Casa Teresa   

Founded in 1976 in Santa Ana, Casa Teresa initiated as a home for pregnant women over the age of 18 who were alone and had no support. At the time, there were very few resources or shelters specifically for single, homeless pregnant women, and founders Neill and Sally Sullivan launched Casa Teresa as a four-unit building and cottage to meet the need. After nearly a decade in Santa Ana, Casa Teresa moved to its current site in Orange in 1985, where its Old Towne location ensured access to nearby stores, public transportation, and healthcare for residents. Besides accessibility, Casa Teresa has ensured that the needs of pregnant women and mothers are met by adding new programs and services. For example, we established the Hannah’s House Adoption Program in 1995 to address the needs of women interested in placing their baby with an adoptive family. In 2001, we opened the Transformation I Program to serve residents who would benefit from a longer stay with Casa Teresa, and the independent apartment building housing the Transformation II Program soon followed in 2006. We opened the Emergency Maternity Shelter (EMS)—in 2013, catering specifically to women struggling with chronic homelessness, substance abuse, and other intensive issues. We also have the Alumni Resource Center, which provides educational classes, counseling, and other supportive services for graduates from our programs.