History

In 1931 The Ionia R. Whipper Home, Inc. was founded by Dr. lonia Rollin Whipper and concerned community leaders. It was originally the only maternity home for black unwed teenage mothers in the metropolitan area until 1978. The increasing need to provide shelter for the abused, abandoned, and neglected resulted in the Home changing its focus. It now accepts girls who meet the criteria for entry regardless of race, color, religion, or national origin. Applicants for the Home are screened by an interdisciplinary team of professionals who work to improve the lives of young women. They help them overcome the obstacles that once obscured their hope. Referrals are made through the Social Services Agencies of the District of Columbia and Maryland. The Home is partially funded by the Department of Human Services, United Way Foundations, and Private Donations.

The Ionia R. Whipper Home, Inc. (IWH) is named after its founder, Dr. Ionia Rollin Whipper, who was a leader in health care services to the city's women, especially its unwed mothers. She worked in the maternity ward of Freedmen's Hospital. This experience led her to reach out to young mothers who had no other support, providing care for them in her home/office. IWH has been certified as an official landmark on the United States Department of Parks and Recreation African American Heritage Trail.