reminds us that our role is not to judge, but to walk alongside each resident as she builds a new chapter of her life.

Through compassion, we build trust and restore dignity. From the first meal shared to the daily encouragement offered, our goal is to make each woman feel seen, valued, and supported. Compassion allows us to bridge the gap between past mistakes and future possibilities, turning pain into purpose.

Hope is the spark that ignites transformation. Many women arrive at The House of Mary carrying the weight of despair, believing their circumstances will never change. We believe that hope is not just a feeling, but a powerful force that fuels the courage to keep going. By offering stability and support, we give women the tools to envision and pursue brighter futures.

Every success story at The House of Mary begins with hope. Whether it’s a job interview, reconnecting with family, or achieving independent living, hope transforms obstacles into opportunities. It is our mission to nurture that hope until it grows strong enough for each woman to carry it within herself.

Empowerment is at the heart of lasting change. We equip women with the resources, education, and life skills necessary to succeed beyond our doors. From financial literacy to career development, empowerment means giving each resident the tools to take control of her future.

At The House of Mary, empowerment also means instilling confidence. We believe in celebrating progress, no matter how small, and reminding women of their strength and potential. True empowerment is not about providing temporary fixes, but about preparing women to thrive independently and with pride.

Freedom is more than release from prison—it is the ability to live fully, without fear of returning to the same cycles. At The House of Mary, freedom means having the stability, resources, and confidence to make choices that lead to a healthy and fulfilling life. It is the ultimate goal of our program and the reason behind every service we provide.

We believe freedom should not be limited by past mistakes. By fostering a supportive environment and connecting women to opportunities, we help them discover that true freedom is found in self-sufficiency, personal growth, and the courage to write their own story.

HELP US HELP US!

Funding Projects 2025/26

Food & Nutrition

Nutritious meals are a foundation for stability. Donations help us provide groceries, hot meals, and kitchen supplies so women can focus on rebuilding their lives without worrying about their next meal.

Clothing & Work Attire

Appropriate clothing is essential for confidence and opportunity. From everyday wear to professional attire for job interviews, donated clothing empowers women to take their next steps with dignity.

Personal Care Products

Basic hygiene items such as toiletries, feminine products, and self-care essentials are often overlooked but deeply needed. These donations allow women to care for themselves, restore self-worth, and move forward with confidence.

Join us in breaking the cycle. Your donation of food, groceries, or financial support directly impacts the lives of women working hard to rebuild after prison. Every meal you help provide brings stability, dignity, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Give today—because nourishment is the first step to freedom.

The House of Mary

Executive Team

Natasha Patterson

Founder

Natasha graduated from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in

Anttwain Dobbins

Vice President

Robbin Nichols

Treasurer

Nicole Mattox

Director

Trevon Patterson

Director

Melonee Cornish

Director

The House of Mary Gala 2025

THOM Showcase

JOIN US

Become A Proud Volunteer.

Becoming a volunteer for The House of Mary is more than just giving your time — it’s an opportunity to make a direct impact in the lives of women and families who need support the most. By sharing your skills, compassion, and presence, you become part of a mission dedicated to creating a fresh start, a nurturing environment where every woman reentering the world feels valued, loved, and supported on their journey toward healing and growth.

As a volunteer, you don’t just serve — you help build a stronger community. Whether it’s mentoring, lending a hand at events, or offering behind-the-scenes support, your involvement helps sustain the vital work of The House of Mary. In return, you’ll gain meaningful connections, personal growth, and the reward of knowing you’re changing lives in a powerful way.

TESTIMONIALS

Client Feedback

The nearest district hospital from Rupen village is close to 105 km. The nearest maternal health clinic is approximately 32 km. The town has poor roads and no mobile network connectivity. The nearest district hospital from Rupen village.

Jessica H. Andar

Former Resident, THOM

“Before The House of Mary, I felt invisible. Here, people saw me for who I am and who I could become. They helped me find work, taught me how to budget, and even supported me emotionally when things got tough. I finally believe in myself again.”

Kim K. Kados

Former Resident, THOM

“When I came to The House of Mary, I was broken and unsure if I could make it on the outside. The staff welcomed me with open arms and treated me with dignity. They helped me set goals, taught me new skills, and reminded me every day that I am capable of more than my past mistakes. Now, I see a future filled with possibilities.”

Iris I. Lados

Former Resident, THOM

“The House of Mary gave me more than shelter—they gave me hope. For the first time in years, I felt loved and supported without judgment. Because of their guidance, I’m rebuilding my life, reconnecting with my family, and dreaming of a brighter tomorrow.”

Sarah Stevenson

Former Resident, THOM