St. Ann's in the News

Join Us for Hope Blossoms!

mmccormick — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 17:09:06 +0000

Join Us for Hope Blossoms! mmccormick Thu, 03/23/2023 - 13:09

Thu, 03/23/2023 - 09:00

Join Us for Hope Blossoms on May 10, 2023!

Sister Mary Bader, CEO, Co-Hosts Jan and John Magnolia, and St. Ann's Center's Board of Directors cordially invite you to join us for Hope Blossoms, our annual cocktail reception and awards ceremony, benefiting St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families.

Date: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 | Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. | Place: Columbia Country Club

For tickets, please click here: https://apps.stanns.org/special-events
All proceeds will directly support St. Ann's Center's programs.

Discounted Young Adult Admission!

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St. Ann's Center welcomes the next generation of change-makers to Hope Blossoms! Find your half-priced, Under-35 tickets here: https://apps.stanns.org/special-events.

Discount rate possible thanks to our Event Planning Committee and St. Ann's Young Professionals Network - a group of emerging leaders who support St. Ann’s through volunteer, fundraising and social activities.

Want to join our Young Professionals group?
Contact Mike McCormick and Arielle Semer at: [email protected]?subject=St.%20Ann's%20Young%20Professionals">[email protected].

Be Recognized as an Event Sponsor!

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View our listing of sponsorship and advertising opportunities here: https://apps.stanns.org/special-events.

About St. Ann's Center

St. Ann’s Center helps mothers and children overcome crisis and achieve lasting independence and stability by providing a safe and supportive home, child care, education and employment assistance, and clinical social work services within a Catholic community that welcomes all.

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Honoring Past, Present, and Future

mmccormick — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 19:46:49 +0000

Honoring Past, Present, and Future mmccormick Thu, 03/02/2023 - 14:46

Thu, 03/02/2023 - 09:30

This blog is part of a monthly reflection series from St. Ann's Center CEO, Sister Mary Bader.
Find more of these reflections by visiting the archive: Sister Mary's Minute.

Hello from St. Ann’s Center! Can you believe March is here already? The Lenten season has begun, the first cherry blossoms have flowered, and the Washington Nationals will soon open their season.

Remarkably, this week also spanned Black History Month and Women’s History Month – two occasions with special relevance for St. Ann’s Center. We remember and celebrate the legacies of those who came before us, while simultaneously recognizing and celebrating the young women writing their own stories today at St. Ann’s.

Even if I tried, I could never fit all the Women’s History-makers who have impacted St. Ann’s Center in a single message! Still, I’d like to share briefly about one pioneering woman whose legacy continues to influence St. Ann’s and the families residing with us.

Mary McGrory (1918 – 2004) was a trailblazing journalist at the Washington Star – and later, The Washington Post – at a time when few women worked in newspapers. Mary wrote over 8,000 columns in her brilliant career, and in 1975 became the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for commentary.

Mary was also a dedicated friend to St. Ann’s, serving as our “First Official Volunteer.” She maintained this role for over fifty years, volunteering weekly to help children with schoolwork and organize field trips and other fun outings for them. Mary also hosted her famous “St. Ann’s Christmas Parties,” which she sometimes got U.S. Presidents to attend!

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Near the end of her life, Mary’s generosity helped to fund the Mary Gloria Room at St. Ann’s Center, which opened in 2000 and continues to serve as a reading and play space for our families. The room is named after the children’s nickname for Mary, since they could never pronounce “McGrory.”

We continue to honor Mary’s influence through the Mary McGrory Advocacy Award, which St. Ann’s presents each year to recognize “individuals whose work brings attention to the needs of the community’s voiceless.” We will next bestow Mary’s award to a deserving awardee this coming May 10, 2023, at our annual Hope Blossoms event.

It would be my honor if you would join us for this year’s event, where you can learn more about Mary, her continuing influence on St. Ann’s, and her ongoing relationship to the history-makers currently serving in our community.

Thank you for being a change-maker at St. Ann’s. Like Mary McGrory, you are caring for and empowering young families as they move from crisis to stability and independence.

We are so looking forward to all that you will help them achieve.

Sister Mary Bader, CEO

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Please join us for Hope Blossoms!

Sister Mary Bader and Jan & John Magnolia cordially invite you to join us for Hope Blossoms, our annual cocktail reception and awards ceremony, benefiting St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families.

Date: Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Place: Columbia Country Club

For tickets and sponsorship information, please click here: https://apps.stanns.org/special-events

About St. Ann's Center

Mission Statement: St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families strengthens and supports families on their journey toward stability. Inspired by Catholic social teaching and Gospel values, St. Ann's Center provides a nurturing community where families heal from the past, overcome barriers, and take hold of their future.

St. Ann's Center is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit committed to lifting vulnerable children, mothers and families out of poverty and homelessness. Our innovative housing and support programs build upon a family's inherent strengths by providing the tools for life-long independence and self-sufficiency. St. Ann's serves families of all backgrounds and faith identities.

To learn more about St. Ann's Center, please click here: https://stanns.org/about

Merry Christmas - from Our Families to Yours!

mmccormick — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:19:30 +0000

Merry Christmas - from Our Families to Yours! mmccormick Wed, 12/21/2022 - 15:19

Wed, 12/21/2022 - 10:15

Dear Friend,

Thank you for helping the mothers and children residing at St. Ann's Center to enjoy a fun and festive Christmas together in a safe, nurturing environment where they can create lasting memories while also looking forward to a bright new year ahead.

We have created a brief slideshow video to share the many ways that you and other caring friends have helped bring Christmas to life at St. Ann's this year!

Click the link below to celebrate with us! And please enable your device's audio to hear a very special rendition of a classic Christmas carol - performed by St. Ann's Child Care with resident children and moms!

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Link to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsFrlubCYgc

Bring Christmas Cheer to a Young Family

[[{"fid":"538","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"style":"height: 300px; width: 225px; float: left; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"2"}}]]We invite you to make a special impact this season with a Christmas gift to support the mothers and children who are rewriting their futures through St. Ann's Center's transitional and supportive housing programs.

Your gift will directly help families with the practical supports they need in this season of their lives - while also helping them prepare for hopeful and independent futures beyond St. Ann's.

Thank you for considering a gift to support St. Ann's families!

Donate here: https://apps.stanns.org/donate-now

7 Reasons We're Grateful for You!

mmccormick — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 14:11:52 +0000

7 Reasons We're Grateful for You! mmccormick Wed, 11/23/2022 - 09:11

Wed, 11/23/2022 - 04:00

Hello from St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families!

This Thanksgiving week, we wanted to express just a few of the many ways we are grateful for you and the difference you make for the families living at St. Ann’s.

1. You help St. Ann’s Center to welcome vulnerable families beginning their healing journeys. Thanks to you, five new families have been able to join St. Ann’s supportive and transitional housing programs so far in FY 2023.

2. Your help makes an immediate impact in families’ lives. The moment a mother and her children begin their journey with St. Ann’s, they have immediate access to safe housing and on-site child care, relieving two major stressors.

3. You help us to create a holistic and caring environment. Through you, families at St. Ann’s are supported in an environment that is safe, nurturing, healing, empowering, and strength based – where all are served with compassion, dignity and respect.*

4. You help St. Ann’s families to have fun! Thanks to you, St. Ann’s families can bond and create wonderful new memories with on-site holiday parties, movie nights, pizza socials, and more!

5. You help mothers advance toward long-term goals. Mothers at St. Ann’s are supported in their educational and employment goals through robust case management assistance.

6. You help mothers to heal from past traumas and explore their future potential. Thanks to you, mothers at St. Ann’s can access individual and group counseling through our strengths-based and trauma-informed Clinical and Social Work Services.

7. You help TWO generations break the cycle of poverty. Through you, mother and child are able to interrupt the multi-generational effects of poverty and begin writing new futures!

Thank you for supporting St. Ann’s families through your time, talent, and treasure! Generous people like you give us hope not only for vulnerable families in our region, but all those in need throughout our country and the world.

Wishing you peace and plenty this Thanksgiving!

*St. Ann's Center, Mission & Values

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#GivingTuesday is One Week Away!

We hope you will be able to support St. Ann's families in a special way through our 2022 Giving Tuesday drive - taking place on Tuesday, November 29.

On this day we will share special stories, photos, and videos celebrating St. Ann's families and the donors like you who support their many achievements. We will also share a dedicated Giving Tuesday webpage, where you can join others in making a gift of any size to help us reach our Giving Tuesday goal of raising $25,000 for St. Ann's programs.

Thank you for considering a gift to support St. Ann's families!
Donate here: https://www.stanns.org/givingtuesday-2022

About St. Ann's Center

In Her Own Words: Sierra's Story

mmccormick — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 13:59:15 +0000

In Her Own Words: Sierra's Story mmccormick Fri, 11/11/2022 - 08:59

Fri, 11/11/2022 - 03:45

_{For client confidentiality, Sierra (not real name) and her daughter are not depicted in the above, licensed image.}

Sierra is an accomplished student and an aspiring business owner who moved with her daughter into St. Ann’s Center’s Hope House program after her employer shuttered during COVID. Sierra took time out of her busy schedule to share her journey and her experience as a young mother.

My name is Sierra, and I have been living with my one-year-old daughter at St. Ann’s Center since February 2022. Her father and I co-parent together and it is going really well. I am glad that we co-parent her, since I grew up without my own parents and parented myself to adulthood.

Pursuing my education is important to me. In the same year I graduated from high school, I also graduated from Prince George’s Community College. Then in 2019, I entered trade school and graduated in 2021 – when I was three-and-a-half months pregnant. I completed another trade school program in August 2022. I am also currently in a nursing program.

Prior to COVID, I did have my own place – but when the pandemic hit, the child care center I worked for closed down and without my job I faced eviction. I stayed briefly with family but that was unfortunately not long-term. During this stressful time, I also found out I was pregnant.

I was able to stay with another housing program, but this program had a deadline for when I needed to transition out. So I researched other housing programs and found St. Ann’s.

St. Ann’s was not what I expected at all – it was great. I had a good intake conversation with Ms. Gatewood, and processing didn’t take long at all. Coming from a shared home with common rooms, I was excited that St. Ann’s provided a private room for me and my daughter. The [on-site] day care is wonderful since I can have my daughter there while I am working.

Finding employment was challenging, but I was able to get a job at a local supermarket. My manager has been very supportive in allowing me to set my schedule around my daughter’s needs. I am also working on another challenge: setting up and maintaining a budget. St. Ann’s staff has helped me plan a budget and create a budget binder to keep track of everything.

I am proud of the goals I have achieved at St. Ann’s. Along with Ms. Gatewood, I have worked most closely with Ms. Celeste, Ms. Keisha, Ms. Gayle, and Ms. Tawanda. These women have been like mother figures to me. I want to say thank you to them, and also to Sister Mary Bader.

[[{"fid":"504","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"style":"float: left; margin: 10px; height: 188px; width: 251px;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]My message to young mothers like myself is to never give up! Before, I wanted to give up so badly. I didn’t want to be around anyone, but since then many people have helped me keep going. I have realized that losing my mother at age 2 and basically losing my father are things which were not fair and really hurt me. It also makes me want to be here for my own daughter.

"Never give up for your child."

My daughter’s father and his parents (my daughter’s grandparents) are an inspiration to me. Through their words and their actions, they have really supported me. My daughter motivates me to keep growing and learning. I refuse to give up for her. Motherhood to me is putting my daughter first. I didn’t have the help I needed growing up, but I want her to have it.

In the short term, I am looking forward to finishing my nursing program. It’s self-paced, so I can work at it between parenting and my job. In the near future, I hope to own my own business – a one-stop hair and nail salon which also offers on-site child care for the community.

We are still figuring out the long-term plans, but I can say that my hope and dream for my daughter is that she grows up into someone who keeps pushing, doesn’t quit, and never gives up on herself.

Support Our Work

Thank you for considering a gift to help St. Ann’s Center’s work of supporting young, vulnerable women and children on their journey toward stability. Your donation will enable St. Ann's to meet the immediate needs of our families and will support the long-term sustainability of our life-changing programs.

Donate Here: https://stanns.org/give

About St. Ann's Center

Creativity to Infinity

mmccormick — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 14:18:42 +0000

Creativity to Infinity mmccormick Thu, 09/08/2022 - 10:18

Thu, 09/08/2022 - 06:00

This article originally was originally published on Sept. 6, 2022 as a guest blog post for the Catalogue for Philanthropy Blog. The original article can be found in its entirety here: https://www.cfp-dc.org/blog/2022/09/06/st-anns-center-creativity-to-infinity/

Creative to Infinity

By Sister Mary Bader, CEO of St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families

Earlier this week, I was near our entranceway at St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families when I noticed three of the young mothers in our transitional housing programs returning after an evening stroll around our Hyattsville, MD, neighborhood. The women were laughing with each other as they walked in the balmy weather, their little ones safely tucked into their strollers. As so often happens at St. Ann’s Center, it seemed these young mothers were truly enjoying each other’s company. Witnessing this happy scene lifted my heart and filled me with gratitude.

These sorts of moments have happened often lately; seemingly minor gestures, glances, or smiles can generate surprisingly big emotions within me. Given all that we have lived through since 2020, I am sure that I am not alone in this experience. We all know that small acts of kindness and love have always mattered — they just seem to matter even more now.

In August, the Catalogue for Philanthropy reported on their membership survey assessing the pandemic’s impact on nonprofits (and their staff) in the Greater Washington region. This article reminded me once again of the numerous recent challenges faced by nonprofit and social service agencies — challenges which have had historic impact on St. Ann’s Center and the clients we serve.

We were founded in 1860, when three Daughters of Charity opened St. Ann’s Infant and Maternity Home (as we were then called) to assist single and widowed mothers in Washington, DC, affected by the outbreak of the Civil War. Just three years later in 1863, President Lincoln signed a charter incorporating and expanding our mission of caring for the region’s most vulnerable citizens.

St. Ann’s Center and the Daughters of Charity have never wavered from President Lincoln’s charge, even through many subsequent wars, economic crises, and yes, even a previous pandemic in 1918. That being said, our community has rarely faced a challenge like COVID-19, which continues to impact our world.

We know there is much healing work to be done. Still, we can now see sunlight breaking through the clouds of uncertainty, illuminating the many blessings we have experienced during this unusual time. It would require an entirely separate blog post to adequately name the practical, financial, and emotional supports we have received from our generous staff, board, and supporters.

Suffice to say — because of our caring community, St. Ann’s is still here and still able to fulfill our mission of supporting pregnant and parenting mothers and their children who are facing housing insecurity. Throughout the pandemic, we have never had to turn away a family in need.

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A quote we cherish at St. Ann’s is “Love is inventive unto infinity,” by St. Vincent de Paul.

When I examine the recent course of events at St. Ann’s Center — and indeed, when I meditate upon St. Ann’s Center’s 162 years of mission-based service — this is the story I see: loving people of ordinary means exacting extraordinary and meaningful change in the lives of others.

Material and financial support sustains the mission; this is as true in 2022 as it was in 1860, when our founders had to begin their work in a cramped space adjacent to a downtown Washington, DC parish building. However, I believe St. Ann’s mission continues today primarily because of the loving relationships that others have gifted us along our journey, rather than materials supplied.

Through these loving and creative relationships, St. Ann’s Center has been able to build a nurturing and holistic environment in which mothers and their children can heal from the past, make plans for the present, and achieve their future goals of independence and stability.

Our mission has never been about “what St. Ann’s does” but rather “what families can do” in a setting where they know they are cared for and supported. Part of this work has always been the shared goal that families who stay with us will one day spread their wings and soar into a future of their own creation. I think this metaphor is a fitting illustration for how I hope we will all transition into a future beyond the momentary challenges we face today.

- Sister Mary Bader

About St. Ann's Center

Thank you for considering a gift to support the several families who have arrived at St. Ann's Center in recent weeks. Your gift will help provide for these families' immediate needs and help them grow comfortable as they begin our trauma-informed, strengths-based, and supportive transitional housing programs.

Donate here: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter

Melody's Story: From Trauma to Healing and Hope

mmccormick — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 13:31:15 +0000

Melody's Story: From Trauma to Healing and Hope mmccormick Thu, 07/14/2022 - 09:31

Thu, 07/14/2022 - 05:15

As a survivor of childhood trauma, sadly, when Melody had no familial or social supports she was placed in Maryland's foster care system. When she became pregnant, she moved again, this time to St. Ann’s Center's Teen Mother-Baby Program.

When she first arrived at St. Ann’s, Melody was extremely distrustful of everyone and exhibited depression and social withdrawal. On one occasion during her first months, she even returned to an old habit of harming herself. Melody was sure she wanted to leave St. Ann’s.

Over time and with constant, collective care from St. Ann’s Clinical Social Work Services and Residential Program staff (operating within St. Ann’s emerging Model of Care), she began to trust.

Melody first allowed a long-standing Residential Programs staff member into her life. Gradually, as she realized she was in a safe environment physically and emotionally, she began to engage with social workers and therapists, who helped her process and the trauma she had experienced in her young life.

She began to believe that maybe she could nurture healthy relationships. Slowly, she widened her circle of support and even repaired relations with some of her family members.

This gradual transformation was possible in part because of Melody’s commitment to her daughter. Melody was always an attentive mom, and with guidance from St. Ann’s life coaches, she learned how to take care of an infant and how to help her baby develop and thrive.

While at St. Ann’s, Melody returned to her studies and graduated high school while her daughter was cared for in St. Ann’s developmental Child Care Program. Following this milestone achievement, Melody has successfully transitioned from St. Ann’s to a new, stable home. She is now attending college and envisions a bright future for herself and her toddler.

***

This article originally appeared in St. Ann's Center's Spring/Summer 2022 Newsletter.
To read this newsletter in its entirety, please visit the following page:
https://stanns.org/get-involved/newsletter

St. Ann's Center's Wrap-Around Supports & Model of Care

St. Ann's Center offers more than transitional housing for families like Melody's. Our housing programs are supported by holistic wrap-around services including:[[{"fid":"454","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Infographic - St. Ann's Wrap-Around Services","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"St. Ann's Holistic Wrap-Around Services"},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Infographic - St. Ann's Wrap-Around Services","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":"St. Ann's Holistic Wrap-Around Services"}},"attributes":{"alt":"Infographic - St. Ann's Wrap-Around Services","title":"St. Ann's Holistic Wrap-Around Services","style":"margin: 10px; height: 263px; width: 300px; float: right;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]

Affordable, licensed, on-site child care
Clinical and social work services - including case management and individual and group therapy
Education and employment assistance
Life skills classes ranging from finance to law to parenting and self-care

Services are delivered through St. Ann's Residential Program and Clinical and Social Work Services, operating within our emerging Model of Care.

This Model of Care provides a reflective practice lens for St. Ann's staff, while providing residents with a consistent and supportive environment that is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and developmentally focused.

More on our Model of Care: https://www.stanns.org/news/2022/07/st-anns-centers-model-care

St. Ann's Center's Model of Care

mmccormick — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 13:32:32 +0000

St. Ann's Center's Model of Care mmccormick Thu, 07/07/2022 - 09:32

Thu, 07/07/2022 - 05:00

**A Model of Care, Centered on Mothers' Emotional Health Concerns**

(Hyattsville, MD) When vulnerable young mothers arrive at St. Ann’s Center, most have experienced trauma of some sort in their lives. Often, these mothers have experienced physical or emotional abuse, are raising their young child (or children) on their own, and lack adequate housing and employment opportunities.

These factors often impact young mothers’ emotional well-being and can affect their relationships with others. Past traumas and cycles of foster care involvement can also result in mothers not having a secure attachment to their children.

St. Ann’s Clinical and Social Work Services (CSWS) team helps address these and other needs within a holistic Model of Care - developed to help mothers heal, grow, and progress towards positive life-long outcomes.

This trauma-informed, strengths-based, developmental Model of Care was piloted by Shaneen Alvarez, LCSW-C, LICSW, Director of CSWS, all under the umbrella of reflective practice.

Shaneen and her team - Interns, Case Managers, Social Workers and Clinical Consultants - practice this Model of Care by providing services to address various emotional and mental health concerns. Services include: assessments; individual, group and family therapy; and crisis management and intervention.

“New mothers and their children will stay at St. Ann’s for thirteen months on average," says Shaneen. "During this time, our agency-wide goal is to provide opportunities for these young mothers to connect with their infants, build healthy relationships, heal from trauma and thrive, and do so in an environment that is safe, culturally responsive, instills trust, and is empowering.”

**The Model of Care as a Reflective Practice Lens for Residents and Staff**

Shaneen has worked together with Director of Residential Programs, Jeanette Chittams, and Dr. Joy Kassett, Ph.D. to develop, refine and train St. Ann's staff on the Model of Care.

As a result, Residential Programs staff can utilize the same developmentally-focused reflective practice lens to help understand what residents are communicating through their actions, language and behaviors.

“Monthly group supervision of staff ensures that St. Ann’s Model of Care continues to provide a consistent, supportive environment for mothers in our programs, whether they are working on their goals with CSWS staff or Residential Program staff,” says Jeanette.

Residential Staff are supported through yearly training and regular individual and group supervision based in the Model of Care. Meanwhile, CSWS offers developmentally-focused therapy, crisis intervention, and after-care services to create a continuous and nurturing environment.

“A reflective practice approach considers the whole individual (mother) as it relates to her trauma history, functional strengths, and her developmental stage,” says Dr. Joy. “All while helping her to self-reflect, so that she can in turn, reflect upon and be curious about her child’s needs."

Through agency-wide support based on the Model of Care, mothers are able to securely bond with their children, and ultimately with others. Healthy relationships foster emotional stability – a skill that remains helpful long after residents transition from St. Ann’s.

Celeste Wallace, MSW, Social Work Case Manager, works directly with new clients in St. Ann's Hope House and Teen Mother-Baby programs to let them know that individual therapy is available, along with other supports.

“Some do accept [therapy services], and some don’t, based on their trauma and cultural history,” she said. “When this happens, I focus on listening to them to learn more, and this becomes therapeutic for them. It really helps to promote mental health awareness.”

As Celeste, the Social Work team, and Residential Staff communicate and connect with mothers through their reflective practice lens, St. Ann's continues to see an increase in residents seeking out mental health services and other emotional supports.

[[{"fid":"448","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Mother's hand holding baby's hand","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Mother's hand holding baby's hand","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"alt":"Mother's hand holding baby's hand","style":"float: right; height: 183px; width: 275px; margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom: 5px;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]Supporting Mothers Beyond Their Time at
St. Ann's Center

Once mothers have successfully transitioned from St. Ann’s programs and have had time to reflect on their experiences, they frequently emphasize the value of having access to therapy services and consistent emotional support while at St. Ann’s.

Katina, who recently transitioned with her son to independent housing, advised mothers like herself:

“Use every opportunity here at St. Ann’s… I want to shout out ‘therapy’ – it’s free here and can benefit everyone, especially moms who have experienced trauma. I have also learned in my therapy with Dr. Joy that it takes time to become comfortable. Once I became comfortable, I reached some real epiphanies and insights that helped me.”

Joselyn, a mother of three who has thrived since transitioning in 2020, shared:

“One thing I have learned being a mom is that I am still healing from my own childhood. Therapy has been very helpful for me and I am a huge advocate for seeking therapy now. [My experience at St. Ann’s] has… made me view therapy in a new light. That was the best therapy I ever had. Just want to give a big thank you.”

Therapy and emotional supports are part of the many wrap-around services that help mothers prepare to write new futures for themselves and their families after St. Ann’s. However, the Model of Care doesn’t end when families transition.

“Our staff reinforces the message that support is still here after the mother and her child transition out,” says Shaneen. “This includes limited case management services for up to a year, including therapy and child care for their child, as we work to connect them to experts in the community.”

Like the mothers they serve, St. Ann’s CSWS staff and Residential staff continue to adapt and thrive as they refine and deliver their emerging Model of Care.

***

Hope Blossoms 2022: Highlights

mmccormick — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 14:39:46 +0000

Hope Blossoms 2022: Highlights mmccormick Tue, 06/14/2022 - 10:39

Tue, 06/14/2022 - 06:30

Hope "Blossomed" on May 11, 2022 at Columbia Country Club, where over 300 guests gathered for St. Ann's Center's first in-person reception and awards ceremony since 2019! This special evening was an unprecedented success thanks to our dedicated sponsors, donors, partners, and staff. Here are the highlights:

Sister Mary Bader, CEO, delivered welcoming remarks and thanked Pam and Dennis Lucey, our event co-hosts, for their months of work on this event. St. Ann's Board of Directors and Staff were also recognized.
Wilton Cardinal Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, offered the opening prayer. Cardinal Gregory remarked, "I am deeply grateful for the work of St. Ann’s, which for 160 years has served mothers and children in the Washington, DC area by imitating the love of Christ and by extending his compassion."
The Hon. Michael Steele emceed the program. Steele was adopted from St. Ann's as an infant. "You all bless us with your commitment to supporting the mothers, children and families of St. Ann’s,” Steele said.
A'ja, a current resident of St. Ann's, shared her testimony, citing her son as her greatest inspiration: "I wouldn’t be where I am today in my goals without him.”
Msgr. John Enzler, CEO of Catholic Charities DC, served as "chief fundraiser." He received help from Tonya Sharpe, St. Ann's Board Chair, who auctioned off two Live Nation VIP ticket packages to winners totaling $34,000.
Attendees and those watching our livestream from home then joined our sponsors in helping St. Ann's surpass $500,000 raised for the night!
Hope Blossoms concluded with awards presentations: The Michele Heidenberger Volunteer Award was posthumously awarded to Steve Heidenberger; The Mary McGrory Advocacy Award was presented to Judy and John Ritz.

Thank you again for joining us.
We look forward to seeing you on May 10, 2023 for next year’s Hope Blossoms!

Re-Watch Our Event Livestream!

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Missed our live event? Check out our Hope Blossoms livestream recording on Youtube at the following link: https://youtu.be/MYKkuuh6TZI?t=3963

Video will start at the 1:06:00 timestamp, at the welcoming address from Sister Mary Bader.

View Event Photos!

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Please click here to view photos from the evening, courtesy of our dear friend Mike Colella: https://michaeljcolella.passgallery.com/db1XWz9s

"This is what supporting life looks like. The rest is just politics."

mmccormick — Wed, 18 May 2022 17:41:37 +0000

"This is what supporting life looks like. The rest is just politics." mmccormick Wed, 05/18/2022 - 13:41

Wed, 05/18/2022 - 09:30

(Washington, D.C.) On May 9, 2022, Washington Post columnist Petula Dvorak wrote about her visit to St. Ann's Center and her encounters with the mothers who live here. Thank you Petula for highlighting St. Ann's mission!

Read the full article on the Washington Post website here.

St. Ann's in the News

Join Us for Hope Blossoms!

Join Us for Hope Blossoms on May 10, 2023!

Discounted Young Adult Admission!

About St. Ann's Center

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Honoring Past, Present, and Future

About St. Ann's Center

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Merry Christmas - from Our Families to Yours!

Link to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsFrlubCYgc

Bring Christmas Cheer to a Young Family

Donate here: https://apps.stanns.org/donate-now

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7 Reasons We're Grateful for You!

Hello from St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families!

Thank you for supporting St. Ann’s families through your time, talent, and treasure! Generous people like you give us hope not only for vulnerable families in our region, but all those in need throughout our country and the world. Wishing you peace and plenty this Thanksgiving!

#GivingTuesday is One Week Away!

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In Her Own Words: Sierra's Story

For client confidentiality, Sierra (not real name) and her daughter are not depicted in the above, licensed image.

Support Our Work

About St. Ann's Center

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Creativity to Infinity

Creative to Infinity

By Sister Mary Bader, CEO of St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and Families

About St. Ann's Center

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Melody's Story: From Trauma to Healing and Hope

St. Ann's Center's Wrap-Around Supports & Model of Care

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St. Ann's Center's Model of Care

A Model of Care, Centered on Mothers' Emotional Health Concerns

The Model of Care as a Reflective Practice Lens for Residents and Staff

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Hope Blossoms 2022: Highlights

Thank you again for joining us. We look forward to seeing you on May 10, 2023 for next year’s Hope Blossoms!

View Event Photos!

Tags

"This is what supporting life looks like. The rest is just politics."

Tags

Thank you for supporting St. Ann’s families through your time, talent, and treasure! Generous people like you give us hope not only for vulnerable families in our region, but all those in need throughout our country and the world.

Wishing you peace and plenty this Thanksgiving!

_{For client confidentiality, Sierra (not real name) and her daughter are not depicted in the above, licensed image.}

**A Model of Care, Centered on Mothers' Emotional Health Concerns**

**The Model of Care as a Reflective Practice Lens for Residents and Staff**

Thank you again for joining us.
We look forward to seeing you on May 10, 2023 for next year’s Hope Blossoms!