For the first time since Mary's Shelter was founded in 1994, the Orange County nonprofit has adopted a new name, Mary's Path. When it was founded more than 20 years ago, Mary's Shelter was set up as just that - a shelter - a place for troubled teenage girls who were pregnant or recently had a baby.
Today, Mary's Path offers far more than just shelter, and its new name reflects the expansive role it plays in the lives of these young girls with traumatic histories.
Many of the teens that come to Mary's Path have experienced extreme trauma, abuse and sexual exploitation and trafficking. They come from throughout Southern California, mostly from the foster care system, arriving with little more than hope.
Mary’s Path also welcomes inquiries requiring volunteering, mentoring and donations.
Please visit their new website a www.MarysPath.org.
Ellen Roy, Mary’s Path Executive Director is a former corporate executive of 20+ years and joined the organization in 2016.
She grew up with a childhood that is similar to some of the teens who come to Mary’s Path today, so she relates to many of them on a personal level.
Ellen has two main priorities: first, making changes intended to help the girls begin the path to recovery from their traumas and begin thriving in life, and second, letting the community know that their support is desperately needed.
For more information, visit their website here!
Kari Steele sat down with Ellen Roy, executive director of Mary’sPath, Ellen Roy drives the mission and vision of the Tustin nonprofit organization that provides a safe home for pregnant teens and young mothers.