Knowledge is power and empowering. Knowledge leads to understanding, and understanding lays the groundwork for empathy.

With its upcoming event, House of His Creation (HOHC) seeks to impart knowledge about what it is and exactly what it does.

"I think people are starting to know who we are," said Michelle Gibbs, who's been HOHC's executive director since August, replacing Matt Neff. "We've been in existence for 51 years, but because we're in a new location (for three years), I don't think people know we're here. We're a home, a place that provides for women and children. We want to create some awareness of House of His Creation and bring people to the home."

A safe space that provides services and support for pregnant women and mothers with newborns, HOHC will host its inaugural Festive Christmas House Tour and Charity Donation Drive at 301 N. Broad St., Lititz, from 6 to 8 p.m. on both Thursday, Dec. 12, and Friday, Dec. 13. Visitors will be afforded an opportunity to meet Gibbs, the organization's house parents and HOHC board members.

The event is free to attend, and light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the tour.

"We are going to have this house decorated inside and out and looking very festive," said Gibbs. "This used to be a bed-and-breakfast before we purchased it, and it's always nice during the holidays to see beautiful homes. I want people to be wowed by what's going on here. I'm hoping real connections come out of this and for people to know how we are helping women and children."

Organizers of HOHC's Festive Christmas House Tour and Charity Donation Drive are hoping that a total of 100 members of the Lititz community and surrounding communities will attend the two-night event.

"I love Christmas and the decorations," Gibbs said. "I just think it's the perfect time for an event like this. Christmastime is when people want to help and donate. The giving time of Christmas brings joy to people's hearts."

Initially established in Coatesville in 1973, HOHC has been part of the Lititz community for more than 20 years.

HOHC has the capacity to serve and care for up to four women and their infants at a time, and currently three women are residing there. HOHC's program, which typically can take six to nine months to complete, is geared toward parenting skills.

"House of His Creation is God's house," said Gibbs. "When women come here, the expectation is that they feel God's presence. House of His Creation is not a shelter; it's a family living environment. We are a life-affirming ministry. Ultimately, it's not their permanent residence, but women connect here. Even when women leave here, they stay connected with us. They know that the door is continually open and that this is a safe place for them."

Gibbs and her staff of three employees are supported by an extensive network of nearly 100 volunteers. HOHC's humanitarian work is funded through donations from churches and individuals and small government grants.

"When House of His Creation was founded, a huge part of what it did was adoption," said Gibbs. "It was a safe haven for women who were pregnant. Over the years, the way adoption is viewed has changed. It's more accepted now, and women have more of a voice. We want to value these women and help them on their journey of motherhood. They need help. They need support. They need guidance."

For additional information about House of His Creation, go to http://www.hohc.org.