MAYA’S House provides part time drop-in day care for children of families in homelessness. Our goal is to help homeless families with child care, parenting, literacy, public health, mental health and to provide a network for community referrals.  Homeless parents can leave their children up to 10 hours a week under supervision of MAYA’S House staff while they look for a job, attempt to find housing, attend education classes or job training or work on goals that would help them achieve self-sufficiency.  Parent also receive referrals to mental and physical health care, housing, job training and other advocacy needs. (Hours: 8:00 A.M.—1:00 P.M.).

Each day trained staff, college interns and volunteers respond to the varied challenges of the children ranging from birth to 8 yrs of age.  The community room is designed with the social and emotional needs of homeless children in mind.  The caring staff and volunteers welcome children to an inviting child friendly atmosphere that is in line with reducing the stresses and trauma children in homelessness often experience. We serve a nutritious breakfast and lunch designed with attention to insecurities children may have around food.  Large indoor play areas to develop gross motor skills and a separate quiet space where children can focus on reading or crafts is also available.  Painting, drawing, Play-Doh and other therapeutic ways to explore and verbalize feelings are also employed.

Key collaborations include the Rockford Public School District #205, The Rockford Public Library, Crusader Clinic, University of Illinois Extension focused on nutrition, Grace United Methodist Church, Christ United Methodist Church and Court Street United Methodist Church, Rockford Rescue Mission's Women's Crisis Center, WAVE and Early Childhood Development Programs and the Junior League of Rockford.