About Us
Founded by five women in 2022, Sisters Haven emerged from the shared experiences of two young single mothers who, meeting three other extraordinary women with the same desire to help women and children, were inspired to create a supportive haven for those facing parenting challenges. Motivated by personal journeys of resilience, determination, empathy, and love, our founders embarked on a mission to offer compassion, resources, and hope to pregnant and parenting mothers and families in our community.
The foundation of our program is our residential house, which will offer pregnant and parenting mothers a safe and supportive environment to bring safety, stability, and transformational relationships to rebuild their lives. Our home will provide safe and comprehensive support services, including case management, counseling, life skills workshops, parenting strategies,
After the mothers leave our residential program, we will continue assisting them with wrap-around services, employment opportunities, education, and housing needs.
Our Hey Mama! outreach program takes a multifaceted approach to supporting pregnant and parenting mothers, addressing their diverse needs, and empowering them to build brighter futures for themselves and their children. We help mothers facing housing insecurity, financial hardship, and other challenges through vital resources, education, and support services while fostering a strong sense of community.
We meet with moms twice a month, providing maternal education on topics such as safe sleep, nutrition, and breastfeeding. Through partnerships with community service providers, we connect mothers with essential resources, including legal aid, transportation, and food support. Our outreach efforts have distributed hundreds of packages of diapers and wipes, provided safe sleep cribs, and created a space where women feel safe, seen, and supported. By forming bonds, sharing experiences, and learning together, mothers gain the confidence and connections they need to thrive.
Our Core Values
We value responsible behavior and choices by our staff, board and partners, as well as the women in our program
Love
Love is the cornerstone of all we do.
Growth
We value an environment of intentional growth so that pregnant/parenting women and their children will develop confidence to strengthen necessary life skills.
Character
We cherish the moral principles and values that build integrity and motivate women to grow from the challenges of motherhood and life.
Perserverance
We are committed to the women and children we serve realizing there will be obstacles to overcome on the path to change.
Community
We value reciprocal relationships and being part of something larger than oneself.
Collaboration
We value collaboration with like-minded community partners who share common goals.
Accountability
Our Team
Barbara Jacobus – Board President
Barbara was a consultant to the nonprofit sector in organizational development, strategic planning and strategic alliances for 15 years. She co-authored workbooks and journal articles and conducted classes and workshops for the nonprofit sector on behalf of Case Western Reserve University. She is a co-founder of Community Service Alliance — a nonprofit serving men emerging from homelessness by providing housing for 49 men in four homes, jobs and spiritual development. She has worked with Building Hope in The City on the development of their housing initiative and co-founded “Heal The Land” a regional forgiveness event. Barbara co-founded “Through the Storm” with True Freedom Ministries and Grace Church to bring the Love of Jesus to the homeless, addicted and incarcerated.
Barbara is a co-founder of “In Faith for Families”, a network of faith-based organizations in northeast Ohio serving women and children. She is also on the board of directors of The Community West Foundation and Community Service Alliance. Barbara has been working with nonprofit organizations personally and professionally for 25 years. Barbara lives in Rocky River, Ohio and is a member of Bay Presbyterian Church.
L to R: Julie Mallett, Shena Maddox , Barbara Jacobus, Yvonne Murchison, Amy McMaken
Shena Maddox - Executive Director - Management
Shena Maddox is devoted to empowering young mothers as God gives her the desire to help them in their motherhood journey. Her passion comes from having lived her own experience of being a single mom at a young age. She has over 25 years of combined experience working/volunteering with children and families in various settings like Church, Social Services, Mental Health Services, Community Services and being a "house mother" for teenage pregnant girls in a group home in New Jersey.
Shena co-founded Journey’s Haven in 2013 with the dreams of having a group home like the one in New Jersey... it became more of a mentoring program and support system for Mothers. She currently volunteers at Cleveland Pregnancy Center as a Facilitator for a Moms Support Group and is also the HR Manager at Above the Barre where she continues to build relationships with moms and children.
Shena is an active member of “In Faith for Families Network”.
Shena is married to Jerome Maddox III and they have 1 adult child and 2 teenagers. They reside in Berea, Ohio and are active members of Grace Church in Middleburg
Yvonne Murchison - Executive Director - Operations
Yvonne Murchison’s heart’s desire is to serve in her community and help those in need of support. For the past 9 years she has been able to do so, particularly with women and children. Yvonne is co-founder and executive director of Journey’s Haven and Sisters Haven.
Professionally for the past 20 years Yvonne has worked in a management position. Some of her responsibilities include recruiting, training, payroll, admin, HR, strong leadership skills and the grand opening of new brick and mortar locations.
In 2105 Yvonne obtained her life license/financial services through the state of Ohio. More recently she has completed her Ohio certification for preschool/daycare.
Yvonne is married with 4 beautiful children and one amazing grand baby. For 20 plus years she has been an active member of True Holiness Temple Church and is also a member of “In Faith for Families” network.
Julie Mallett - Director Of Mission Services & Development
Julie Mallett is passionate about working with women, children, and families. She has been a devoted volunteer for over 20 years working with several non-profits such as Junior League of Cleveland, Urban Community School, Interfaith Hospitality Network, St Christopher Parish and Fill this House. She has also organized events and chaired fundraisers for Rocky River youth sports, RRHS, St Christopher Parish and School. Her experience includes business and fundraising aspects, as well as working one on one with women and their families, program coordination, mentoring, and partnering with community resources.
Julie has over ten years experience working in the business community in customer service, marketing and event planning. Most recently she worked as the Program Coordinator for Zelie’s Home.
Julie is also an active member of “In Faith for Families Network”.
Julie is married to Dave Mallett and they have four children. They have lived in Rocky River for over 20 years and are members of St Christopher Parish.
Amy McMaken – Loyola Service Team Volunteer- Financial
Amy McMaken is a dedicated volunteer with a business background and nonprofit board experience. Professionally, Amy worked for 12 years for PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Certified Public Accountant, and for two years at Cleveland Public Library on strategic planning, program measurement/evaluation and community outreach initiatives. Currently, Amy serves as a founding member and treasurer of the Loyola Service Team, whose members combine volunteer work with Ignatian spirituality programming. Through LST, she volunteered at Zelie’s Home for 18 months, a homeless shelter for new mothers and their babies. In that role, Amy maintained the financial records of the organization, participated in grant research/writing, and individually coached the new mothers on financial literacy.
Amy is a co-founder of “In Faith for Families”, a network of faith-based organizations in northeast Ohio serving women and children. Amy also serves on the board of Community West Foundation and Urban Community School. Amy lives in Rocky River with her husband Kurt and three sons and is a member of St. Christopher parish.