Our Story
God can turn beginnings into purpose
How it all began
The Upper Room is the Daughter Company of Shannon’s Hope Maternity Home in Arvada, Colorado. Leslie Pottebaum, founded Shannon’s Hope in 1982, after a personal tragedy to provide a refuge for homeless pregnant women and a voice for the unborn. Over the last 44 years we have taken in pregnant women of all ages, all walks of faith, in all situations of life, including the more “hard core” cases referred by other women’s shelters not equipped or willing to handle their extra challenges.
One-third of the women are victims of domestic violence, one third are substance abusers, and the other third are homeless. Shannon’s Hope is privately funded through donations. It’s a Christian home with parenting, life skills, nutrition, and Bible study courses. In August of 2022, Gabby Dowdy’s heart was impressed upon to open The Upper Room in Council Bluffs.
Gabby has worked in the anti-trafficking scene in Denver since 2017. Over the years, the understanding of the women being served through Shannon’s Hope and the women Gabby has served has overlapped with the crisis. Shannon’s Hope and Gabby began the journey to Council Bluffs in June of 2024 with the passion to serve women coming out of Crisis. The idea of The Upper Room has been formed, and we are honored to announce that our services in the Council Bluffs will begin in the fall of 2024.
100
Days Since Founding
I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you.
2 Kings 20:5
