St. Patrick Center

Meet Renee — A Mother’s Unyielding Strength Renee’s story is one of resilience and perseverance. A once-successful business owner and community leader, she faced unimaginable challenges, including losing loved ones, enduring serious injuries, and even sleeping in a car so her nine children could have a safe place to rest. “You do what you have to do to take care of your family,” she says. “It’s a simple truth, but one that’s hard to comprehend unless you’ve faced similar choices.” Renee’s journey is a poignant reminder that none of us are immune to barriers that can seem insurmountable. Read her story to see how she continues to shape her road ahead, one step at a time.?

?????? DOLLAR-FOR-DOLLAR MATCH JUST ANNOUNCED FOR FIRST-TIME DONORS! ?????? Double the impact of your first St. Patrick Center gift today: https://lnkd.in/gaWtXf5e John McAleer and Friends at Omnivore Ventures, formerly CAS Group Ventures, have put up a $15,000 dollar-for-dollar match in support of St. Patrick Center's Women's Night Program! This program provides shelter and wrap-around services to women who are experiencing homelessness. Gifts from first-time SPC donors and donors who last gave in 2019 or earlier are eligible for this match. (Already a loyal St. Patrick Center supporter? Share the opportunity with your family and friends. We rely on your advocacy for a successful match campaign!)

Today, we held our annual Client & Staff Memorial. Each person — each bloom — was part of our St. Patrick Center family, and they were more than visitors at our doors; they shared moments, stories, and connections with our staff and each other. Like the flowers in this vase, they stood beautifully on their own yet came together to create something extraordinary. Though they have gone ahead, we trust they are now at peace in God’s embrace, their spirits forever part of our shared story.

We know that pets are family — especially during life's toughest challenges. Through the Street Dog Coalition, we're proud to provide medical care for the dogs of those experiencing or at risk of homelessness, ensuring these loyal companions get the care they deserve. Thank you to everyone who helps make this possible—the doctors, volunteers, and supporters who show that caring for our community includes caring for their pets. ????

Grace House is a unique and vital resource in our community—St. Louis’ first and only Safe Haven, offering a low-barrier, low-demand model that provides refuge to those who have been turned away elsewhere. Since 2023, this approach has proven successful, with more than 50% of residents finding housing. But as essential as Grace House is, its future remains uncertain. Now more than ever, we need to raise awareness and advocate for the resources to keep this vital service going. A special thanks to Tony Messenger and St. Louis Post-Dispatch for their coverage of Grace House’s impact on our community. Learn more about the importance of Grace House: https://lnkd.in/gbap_rpB

Grace House has achieved a higher positive discharge rate than traditional shelters, reflecting the success of its innovative low-barrier approach. “We look at those numbers and know that we are doing something right,” says Megan Pool, Senior Director of Immediate Support. However, assumptions that arise from success—that a taste of distinction will lead to an endless feast—can nurture complacency. It’s the enemy of purpose. For Grace House, the hunger to become a turning point in the way we envision battling homelessness in St. Louis comes from a heightened recognition of caring for those who have nowhere else to go. “At Grace House, we believe in the power of community and compassion to change lives. Our clients face severe mental health challenges and substance abuse struggles, yet they find hope and support here.” Grace House has been a cornerstone of support for our community, offering a safe haven and essential resources for individuals facing challenges sometimes beyond our comprehension. It’s the beginning of how we help St. Louis thrive. It takes all of us. ??

The Edith Cunnane Community Champion, named in honor of our founder, Edith Cunnane, is awarded to companies who have built a lasting relationship with St. Patrick Center and furthered the mission among their employees. Anheuser-Busch is a longtime partner and supporter of St. Patrick Center. For more than 35 years, leaders and employees have dedicated a legacy of service. This includes supporting fundraising events, organizing donation drives, holding employee giving events, and past service on the Board of Directors. Anheuser-Busch serves as champions for charitable partners like St. Patrick Center while improving the lives of people in their communities.

The Leo Paradis Volunteer Champion, named in honor of our former CEO, Leo Paradis, is awarded to volunteers who have given extraordinary service to St. Patrick Center. Joseph Robinson has been a champion of St. Patrick Center for nine years, including three terms as President. During his tenure, significant programs were established including Grace House and Day Center and expanded including the Women’s Night Program and Workforce Development Program. Joe is an advocate for St. Patrick Center’s mission, which has led to thousands of dollars donated and increased volunteering and engagement. We are grateful that Joe is personally committed to serving St. Patrick Center clients and supporting the mission of transforming lives.

Thank you to our Irish Open committee for their time and dedication to organizing a successful weekend raising over $727,000 for St. Patrick Center ???

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis is pleased to announce Chris Stephen's appointment as the new Executive Director/CEO for St. Patrick Center. Currently serving as the Vice President of the St. Patrick Center Board of Directors, Chris will assume his new role on June 3, 2024.