At Saint Louise House, we believe that a stable home is the foundation for a child’s success, not just in school, but in life. This belief is supported by a recent study published in Pediatrics, which reveals the profound impact housing security has on children’s health and well-being. The study tracked nearly 5,000 children from birth to age 15 and found that those who experienced housing insecurity were more likely to face health challenges, including higher rates of depressive symptoms and poorer overall health, by the time they reached adolescence.

But the effects of housing instability go beyond health. For children facing uncertain living conditions, school can become an overwhelming challenge. Frequent moves, doubling up with other families, and missed rent payments disrupt their ability to focus, participate, and thrive academically. Yet, when children have a stable home, they are better equipped to excel in their education, building a foundation for a brighter future.

Dreaming Big: The Aspirations of Young Scholars at Saint Louise House

At Saint Louise House, we are privileged to witness the dreams and aspirations of the children in our community. During our recent Back-to-School Night, we asked the students what they want to be when they grow up, and their answers were nothing short of inspiring.

Among the dreams shared were:

• Engineer.
• An artist and tattooist.
• Lawyer.
• Teacher.
• Writer.
• Nurse.
• Firefighter.
• Police officer.
• Chick-fil-a worker.
• Successful.

These aspirations remind us of the incredible potential within each child. But achieving these dreams requires more than just hope—it requires a supportive environment that nurtures their growth and development.

We also asked students what makes a good peer or friend.
Their responses highlighted the values that thrive in a community like ours:

• They make you feel accepted.
• They do things with you.
• They’re a good listener.
• They’re kind.
• They don’t leave you out.
• We understand each other.
• They tell the truth even when it’s tough.

These values of kindness, empathy, and support are the cornerstones of the environment we strive to create at Saint Louise House. By fostering these qualities, we help children build strong, positive relationships that will support them throughout their lives.

Saint Louise House mothers also had the chance to reflect on what makes their children special.
Their answers touched our hearts:

• Being herself.
• His sense of humor, how caring he is and how big his heart is.
• She is my angel. My inspiration.
• His big heart and his intelligence. He has a lot of love to give.

These responses highlight the unique strengths and talents of each child, qualities that will help them succeed as they grow.

Supporting Success: How Saint Louise House Makes a Difference

The path to academic success is not always easy, especially for children who have faced the challenges of housing instability. At Saint Louise House, we recognize the barriers families may face—whether it’s catching up after a move, navigating a new school, or simply staying focused amid the stress of uncertainty. That’s why we are committed to providing the support families need to overcome these challenges and succeed.

Our comprehensive support services are designed to help families thrive. This includes not only providing stable housing but also offering educational resources, life skills workshops, and access to mental health support. For example:

• Educational Resources: We provide school supplies, tutoring, and access to technology to ensure children have what they need to excel academically.
• Life Skills Workshops: We offer workshops that teach parents how to advocate for their children’s education, manage household budgets, and navigate the challenges of parenthood.
• Health and Wellness Support: Recognizing the link between mental health and academic success, we connect families with counseling and mental health services to help them navigate stress and build resilience.

The impact of this support is evident in the school readiness and educational achievements of children at Saint Louise House.  Our comprehensive family engagement services lead to improved school readiness for the youngest children of Saint Louise House and improved attendance rates for school age students.  Year over year, 95-100% of students at Saint Louise House advanced to the next grade level progressing toward high school completion. These successes are a testament to the strength and determination of these families, as well as the importance of the stability we provide.

Empowering a Brighter Future

As we look ahead to the new school year, we are filled with hope and excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead. At Saint Louise House, we believe in the power of education, empowerment, and resilience. With the support of a stable home and a nurturing community, children can achieve great things. Together, we are building a future where every child can succeed, no matter their circumstances. Here’s to a year of growth, discovery, and the endless possibilities that come from having a strong and stable foundation.