OUR Story
THE STORY OF
Abigail's Place
This is our story—restoring hope, rebuilding lives, and renewing faith for single mothers in crisis.
Abigail's Place was founded in January 2016, following our founder, Shereen Sampson's, recognition of a critical gap in emergency housing support for displaced single mothers in Fort Bend County. Driven by compassion and a deep commitment to family stability, our mission is to serve single mothers and their children who are facing episodic homelessness—often caused by sudden job loss, medical emergencies, bereavement, or fleeing domestic violence.
For many, homelessness is not always visible. It can look like a mother and her children living in a car, staying in overcrowded conditions with relatives, or spending their last dollars on a hotel room. This instability takes a heavy emotional and physical toll—especially on children, who may fall behind academically, withdraw socially, and suffer trauma silently.
ABIGAIL'S PLACE WAS FORMED TO Offer Hope & Healing WHEN ALL ELSE SEEMS LOST.
At Abigail's Place, we believe that healing begins with housing—but restoration requires more. That's why we offer more than a roof. We provide safe, temporary transitional housing in our Richmond homes alongside wraparound support services designed to promote long-term stability, emotional well-being, and independence.
Our trauma-informed Parenting Programs, such as At Home @ Abigail's Place, help mothers recover emotionally while equipping them with the skills and support to lead their families with confidence. Through these programs, mothers receive individual and group therapy, parenting classes, and skill-building activities that address the root causes of trauma and promote personal and relational healing. We also connect every family with trusted community experts and resources in housing, healthcare, employment, legal aid, and more—ensuring each mother's transition back into society is guided and sustainable.
Our journey began humbly, responding to emergency needs from 2016 to 2017—helping single mothers pay rent, furnishing homes, distributing food and clothing, and providing disaster relief after the historic floods of May 2016. In October 2017, we opened the doors to our very first transitional housing unit, purchased through a generous donation and renovated with the help of dedicated volunteers. Within months, several more families found refuge, a safe place to stay.
Since then, our capacity has expanded, our model has matured, and our mission has deepened. Today, we are preparing for a future where every mother in crisis finds not only shelter, but also dignity, healing, and a path forward. Plans are underway for a multi-unit housing complex complete with a community center where volunteers and professionals can offer enrichment classes, group workshops, and hands-on mentoring.
We are not here to enable. We are here to empower. We walk alongside single mothers on their journey from crisis to confidence, from survival to self-sufficiency—because no single mother should face hardship alone, and every child deserves a stable home and a safe environment.
Abigail's Place is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving displaced single-mother families in Fort Bend County. Our work is made possible through private donations, generous grants, and the unwavering support of our volunteers and partners.
Together, we are restoring lives—one mother, one child, and one home at a time.
COMMENDATIONS
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"Great night attending Abigail's Place Gala! Thanks to Shereen and the board for organizing this. Abigail's Place is a great organization with a great cause; please support them!"
Fanny
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Anna
"Your kindness and support bring me strength and hope to provide for my daughters."
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Deborah
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Mia
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Vita Goodell, Fort Bend County Women's Center