A woman holding and kissing a sleeping baby in a field of daisies.

Built on Faith. Rooted in Love.

Mama’s House Ministries is more than a maternity home. We’re a community. One built on the belief that every woman deserves dignity, hope, and a real chance to create a beautiful life for herself and her children.

Two newborn babies lying in a crib, wrapped in blankets and wearing white striped hats. The baby on the left is sleeping, while the baby on the right is awake, looking at the camera.

Our Mission

Mama’s House Ministries provides a safe, Christ-centered home for women facing crisis pregnancies. Through faith, love, guidance, education, and life-skills training, women are empowered to make life-affirming choices — whether parenting their child or choosing adoption — to build healthy, independent futures.

Three women and a baby at a celebration or gathering, with water glasses and tableware in front of them, smiling and posing for a photo in a decorated room.

Our Vision

A world where no woman faces an unplanned pregnancy without a safe place to turn — and the support she needs to build something beautiful from where she stands.

A woman with long, blonde hair holding a smiling toddler girl in the air outdoors near a palm tree and a beige wall.

Our Values

  • Faith — Everything we do flows from a deep, Christ-centered love for each woman and child.

  • Dignity — We meet every resident with grace, respect, and the belief that her life has immeasurable worth.

  • Empowerment — We don’t do things for women; we equip them to do it themselves.

  • Transformation — We believe in lasting change — not just temporary relief.

  • Community — We are better, stronger, and more hopeful together.

Virtual Tour - Anne Silverstein Campus

Our Founder’s Story

A Quiet Prompting. A Wholehearted Yes.

Mama's House Ministries was founded by Jan Lupia, a woman with a clear calling to serve. Before founding Mama's House, Jan navigated a difficult chapter of her life that included unplanned pregnancies and two abortions. Over time, her life was transformed by her faith in God, and while volunteering at a Pregnancy Center, she heard what she describes as a quiet prompting from God: "Your work with the unborn is not done."

In 2011, Jan shared her vision with Anne Silverstein and Pat McDonnell, who embraced the mission wholeheartedly from the start. They opened Mama's House in a five-bedroom home, offering housing and support for pregnant women and their babies.

Since opening its doors to residents in July 2013, women and babies have found nurturing support and a place to begin again at Mama's House. In August 2025, the ministry expanded to a larger campus capable of serving up to 36 women at a time. As the need grows, so does the love behind this mission.

“Love Lives Here.” — The heart of everything we do.

A woman with blonde hair, red lipstick, wearing a black blazer and a gold cross necklace, smiling against a blurred background.

Jan Lupia, Founder

A woman with long blonde hair smiling, wearing a black top and a gold necklace with a cross pendant.

Anne Silverstein, Co-Founder

A smiling middle-aged woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing teardrop earrings and a black top, at a formal event.

Patricia McDonnell, Co-Founder & Board Member

Transforming Lives, One at a Time

Since 2013, Mama’s House Ministries has walked alongside hundreds of women and babies — providing safe housing, loving guidance, and practical support at one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.

900+

Women and babies served since opening our doors in 2013.

36

Women we can now serve on our expanded campus.

30+

Community partners offering additional resources and support.

12–18 Months

Of housing offered — one of the most comprehensive timelines in the country.

Founders

A smiling middle-aged woman with blonde hair styled in waves, wearing a black blazer and a gold cross necklace, standing in front of a blurred background.

  • Jan Lupia Founder of Mama’s House Ministries, stepped out in faith in March 2012 with a simple but powerful vision: to create a safe, loving home for women in crisis. Just over a year later, that vision became reality when Mama’s House welcomed its first resident in July 2013. As Jan walked closely alongside the women she served, she recognized that lasting transformation required more than shelter alone. This insight led her to establish the Hope Center, an extension of the ministry offering education, counseling, and vital community support.

A smiling woman with long blonde hair wearing a black top and a cross necklace.

  • Anne connected with Mama’s House Founder Jan Lupia in 2005, forming a deep and immediate bond rooted in shared faith and a passion for serving women in crisis. In 2011, when Jan shared her vision to create a ministry supporting pregnant women, Anne felt called to come alongside her without hesitation. With a longstanding heart for mothers and their babies, she offered steadfast encouragement, compassion, and financial support to help bring the vision to life.

    As Co-Founder of Mama’s House and now an Honorary Board Director, Anne has played a vital role in the organization’s founding and continued growth. She witnessed the rapid progress of the founding team—from securing nonprofit status to opening the first home within a year.

    Anne’s commitment to the mission is exemplified through her extraordinary generosity, including a multi-million-dollar gift to help create the organization’s new campus, which is named in her honor. Her investment reflects a deep belief in providing women in crisis with a safe, supportive environment where they can rebuild their lives. She remains dedicated to ensuring that each woman who enters Mama’s House is equipped with the resources, stability, and hope needed to build a strong future for herself and her child.

A smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing hoop earrings and a black top, at an indoor event.
A smiling woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing hoop earrings and a black top, at an indoor event.

  • Patricia McDonnell is Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Mama’s House Ministries. Following her retirement in 2023, she returned to help guide the organization through a significant season of growth, restructuring, and expansion of its new campus.

    With a lifelong commitment to serving vulnerable populations, Patricia has led her family foundation since 1998, focusing on supporting at-risk children across diverse communities. Her extensive experience in the nonprofit sector continues to shape the mission, vision, and strategic direction of Mama’s House.

    She is passionate about fostering a Christ-centered environment where women in crisis are met with compassion, dignity, and the resources needed to rebuild their lives. Patricia is deeply grateful for the community of supporters who make this work possible.

    Her vision reflects a commitment to building more than a place of refuge—creating a foundation where lives are restored, families are strengthened, and every woman is reminded she is valued and never alone.

Board of Directors

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  • Allen Sabbag is an accomplished executive, entrepreneur, and investor with extensive experience in senior leadership, private equity, and business development. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of New Hampshire and has served in CEO roles across franchising, brand licensing, and a private equity-backed high-speed internet services company. He is also the owner of a data management company and an active angel investor.

    Allen and his wife have supported Mama’s House since its founding, with Allen serving on the Board of Directors for the past three years. He has helped guide the organization’s growth and expand its impact, supporting more young mothers on their path to stability.

    Guided by his Christian faith, Allen is passionate about life-affirming work that strengthens families. He values Mama’s House for its holistic approach, equipping mothers with the resources and support needed to build a positive future for themselves and their children.

A smiling middle-aged woman with blonde hair, wearing large pearl earrings, a pearl necklace, and a blue and white patterned blouse, standing indoors against a blurred background.

  • Dori Anderson is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, and holds an MBA from UCLA. She brings extensive experience in business strategy and design from her years as a Partner at Anderson-Gillette Interiors, where she led projects that combined creative vision with thoughtful execution and collaboration.

    Her professional background reflects a strong ability to navigate complex initiatives, apply strategic insight, and deliver creative solutions—skills that directly support her work with mission-driven organizations. She is known for her attention to detail, leadership, and commitment to excellence.

    An active member of Palm Desert Presbyterian Community Church, Dori has been a dedicated and hands-on supporter of Mama’s House for many years. Her involvement is rooted in a deep commitment to faith-based service and a passion for helping women in crisis find stability and hope.

    As a newly appointed member of the Board of Directors, Dori brings both strategic perspective and creative insight, contributing to the organization’s continued growth and long-term vision.

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  • Heather Partida Meaney serves as an Associate Board Member and holds a deep love for the Coachella Valley community. Her connection to Mama’s House is both personal and purposeful, as she was the organization’s very first resident. Through that experience, Heather gained a profound understanding of the life-changing impact that a safe, supportive environment can have on women and children in crisis.

    Her lived experience allows her to connect authentically with residents, offering empathy, encouragement, and hope. It also fuels her ongoing passion for advocating for life and expanding awareness of the resources and opportunities Mama’s House provides for future generations.

    Professionally, Heather began her full-time career in real estate in 2014 and is a licensed Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in Indian Wells. With more than a decade of experience spanning customer service, marketing, management, and sales, she brings a well-rounded skill set to both her professional work and her role in supporting the mission of Mama’s House.

A smiling elderly man wearing a dark blazer, striped dress shirt, and a gold button, standing in front of an abstract, colorful background.

  • John Flavio is a seasoned finance executive with more than 35 years of experience, including over 30 years as Chief Financial Officer and 15 years serving publicly traded companies. He has led successful capital raises through venture financing, debt, and public offerings, and has guided organizations through acquisitions, sales, and periods of rapid growth.

    His career includes work with leading companies such as Google, Postini, Keynote Systems, Mosaix, Lucent, and Fairchild Semiconductor. He began his career at Arthur Young & Company (now Ernst & Young), building a strong foundation in accounting and financial leadership.

    In addition to his professional accomplishments, John has been actively engaged in civic and charitable leadership. He has served as an officer and director for organizations including Samaritan House, the Entrepreneurs Foundation, and the Coalition of Publicly Traded Partnerships, reflecting his commitment to strengthening communities and supporting those in need.

    John holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Santa Clara University and has completed executive studies at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

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  • Jon Harnish is an experienced attorney with a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in labor and employment law, representing some of the nation’s largest employers. Early in his career, he served as a Chief Deputy District Attorney and municipal judge, establishing a strong foundation in public service and legal leadership.

    He earned his undergraduate degree from Willamette University and his law degree from the University of Colorado. Jon has been actively engaged in civic, educational, and charitable leadership, serving in roles with organizations including the United Way Alexis de Tocqueville Society, Pacific Crest Outward Bound School, Friends of the Children, and Young Life. He also served two terms on the Lake Oswego School District Board of Directors and was a member of the Bank of Oswego Board of Directors.

    Jon joined the Mama’s House Board of Directors in 2022 and previously served as Acting Chairman. He continues to serve on the Executive and Governance Committees, supporting the organization’s growth and advancing its Christ-centered mission to empower women in crisis.

A smiling older woman wearing a red dress and pearl necklace standing next to a decorated Christmas tree with ornaments and lights, at a holiday event.

  • Kris brings more than 20 years of professional experience in human resources, with a strong background in leadership development and organizational growth. She began her career in training with Pan American World Airways and went on to serve as a Human Resources Manager at Maritz Travel Company, where she focused on staffing and employee development.

    Kris earned a Master’s degree in Counseling from Loyola Marymount University and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Riverside. She later served as Director of Human Resources at Boeing Electron Dynamic Devices, Inc., where she led initiatives in leadership training and organizational development.

    Drawn to Mama’s House for its faith-based mission and commitment to education, stability, and long-term independence for mothers, Kris brings both professional expertise and personal passion to her role. As a resident of La Quinta, she values the opportunity to support women and families in her community.

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  • Suzy has been an active and dedicated board member since February 2022, contributing her time, expertise, and leadership to support the organization’s mission. Professionally, she is a Leisure Travel Specialist, where she assists clients in planning meaningful and memorable travel experiences. In addition to her work in travel, Suzy has a strong background in accounting and bookkeeping, bringing valuable financial insight and organizational skills to the teams she serves.

    Suzy is deeply involved in her local community and actively participates in several organizations, including the Renaissance Homeowners Association, the Clancy Lane Protective Board, and the Rancho Mirage Republican Women’s Association. She is also a committed member of Sacred Heart Church, where she remains engaged in her faith and service. As a full-time resident of the Coachella Valley, Suzy is passionate about strengthening her community and supporting initiatives that make a lasting, positive impact.

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  • Tricia brings a dynamic blend of entrepreneurial experience, marketing expertise, and community leadership to the Mama’s House Board of Directors. She began her career in the oil and gas industry in Oklahoma before transitioning to the legal field in Dallas, where she worked for a large firm.

    After relocating to Palm Desert, Tricia and her husband co-founded and grew several successful local businesses. She now leverages her strengths in marketing, team leadership, and event coordination to support initiatives that drive engagement and community impact.

    Tricia is deeply involved in philanthropic efforts across the Coachella Valley, supporting organizations such as Eisenhower Health Foundation’s Circle of Stars, McCallum Theatre Muses, Well of the Desert, and Dogs for Our Brave. Her passion for service, combined with her business acumen, plays a key role in advancing the mission and visibility of Mama’s House.

Leadership Team

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  • Maurae has been involved with Mama’s House Ministries since its inception, attending events, supporting its mission, and volunteering her time from the very beginning. She later served on the board for three years, including time on the Executive Committee, before stepping into her role as President. During her board service, she was instrumental in the development and build of the Anne Silverstein Campus, helping to expand the organization’s ability to serve vulnerable mothers and their babies. Her long-standing commitment to the organization gives her a deep understanding of its mission and a strong passion for its continued growth.

    She continues to serve on multiple boards and is actively engaged in community initiatives, reflecting her genuine heart for helping others and creating meaningful impact. As President of Mama’s House Ministries, Maurae brings both compassion and strategic leadership to her role, guiding the organization while strengthening the community she loves.

    Maurae has been married for over 20 years and is the proud mother of two sons, who are growing up in the Coachella Valley she has always called home.

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  • Patty Spry serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Mama’s House Ministries, bringing more than a decade of leadership experience in operations, human resources, and organizational management. With a strong background in payroll administration, compliance, staff development, and HR systems, she oversees the daily operations that support the mission and growth of the organization.

    Patty has led teams across multiple industries, managed complex HR functions including recruitment, training, conflict resolution, and benefits administration, and built efficient operational structures that strengthen workplace culture and performance. Known for her steady leadership and commitment to excellence, she ensures that Mama’s House remains compliant, mission-aligned, and equipped to serve mothers and children with compassion and professionalism.

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  • Emily Dickson brings over 12 years of direct service experience supporting survivors of human trafficking, as well as vulnerable youth and women, through trauma-informed, survivor-centered practices. She began her career in 2013 as a Human Trafficking Advocate and Mentor and has since remained committed to advancing comprehensive care and community awareness.

    Her work has included providing supportive services to survivors and educating community partners on the prevention and awareness of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC). She has been recognized for her impact with the Children’s Network Community Service Provider of the Year award in 2015 and 2017 (with the Open Door team), as well as additional recognition from State Assembly offices.

    Emily currently serves as Chief Program Officer at Mama’s House, where she oversees program development and service delivery for pregnant and parenting young mothers, continuing to drive ethical, trauma-informed care and collaborative community impact.

A woman with dark, curly hair smiling at the camera, wearing a black blazer over a black top, with a small necklace, against a plain gray background.

  • Molly Ramirez was born and raised on the coast of Maine and came to faith in Christ as an adult through a life-changing experience that reshaped her path. She went on to serve in Child Protective Services in Texas and later held a management role at a maternity home in the Dallas area, where she developed a passion for supporting women in need.

    In March 2025, Molly felt called to the Coachella Valley and joined Mama’s House in October 2025 as Program Support Coordinator. She became Campus Manager in January 2026, where she is committed to fostering a supportive, Christ-centered environment for staff and residents to grow and thrive.

Administrative Staff

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Cynthia Butac-Arnold, Volunteer Coordinator

Melissa Mexia, Executive Assistant

Illona Anderson, Administrative Operations

Patti Storie, Group Facilitator

Anthony DeStevens, Accounting Manager

Honorary Board Members–In Memory

We honor our former board members who served Mama's House with faith, love, and unwavering commitment. Though they have passed on, their work lives on in the mothers and babies we help. Their legacy is eternal.

  • John Anderson

  • Zoila Orlett

  • Barbara Waddell

  • Dan Myers

  • Dr. Vincent Nola

  • Arthur Lupia

  • Al Annexstad

  • Peter Asten

  • Ron Auen

  • Judy Billings

  • Carl Bryant

  • Pastor Craig Cunningham

  • Karen Heiferman

  • JoAnn McGrath

  • Lou Obradovich

  • Duane Roisen

  • Peter VanDyck

  • Victoria Wilson

  • Betty Myers

  • Kellii Rinker

  • Guy Turnage

The Campus

A small outdoor memorial area with benches and engraved plaques on the ground featuring prayers, quotes, and dedications, surrounded by plants and a fountain in the background.
A memorial wall with engraved plaques, some of which include Bible verses and dedications. Prominently features a plaque from Mama's House Ministries, founded by Jan and Art Lupia, dated March 29, 2012. Other plaques commemorate individuals with thei
Photograph of a display board titled 'Our Founders' with photos of three women, Anne Silverstein, Jan Lupia, and Pat McDonnell, identified as co-founders, with their names and titles underneath. The display is part of a logo that says 'Mama's House'
Wall display titled 'Love Lives Here' with multiple white panels featuring names and monetary ranges, arranged in a row.
Children's outdoor play area with various toys including a small climbing house, ride-on cars, scooters, and a slide, situated on artificial grass with a brick wall, trees, and shade structures in the background.
A pathway in a backyard garden with shrubs, trees, a terracotta wall, outdoor benches, and a white house.
A memorial plaque dedicated to the babies of a house, with a quote from Psalm 127:3, surrounded by small plants and gravel, with a brick wall and some greenery in the background.
Modern white residential buildings with tiled roofs, desert landscaping, palm trees in the background, and mountain scenery under clear blue sky.
Welcome mat with mosaic design reading 'Welcome to the Anne Silverstein Campus for Moms' Love Lives Here', dated May 4, 2020, placed on a tiled floor.
A laundry room with a large gray refrigerator, a marble countertop island, and four white top-loading washing machines.
A young man holding a certificate in front of two women at an award ceremony.
Artwork featuring a large brown cross and a red house shape with a white heart in the center, containing text about Mama's House Ministries.
Construction site with new houses being built, ladders and workers visible, and dirt ground in the foreground under a clear blue sky.
A dining room with a wooden table, black chairs, a vase of white flowers, and three framed prints on the wall with words 'faith', 'hope', and 'love'.
A small outdoor memorial with a curved modern sculpture canopy, surrounded by landscaped plants and benches, with two motivational plaques on a brick wall in the background.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, a marble countertop island, stainless steel appliances, and black dining chairs around a dining table with a vase of white flowers.
Two baby high chairs with blue and pink game controllers on the tray, positioned next to each other in a room with plain gray walls and a doorway leading to another room with a ceiling fan.
Living room decorated for Christmas with a Christmas tree with pink ribbons and a star topper, a wall-mounted TV, a brown leather sofa with pillows, a white crocheted blanket, a small table with toys, and a dining area with black chairs.
Construction workers are pouring concrete on a building site, with some workers using tools and others guiding the concrete. There are construction materials, a partially built foundation, and a small boat-shaped sandbox on the ground. The site is en
Construction workers pouring concrete foundation with rebar grid, in a residential neighborhood with palm trees and mountains in the background.
An aerial view of a construction site in a residential area. There are several houses, parked cars, a construction crane pouring concrete, and exposed building foundations.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a dining table with black chairs, and clear plastic bar stools.
A group of people standing in front of a building with a sign that reads "Welcome to the Anne Silverstein Campus for Mama's House." They appear to be at an opening or dedication event, with a woman in the center holding a pair of scissors cutting a r
Room decorated for an event with multiple rectangular tables covered with coral-colored tablecloths, surrounded by white chairs, and small decorative pumpkins and embellishments on the tables. The walls are white, featuring a large mural of a house w
Two women standing close together, smiling at the camera. The woman on the left is wearing a blue dress with ruffled sleeves and a name tag, and the woman on the right is wearing a black sleeveless top with tattoos on her arms and a name tag. They are indoors, with a bookshelf visible in the background.

The People Behind the Mission

Our team of dedicated professionals and volunteers brings together expertise in social work, counseling, nursing, ministry, and community advocacy. All are united by a shared calling to love and serve women in crisis.