Laura’s Story

Fox News: Arizona Nonprofit Provides Safe Place and Support for Homeless, Pregnant Moms: 'Owe My Blessings to Them'

Article appeared in Fox News | By: Christine Rousselle | Photo Credit: Adobe Stock (stock photo)

A network of homes for vulnerable pregnant women in Arizona has assisted over 1,000 women since its first home opened in May 2000 — and it’s looking to expand even more in the New Year of 2024.

Back in the late ’90s, “Five young women made a commitment to live together in community and create a home that could welcome others,” Laura Magruder, chief executive officer of Maggie’s Place, told Fox News Digital.

Inspired by their Catholic faith and the Catholic Worker tradition, the five co-founders “shared a common interest in social justice and establishing a ‘house of hospitality,’” said Magruder, who joined the organization in 2013.

“The women spent months discussing, researching and laying the groundwork,” she said.

Along with the help of friends and volunteers, the five turned a vacant bungalow in downtown Phoenix that was built in 1926 into “The Magdalene House,” said Magruder.

“Maggie’s Place was born nine months after construction began when the house welcomed its first mothers and opened its doors on May 13, 2000,” she said.