Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Setzler.
Anna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Selah’s Center of Hope was incorporated in late 2019 and welcomed it’s first resident in March of 2020. Since then, we have moved from a rental to two owned properties, able to house up to 6 women at a time – we are constantly looking for ways to improve our services and effectively and sustainably support as many women and children as we can! Personally, I came to Selah’s after spending about 10+ years working in a corporate setting. I started as the Operations Manager and moved into the Executive Director role in October of 2025.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The work that we do at Selah’s is challenging in so many ways – we are working through generational trauma, poverty, and abuse with each resident that we serve, trying to give them access to independent living and hope and healing for themselves and their children. Because of this, some days are difficult. But in the end, it is incredibly rewarding to see women overcome barriers that once seemed impossible – leaving abusive situations, getting their GED or furthering education, and securing housing for themselves and their babies.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Selahs Center of Hope?
My name is Anna Setzler, and I serve as the Executive Director of Selah’s Center of Hope, a Christ-centered maternity home in Monroe, Michigan, dedicated to supporting expectant and postpartum women in need of stability, encouragement, and hope. Since opening in 2020, we have welcomed 39 women and their children into our housing, and have served countless others through our Lifeline Program (case management outside of housing).
At Selah’s Center of Hope, our mission is “to bring hope and healing to expectant mothers as they work toward independent living,” and our vision is “to consult with and create maternity homes across Michigan and the United States that abide in Christ and bear fruit that lasts.” We serve pregnant and postpartum women from Monroe County and surrounding communities as space allows. Women may enter our program beginning at 16 weeks pregnant through one month postpartum, with residency ranging from 3 to 18 months based on individual needs and personalized goals established during intake.
Every woman who comes to Selah’s has a unique story. Our residents come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, faith experiences, and stages of motherhood. Many of the women coming to Selah’s are fleeing some sort of abuse, and come from homelessness, trafficking, domestic violence, or have aged out of the foster care system. Because of this, we provide resources for and encourage emotional, physical, and spiritual healing, as a full spectrum of care is needed. While they are coming from a variety of backgrounds, these women share a common need: a safe and supportive environment where they can rest, heal, and rebuild their lives with confidence and independence for themselves and their children.
Through strong community partnerships and Christ-centered programming, Selah’s serves as a bridge to a brighter future filled with renewed opportunities. We believe that compassionate mentorship, practical resources, and a nurturing home environment empower women to overcome challenges such as abuse, generational poverty, homelessness, addiction, and depression.
At Selah’s, we provide far more than housing. We offer a comprehensive residential program designed to address the many barriers women face as they pursue long-term stability and self-sufficiency. Residents participate in our T.H.R.I.V.E. program – Transitional Housing, Hope and Healing, Resources and Referrals, Infant Support, Vitality Mentorship, and Educational Services – which provides holistic support throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum journey.
We also recognize that each resident has her own goals, gifts, and dreams for the future. Through our Hope, Education, and Career pathways, women are encouraged to pursue personal growth, life skills development, educational advancement, and career preparation in ways that are tailored to their individual aspirations and long-term success.
Selah’s Center of Hope Staff exists to provide vulnerable mothers with a safe home, compassionate support, and practical tools that empower them to heal, grow, and build a strong foundation for a hopeful and independent future.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Find others in the same field – community and support is integral to success in starting a maternity homes! We feel really strong about this, and have recently started offering consulting services to assist other maternity homes across the country start out.
Pricing:
- To live at Selah’s is no charge!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.selahs.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selahscenterofhope/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selahscenter/
Image Credits
BYP Studios LLC
