What is the Saint Margaret of Castello Maternity Home?
The Saint Margaret of Castello Maternity Home (SMOC), founded in 1986, is a registered non-profit devoted to supporting pregnant women, children and parents. We provide pregnancy and parenting support to community members and also offer maternity housing when appropriate. SMOC is the longest continually active maternity home in the Delaware Valley. The Home provides residents support, guidance, and physical security in a stable environment, throughout a woman’s pregnancy and postpartum period. Community clients and residents are eligible for the same resources.
What are the services the Home can provide?
- Pregnancy counseling and classes
- Infant care and parenting skills training
- Nutrition and life skills classes
- Pregnancy tests
- Family intervention
- Housing referrals
- Adoption information and referrals by request
- Maternity and baby clothes
- Substance use treatment and mental health referrals
Do I have to pay for these services?
No. All services are provided free of charge, thanks to donations from generous and loving supporters.
Does the Home provide for the resident’s daily needs?
Yes. We provide a secure and comfortable place to sleep and enjoy the companionship of other women, who are also preparing for motherhood.
Do you tell my family and friends that I am staying there?
No. We respect your confidentiality.
What about after I move out?
The only thing that changes is your living situation. You are still eligible for the same support from SMOC including one on one sessions with parenting counselors and assistance with baby items until your child's first birthday
Do many moms choose adoption plans?
No. Less than 1% of our residents choose adoption. In order to help each resident make this individual and personal decision about her child’s future, the Home provides referrals to adoption counseling professionals.
What if I don’t feel ready to have a baby?
To help you prepare, each resident has access to classes such as pregnancy and parenting education, breastfeeding, self care and much more. Referrals are made to professionals who can guide you in the areas of childbirth and labor, address special medical needs, and counsel on building healthy relationships. Referrals can be made to adoption professionals by request.
Will you still help me after I give birth?
All individuals are eligible for support until a child's 1st birthday. We also provide a list of resources upon completion of providers who support children until school-age.
Are any services available for the baby’s father?
The same services are available to birth fathers who are involved in the pregnancy and the early life of the baby.
How is a resident accepted into The Saint Margaret Home?
Women are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, after meeting with staff. If our services are not appropriate, we will refer you to an agency best suited to meet your needs. Call us at 215.245.8039 to schedule a phone interview.
Do I have to be Catholic or Christian to be a resident?
No. The Saint Margaret Home loves, accepts, and cares for young women regardless of race, religion, creed, or national origin.
How can I help The Saint Margaret Home with its ministry?
• Remember us in your prayers
• Sponsor a fund-raising event at your home, school, restaurant or parish
• Ask your employer about their gift-matching program
• Refer us to new funding sources
• Make monetary donations
• Make bequests by will or life insurance policy
• Make contributions in memory of a loved one
• Donate new baby clothing or furniture
• Use our United Way Donor Choice number (#8986)
• Volunteer your time
For more information about how to get involved in any of these ways, please call us at 215.245.8039.
Who was Saint Margaret of Castello?
Margaret of Castello (1287-1320) is considered the patron of the unwanted. She was born dreadfully deformed; a dwarf, totally blind, suffering from severe scoliosis and so lame she could hardly walk. When she was only six years old, Margaret’s father had her walled up in a small cell attached to a forest church. At seventeen, Margaret’s parents, seeking a miraculous cure, took her on a pilgrimage to the medieval Italian city of Castello. When the miracle failed to occur, she was abandoned by her parents.
Margaret became a beggar and was befriended by other beggars. She eventually became a Dominican and dedicated herself to visiting the imprisoned and to comforting the sick and dying. She was always compassionate, sensitive and understanding to others and brought peace wherever she went. Margaret is interred under the main altar of the Church of Saint Dominic, Citta-di-Castello, Italy. Two hundred years after her death, on June 9, 1558, her body was exhumed and although never embalmed, was perfectly preserved. Margaret’s body is still incorrupt some 600 years after her death. She became a Saint in April 2021.
Saint Margaret of Castello Maternity Home
P.O. Box 361
Bensalem, PA 19020
215.245.8039
Email: smoc@smocmaternityhome.org
Facebook- SMOC Maternity Home
Instagram- smoc_maternityhome