Maria House – Baskets Of Care

What are Baskets Of Care?  Well in order to understand that, you’ll first need some background information about Dubuque’s very own Maria House.

It’s almost time to decorate those eggs and indulge in candy – Easter is approaching quickly (April 12th) and some people may not get the opportunity to celebrate the holiday.  That’s why organizations like Maria House here in Dubuque, Iowa are starting to gather materials to build baskets.  The baskets are intended for families who receive aid from Maria House so that everyone can celebrate Easter and have fun during the Easter holiday.

Sherry McDonell who has been a member of Maria House since before it opened explained to us the way the organization works.  Sherry, who “absolutely loves working for Maria House” explains:

Maria House provides transitional housing for women with children who are in need of shelter.  Starting in 1989, women of the city council came across a grant for homeless women and women with children to provide housing.  After speaking with women in a religious order and some planning and making renovations to the building located at 1561 Jackson Street, Maria House opened in September of 2000.

Women can live at Maria House for up to two years. During that time they get supportive services and set goals so they are given the opportunity to become self-sufficient again and get back on their feet.

Runde’s donated a box full of hats, stuffed toy monkeys, bottled water, and other various items that will be going into the Easter baskets … Baskets Of Care. McDonell explains that typically, when children first come into the Maria House, they are a little bashful, shy, and separated, but events like Easter help them open up and get involved. Staff and volunteers  get together a day before Easter to fill the baskets of care. It’s a fun day, behind the scenes, where the staff (which consists of six part-time and five full-time members as well as volunteers) gets together to assemble the baskets. Since they know each child, they can individualize what goes into the baskets.

Easter is celebrated by decorating eggs which is a ” fun and messy activity” where kids from 5 months to 16-years-old participate. There is also a special meal that is provided, which the families get to choose.  This year it happens to be ham. When it comes time to eat the meal, all of the families sit down together and eat on an oak table that sits about 20 people.  The huge dinner table was donated by the monks from the monastery just south of Dubuque.

Maria House celebrates all holidays and birthdays. They aim to make it a family friendly environment and make every event important and special. Sponsors and donations help continue to make organizations like this exist, “We really appreciate Runde Auto Group thinking about us” McDonell stated as she was explaining the importance of community. These organizations give people that didn’t have the opportunity to celebrate much a chance to enjoy themselves on the holidays and Runde’s is proud to be part of their community. Thank you Maria House!

Check out the Maria House Website here if you’re interested in making a contribution or donation.

Below is a short video walk-around of some of the community rooms in the Maria House.