Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Rodriguez.
Hi Dawn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The Living Vine Maternity Home began in 1996 in response to a growing need—providing safe, stable housing and holistic support for pregnant women in crisis. At the time, we were the only licensed maternity home in the state of Georgia, and to this day, we remain a unique and vital resource. From the beginning, our heart has been to offer more than shelter. We are a program, not simply a place to stay.
We serve women of all ages, races, religions, and national origins—offering not just a safe place to live, but a structured, faith-based residential program that includes spiritual growth, education, prenatal and postnatal care, medical support, life skills, and workforce development. Our mission is rooted in three guiding pillars: protection, provision, and preparation.
What began as a small, committed effort has grown into a beautiful program striving to make a generational impact. Each woman’s journey is unique—some remain with us for a few months, others longer—as they work toward lasting stability and healing. Whether preparing to parent or considering another loving path for their child, every woman is met with dignity and support. From counseling and financial literacy classes to employment planning and nutrition education, every element of our program is designed to help her build a future filled with hope—one that breaks harmful cycles and creates a new legacy for her family.
With space for just six women at a time, The Living Vine prioritizes depth over numbers—focusing not on volume, but on true transformation. Our goal is steady, intentional support that fosters safety, growth, and generational change. Many come through our doors, but not all choose the hard, beautiful work of transformation. We exist to serve those who are ready—to embrace healing, growth, and lasting change.
We often say we’re planting seeds we may never see the fruit of—and that is the truth of our work. While we may serve few at a time, each life touched reshapes a future.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like most meaningful work, the road hasn’t always been smooth. One of our ongoing challenges has been funding. As a faith-based nonprofit, we don’t receive direct government funding in the traditional sense, but we are grateful to receive some support through grants and partnerships. The majority of our operational needs are met through the generosity of individuals, churches, and community partners. Sustaining a program with this level of depth and individualized care requires ongoing prayer, strategic stewardship, and a community that believes in our mission.
Another challenge is more personal—reconciling the deep desire to help every woman who walks through our doors with the reality that not everyone is ready to receive help. Transformation is a choice. We can offer structure, support, and opportunity, but we can’t force someone to embrace the hard, healing work of change. Watching someone walk away from that opportunity is one of the heaviest parts of this ministry. But it reminds us that our role is to plant seeds, not to control the harvest.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As Executive Director, Dawn Rodriguez brings both professional expertise and a deeply personal commitment to the mission of The Living Vine. She holds a master’s degree in Psychology with a focus on Industrial and Organizational Development, and she is a published author on temperaments—insight that deeply informs her approach to staff dynamics, conflict resolution, and individual growth.
What sets Dawn apart is her ability to lead with both strength and compassion. She navigates the demands of running a residential program—balancing logistics, staff development, resident care, and community partnerships—with extraordinary grace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thelivingvine.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelivingvinematernityhome/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingvinematernityhome/
