Abby Hendricks' story is a unique story, a shared story that House of His Creation (HOHC) is familiar with. It is a story of perseverance, of hope and of resilience that HOHC has helped guide, support and nurture.

But make no mistake about the fact that it is Hendricks' story, one that she is ultimately responsible for, one that she must live out. It's a distinction that she has earned through hard work.

"They were very caring and kind, and they always wanted what was best for us," said Hendricks of the staff at HOHC. "When I first moved in, I was the first mom there. Then after that another mom moved in, and then another mom moved in. Their situations were similar to mine."

Hendricks is a 21-year-old mom to Mateo, a 17-month-old bundle of joy and energy. HOHC is a Christian-based nonprofit mission and maternity home that's been part of the Lititz community for 20 years.

Hendricks gave birth to Mateo during her 10-month stay at HOHC between July of 2024 and April of 2025.

"When I was at House of His Creation, I did a lot of activities," said Hendricks. "I went to parenting classes. We did a program called 'Stepping Up,' where we learned different things and did things that were really nice."

Hendricks attended Red Land High School and Abington Senior High School before earning her high school diploma online. She was 19 when she became pregnant with Mateo and heard about HOHC.

"My life when I was living with my parents wasn't the best," said Hendricks. When she became pregnant with Mateo, her relationship with her parents became strained. Once she moved out, she was not in a healthy living situation.

Hendricks found out about HOHC, applied for admission, was interviewed and was accepted.

"Everything is turning around," said Hendricks. "My relationship with my parents has gotten better. I'm in a healthy relationship with another guy."

Currently, Abby and Mateo reside at the Milagro House in Lancaster, a similar facility that provides education and support for mothers facing homelessness.

Abby is pursuing a nursing degree at HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, after earning a medical assistant certificate in November. Her current grade point average is over 3.0, and she hopes to graduate in late 2028 or early 2029 and work in the medical field as a registered nurse.

"Beforehand, I wasn't religious at all," said Hendricks. "As a kid growing up, I was a Catholic. When I was trying to find who I was as a person, I kind of grew away from God. After House of His Creation, I follow Him. I put trust in God and let Him lead me and let Him motivate me."

To best take care of Mateo, Abby must first take care of herself.

"Mateo is this adorable 17-month-old," said Hendricks. "He doesn't know quite how to walk yet. He's very clingy, and I love that he's clingy. He is the sweetest little kid. He's so polite. A lot of other people can tell you that."

Hendricks' life is not easy; it is filled with challenges. But because of her hard work and the opportunities she has been given by HOHC and the Milagro House, she has a future and she has hope.

"In my head, my future is living in a nice home, having a nursing degree, being able to spend time with my son and provide him with everything I didn't have," said Hendricks. "I have to push myself and let God guide me to where I'm supposed to go. Even when life feels hard and you're not going to make it through, you have to know you're going to make it through. You can achieve anything you put your mind to.

"When I was a teenager, I kind of didn't care about high school," concluded Hendricks. "I was not the best with grades and turning in assignments. I allowed other people to walk all over me. I did not believe in myself. I didn't trust myself to get to where I am now. I'm brave and strong, and I work really hard when it comes to school."

Abby Hendricks is His creation.

For additional information, go to http://www.hohc.org.