A Minute With Sister Mary https://dev.stanns.org/ en Happy Valentine's Day! https://dev.stanns.org/news/2023/02/happy-valentines-day <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Happy Valentine&#039;s Day!</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>mmccormick</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2023-02-14T11:45:13-05:00" title="Tuesday, February 14, 2023 - 11:45" class="datetime">Tue, 02/14/2023 - 11:45</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-02-14T11:30:00Z" class="datetime">Tue, 02/14/2023 - 06:30</time> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p class="rtecenter"><em>This blog is part of a monthly reflection series from St. Ann's Center CEO, Sister Mary Bader. <br /> Find more of these reflections by visiting the archive: <a href="https://stanns.org/tags/minute-sister-mary">Sister Mary's Minute</a>.</em></p> <hr /><p>Dear Friend,<br /><br /> Thank you for supporting the families residing at <a href="http://www.stanns.org/" target="_blank">St. Ann’s Center</a>! Your care and love enable our young mothers and their children to heal from the past, thrive in the present, and plan for their futures.<br /><br /> Your support also means that St. Ann’s can welcome new families at the beginning of their journeys – like the mother and her two babies who just entered our Hope House transitional housing program in January.<br /><br /><img alt="Headshot - Sister Mary Bader and autumn trees" data-delta="1" src="https://stanns.org/docs/styles/large/public/SMM%20Small%20Headshot%20%281%29.png?itok=RzfYg7IR" style="width: 150px; height: 150px; margin: 5px; float: right;" typeof="foaf:Image" />We expect to welcome two additional families later this week – all thanks to you.<br /><br /> From the bottom of my heart – Happy Valentine’s Day and <em><strong>thank you</strong></em>!<br /><br /><strong>Sister Mary Bader, CEO</strong><br /><br />  </p> <p class="rtecenter">[[{"fid":"547","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":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]</p> <p class="rtecenter"><em>Handmade greeting cards by the young mothers and their children residing in St. Ann's Center's Supportive and Transitional Housing Programs.</em></p> <hr /><h3><strong>About St. Ann's Center</strong></h3> <p><img alt="Photo of St. Ann's Center's logo, blue on white background." src="https://stanns.org/docs/resize/styles/medium/public/STANNS%20LOGO_FINAL_PNG-180x184.png?itok=76SZtZHc" style="height: 150px; width: 147px; margin: 10px; float: right;" /><strong>Mission Statement</strong>: 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.</p> <p><em>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.</em></p> <p><em>To learn more about St. Ann's Center, please click here: <a href="https://stanns.org/about">https://stanns.org/about</a></em></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label inline">Tags</h3> <ul class='links field__items'> <li><a href="/tags/minute-sister-mary" hreflang="en">A Minute With Sister Mary</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> Tue, 14 Feb 2023 16:45:13 +0000 mmccormick 324 at https://dev.stanns.org You Help Families Rewrite Their Futures https://dev.stanns.org/minute-sister-mary-january-2023 <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">You Help Families Rewrite Their Futures</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>mmccormick</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2023-01-06T10:40:54-05:00" title="Friday, January 6, 2023 - 10:40" class="datetime">Fri, 01/06/2023 - 10:40</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-01-06T10:15:00Z" class="datetime">Fri, 01/06/2023 - 05:15</time> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p class="rtecenter"><em style="font-size: 13px;">This blog is part of a monthly reflection series from St. Ann's Center CEO, Sister Mary Bader. <br /> Find more of these reflections by visiting the archive: <a href="https://stanns.org/tags/minute-sister-mary">Sister Mary's Minute</a>.</em></p> <hr /><p>Happy New Year from St. Ann’s Center! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas season.</p> <p>This week, I am reflecting on January as <strong>Poverty Awareness Month</strong>. This nationwide initiative exists to raise awareness and consciousness about poverty in the U.S., as well as spotlight how different communities are responding to this pervasive problem.</p> <p>Poverty is a subject close to our hearts at St. Ann’s Center. Since our very beginnings, St. Ann’s has worked closely with women and their children affected by poverty. This continues to be the focus of our mission, 160+ years later.</p> <p>Today we know that poverty is not the whole story of a family’s life; it is only a chapter. The women we encounter at St. Ann’s have frequently experienced significant material poverty and other traumas, and our hearts break in response to their stories. Yet in time, we also witness these same moms – through access to safe housing, child care, and wraparound supports – achieve newfound stability which allows their families to thrive.</p> <p>These transformations are helped enormously by our caring <em>Residential Programs</em> staff and our <em>Clinical and Social Work Services</em> team, who partner to create a nurturing atmosphere where moms are supported in reaching their unique goals, on a timeline that makes sense for their unique situation.<br />  <br /> You are part of this equation too! It is through your care and support that St. Ann’s Center is able to respond to the challenge of family poverty through creative love-in-action.<br />  <br /> [[{"fid":"541","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Headshot - Sister Mary Bader and autumn trees","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Headshot - Sister Mary Bader and autumn trees","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"alt":"Headshot - Sister Mary Bader and autumn trees","style":"float: right; margin: 0px 10px; height: 150px; width: 150px;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]Ultimately we envision a world in which every mom has the resources needed for her family to thrive in independence. Our world and our community are not yet there – but you are helping to close the gap between vision and reality.</p> <p>Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.</p> <p><em><strong>Sister Mary Bader, CEO</strong></em></p> <hr /><h3><strong>Supporting St. Ann's Center Just Got Easier</strong></h3> <p class="rtecenter">[[{"fid":"542","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Photo of mother and her child, looking at camera/","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Photo of mother and her child, looking at camera/","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"alt":"Photo of mother and her child, looking at camera/","style":"height: 467px; width: 700px; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"2"}}]]</p> <p><em><strong>If you haven't already, check out St. Ann's Center's new and improved online giving page!</strong></em></p> <p>Now it is easier than ever to make a one-time or recurring gift supporting St. Ann's families as they journey from crisis to stability and independence. Click the purple "DONATE" button above to be taken to our giving page, and explore your options for making an impact! </p> <p>You can also directly follow this link: <a href="https://apps.stanns.org/donate-now">https://apps.stanns.org/donate-now</a></p> <hr /><h3><strong>About St. Ann's Center</strong></h3> <p><img alt="Photo of St. Ann's Center's logo, blue on white background." src="https://stanns.org/docs/resize/styles/medium/public/STANNS%20LOGO_FINAL_PNG-180x184.png?itok=76SZtZHc" style="float: right; margin: 10px; height: 153px; width: 150px;" /><strong>Mission Statement</strong>: 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.</p> <p><em>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.</em></p> <p><em>To learn more about St. Ann's Center, please click here: <a href="https://stanns.org/about">https://stanns.org/about</a></em></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label inline">Tags</h3> <ul class='links field__items'> <li><a href="/tags/minute-sister-mary" hreflang="en">A Minute With Sister Mary</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:40:54 +0000 mmccormick 322 at https://dev.stanns.org A Minute With Sister Mary: Your Care and Kindness Matter! https://dev.stanns.org/news/2022/12/minute-sister-mary-december-2022 <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">A Minute With Sister Mary: Your Care and Kindness Matter!</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>mmccormick</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2022-12-02T15:11:02-05:00" title="Friday, December 2, 2022 - 15:11" class="datetime">Fri, 12/02/2022 - 15:11</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-12-02T15:00:00Z" class="datetime">Fri, 12/02/2022 - 10:00</time> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h3><strong>December2022: <br /> Your Care and Kindness Matter!</strong></h3> <h4><em>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: <a href="https://stanns.org/tags/minute-sister-mary">A Minute With Sister Mary</a>.</em></h4> <hr /><p>Happy December from St. Ann’s Center! We hope you are staying warm and well.</p> <p>It is incredible how time flies. The year 2022 seems like it just began – and now it is nearly over! Yet with this ending comes the beginning of the holiday season – always a special time of year at St. Ann’s Center as resident mothers and their children bond, celebrate, and enjoy Christmastime together.</p> <p>While Dec. 25 is still three weeks away, St. Ann’s friends and supporters have already provided us with many reasons for joy and gratitude! I want to especially thank all who participated in St. Ann’s Giving Tuesday campaign earlier this week. Together, you helped us raise nearly $20,000 on this wonderful "day of generosity" – funds that will directly support families through our supportive and transitional housing programs, on-site child care, and comprehensive support services.[[{"fid":"535","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":"height: 447px; width: 600px; border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]This week we also received the great blessing of a <em>Giving Tuesday Day of Service</em> conducted by an amazing team from <strong>Live Nation</strong> and <strong>Jiffy Lube Live</strong>. These dedicated volunteers decorated, painted, organized, and ultimately “decked St. Ann’s halls” for our families. Thank you! Likewise, I want to thank everyone who has contributed in-kind gifts to St. Ann’s in recent weeks, ensuring our families have the right clothing and other items needed for the winter season.</p> <p>Your care and kindness mean so much to every one of us at St. Ann’s Center. Thank you for all the ways you show your support! Through you, we see the glimpse of a world in which all mothers and their children are adequately supported on their journey toward stability and independence. </p> <p>Wishing you and yours comfort and joy,<br /><em><strong>Sister Mary Bader, CEO</strong></em></p> <hr /><h3><strong>Christmas Open House - December 4!</strong></h3> <p><strong>[[{"fid":"502","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: 233px; width: 699px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"2"}}]]</strong></p> <p>You're Invited! Sister Mary Bader and St. Ann's Center's Board of Directors welcome you to our annual Christmas Open House - taking place <strong>Sunday, December 4</strong> from <strong>1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m</strong>. at our Hyattsville home. We hope you can join us for an afternoon of Christmas cheer! </p> <hr /><h3><strong>Support St. Ann's Center Families</strong></h3> <p>[[{"fid":"496","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":{"3":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":false,"field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"style":"height: 100px; width: 200px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 5px; float: right;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"3"}}]]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 Center to meet the immediate needs of our families and will support the long-term sustainability of our life-changing programs.</p> <p><strong>Donate here</strong>: <a href="https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter">https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter</a></p> <hr /><h3><strong>About St. Ann's Center</strong></h3> <p><img alt="Photo of St. Ann's Center's logo, blue on white background." src="https://stanns.org/docs/resize/styles/medium/public/STANNS%20LOGO_FINAL_PNG-180x184.png?itok=76SZtZHc" style="height: 179px; width: 175px; margin: 10px; float: right;" /><strong>Mission Statement</strong>: 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.</p> <p><em>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.</em></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label inline">Tags</h3> <ul class='links field__items'> <li><a href="/tags/minute-sister-mary" hreflang="en">A Minute With Sister Mary</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 02 Dec 2022 20:11:02 +0000 mmccormick 320 at https://dev.stanns.org A Minute with Sister Mary: We Are Grateful for You! https://dev.stanns.org/news/2022/11/minute-sister-mary-grateful-2022 <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">A Minute with Sister Mary: We Are Grateful for You!</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>mmccormick</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2022-11-14T09:57:52-05:00" title="Monday, November 14, 2022 - 09:57" class="datetime">Mon, 11/14/2022 - 09:57</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-11-14T09:45:00Z" class="datetime">Mon, 11/14/2022 - 04:45</time> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h3><strong>November 2022: <br /> We Are Grateful for You!</strong></h3> <h4><em>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: <a href="https://stanns.org/tags/minute-sister-mary">A Minute With Sister Mary</a>.</em></h4> <hr /><p>[[{"fid":"433","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Photo of Sister Mary Bader, CEO.","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Photo of Sister Mary Bader, CEO.","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"alt":"Photo of Sister Mary Bader, CEO.","style":"height: 150px; width: 150px; margin: 10px; float: right;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]Hello from St. Ann’s Center – and thank you for your continued support of our mission! Friends and supporters like you have enabled a bundle of blessings and milestone for our community over the past month:</p> <ul><li>Old friends and new gathered for a wonderful <em><strong>Fall Social</strong></em> at the Irish Inn at Glen Echo to celebrate St. Ann’s families' achievements.</li> <li>Volunteers hosted a spook-tacular on-site <em><strong>Halloween Party</strong></em> for our resident families.</li> <li>Friends and neighbors donated candy bags and decorations for an on-site <em><strong>Trick-or-Treat Parade</strong></em> for our resident children and Child Care Center students.</li> <li>A group of college students hosted a <em><strong>Bingo Nigh</strong></em>t in our auditorium for St. Ann’s resident mothers.</li> <li>Most importantly – to date, <em><strong>five new families</strong></em> have been able to move into St. Ann’s so far this fiscal year, beginning their journeys towards stability and independence. </li> </ul><p>As you may know, the week before Thanksgiving is recognized as <em>Hunger &amp; Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov. 12-20)</em>. Additionally, the entire month of November is also designated as <em>National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month</em>.  <br />  <br /> These awareness events remind us that housing insecurity and homelessness continue to be a major stressors for young, vulnerable families like the ones we meet at St. Ann’s. And of course, housing insecurity comes with many other challenges – including financial challenges, interruptions to school and/or employment, and inability to access healthy, nutritious food.<br />  <br /> These are sobering realities. However, the good news is that people like you make it possible for families who have experienced homelessness to have a place where they can heal from past traumas and plan for brighter futures.<br />  <br /><strong>Because of you, St. Ann’s is one of those places</strong>. From the moment a mother and her children arrive through our doors, they are welcomed in a caring and supportive environment where they can access not just safe housing, but also wrap-around supports like our on-site Child Care Center, Clinical &amp; Social Work Services, and Employment &amp; Education Programs.<br />  <br /> In the spirit of Thanksgiving, please know that we are so grateful for your support – not only in this important month, but also in the ways you support us year-round.<br />  <br /> We wish you and your families peace and plenty at the dawn of this year’s holiday season!</p> <p>With Gratitude,<br /><strong style="font-style: italic;">Sister Mary Bader, CEO</strong></p> <hr /><h3><strong>Support St. Ann's Center Families</strong></h3> <p><strong><img alt="Mother playing with her infant child on carpet" data-delta="3" src="https://stanns.org/docs/styles/large/public/images/Stock%20Images%20for%20Download%20%285%29.png?itok=3vksFI6d" style="width: 300px; height: 200px; margin: 10px; float: right;" typeof="foaf:Image" /></strong></p> <p>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 Center to meet the immediate needs of our families and will support the long-term sustainability of our life-changing programs.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Donate here</strong>: <a href="https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter">https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter</a></p> <hr /><h3><strong>About St. Ann's Center</strong></h3> <p><img alt="Photo of St. Ann's Center's logo, blue on white background." src="https://stanns.org/docs/resize/styles/medium/public/STANNS%20LOGO_FINAL_PNG-180x184.png?itok=76SZtZHc" style="float: right; margin: 10px; height: 153px; width: 150px;" /><strong>Mission Statement</strong>: 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.</p> <p><em>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.</em></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label inline">Tags</h3> <ul class='links field__items'> <li><a href="/tags/minute-sister-mary" hreflang="en">A Minute With Sister Mary</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 14 Nov 2022 14:57:52 +0000 mmccormick 313 at https://dev.stanns.org A Minute with Sister Mary: Thank You, Tonya Sharpe! https://dev.stanns.org/news/2022/10/minute-sister-mary-thank-you-tonya-sharpe <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">A Minute with Sister Mary: Thank You, Tonya Sharpe!</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>mmccormick</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2022-10-10T15:26:54-04:00" title="Monday, October 10, 2022 - 15:26" class="datetime">Mon, 10/10/2022 - 15:26</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-10-10T15:15:00Z" class="datetime">Mon, 10/10/2022 - 11:15</time> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h3><strong>A Brief Note from Sister Mary Bader</strong></h3> <p><em>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: <a href="https://stanns.org/tags/minute-sister-mary">A Minute With Sister Mary</a>.</em></p> <p>This month, we specially recognize <strong>Tonya Sharpe</strong>, who is stepping away from St. Ann’s Center’s Board of Directors after concluding her second term on the Board – including three years as President of the Board.</p> <p>Tonya has led us through an extraordinary season of change, challenge, and growth – for which we are incredibly grateful!</p> <p>From our very first meeting in the mid-2000s, I knew Tonya resonated with St. Ann’s mission and with the special journeys which moms and their children undertake during their time here.</p> <p>In the years since, Tonya has found many unique ways to serve our mission as a volunteer, fundraiser, and friend-raiser extraordinaire, just to name a few! It has been a joy to receive Tonya’s trademark phone calls, which begin with:</p> <h4><em><strong>“So I have an idea for St. Ann’s…”</strong></em></h4> <p>[[{"fid":"493","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":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]</p> <p>Time after time, Tonya's ideas have led to wonderful new opportunities for our community. In addition to her large-scale efforts, Tonya has also shared herself as a mentor and coach to many young women living in our Teen-Mother Baby and Hope House programs.</p> <p>This kind of care can never be measured in words or numbers – but only in the legacy that will long follow Tonya’s tenure with us.</p> <p>Tonya, you are – and continue to be – a gift to St. Ann’s and all who walk through our doors. We wish you every blessing in the chapters yet to come! And we can’t wait to see what’s next for you.</p> <p><em>Sister Mary Bader, CEO</em></p> <hr /><h3><b>Support Our Work</b><img alt="" data-delta="1" height="286" src="https://stanns.org/docs/resize/styles/large/public/Untitled%20design%20%2884%29-500x286.png?itok=vl17_DKr" typeof="foaf:Image" width="500" loading="lazy" /></h3> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>Donate Here</strong>: <a href="https://stanns.org/give">https://stanns.org/give</a></p> <hr /><h3><strong>About St. Ann's Center</strong></h3> <p><img alt="" data-delta="1" src="https://stanns.org/docs/styles/large/public/STANNS%20LOGO_FINAL_PNG.png?itok=SKwDjxFN" style="width: 145px; height: 148px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: right;" typeof="foaf:Image" /><strong>Mission Statement</strong>: 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.</p> <p><em>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.</em></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label inline">Tags</h3> <ul class='links field__items'> <li><a href="/tags/minute-sister-mary" hreflang="en">A Minute With Sister Mary</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:26:54 +0000 mmccormick 309 at https://dev.stanns.org A Minute with Sister Mary: Love is Inventive to Infinity! https://dev.stanns.org/news/2022/09/minute-sister-mary-love-inventive-infinity <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">A Minute with Sister Mary: Love is Inventive to Infinity!</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>mmccormick</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2022-09-19T10:03:44-04:00" title="Monday, September 19, 2022 - 10:03" class="datetime">Mon, 09/19/2022 - 10:03</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-09-19T09:45:00Z" class="datetime">Mon, 09/19/2022 - 05:45</time> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h3><strong>September 2022:<br /> Love is Inventive to Infinity!</strong></h3> <p><em>This blog is part of a monthly reflection series from St. Ann's Center CEO, <br /> Sister Mary Bader. Find more of these reflections by visiting<br /> the archive: <a href="https://stanns.org/tags/minute-sister-mary">A Minute With Sister Mary</a>.</em></p> <hr /><p><img alt="Photo of Sister Mary Bader, CEO." data-delta="2" data-fid="433" data-media-element="1" src="https://www.stanns.org/docs/resize/styles/large/public/SMM%20Small%20Headshot-135x135.png?itok=z0-FFemP" style="width: 125px; height: 125px; float: right; margin: 0px 15px;" typeof="foaf:Image" /></p> <p>Last month, St. Ann’s Center received a visit from a former resident who had lived with us as a young child years ago. This visit was her first in decades. We had a wonderful time touring St. Ann’s, recounting her memories of being cared for here, and discussing how St. Ann’s has adapted and evolved into 2022.</p> <p>At the end of our visit, she asked our staff a simple question: <em><strong>“How can I help?”</strong></em></p> <p>It is always moving whenever someone offers to help the mothers and children who live at St. Ann’s Center. It is even more special when these offers come from former residents of our programs. Such encounters are a gift and a reminder that our work is part of a larger <a href="/node/85">tradition of caring</a> that extends far beyond our current day. With God’s grace, this work will continue to impact lives for years to come.</p> <p>Just last week, we made a critical investment in St. Ann’s Center’s future.</p> <p>You may know that St. Ann’s relocated from California Street, NW in Washington, DC to our newly constructed Hyattsville home in 1962. In the sixty years since, St. Ann’s building has been a sound environment for the many children and families who have lived in our different housing programs. However, years of exposure to the elements have required that we now repair our building’s exterior to prevent water from getting inside.</p> <p>We are pleased to share with you that construction has begun on this long term renovation project to repair the brickwork on our building exterior. In the photos below, you can see the crew setting up equipment on day one of the project!</p> <p>[[{"fid":"476","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":"height: 400px; width: 300px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px 5px; float: left;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]][[{"fid":"477","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: 400px; width: 300px; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; margin: 0px 5px; float: right;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"2"}}]]</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>It is a blessing that we are able to begin this much-needed work. We are incredibly grateful to the many individuals and groups who have ensured that St. Ann’s will have a newly-improved home in which to continue serving families for generations to come.</p> <p>Fittingly, this work begins in September, during which the Daughters of Charity (along with the worldwide Vincentian family) celebrate the Feast of Saint Vincent de Paul (Sept. 27). Indirectly, St. Ann’s Center exists because of Saint Vincent; he and Saint Louise de Marillac collaborated to form the Daughters of Charity in 1600s France. Theirs is the torch we carry today.</p> <p>One of Saint Vincent’s famous quotes is <em><strong>“Love is inventive to infinity.” </strong></em></p> <p>When I step back and consider the big picture at St. Ann’s, from our Vincentian foundation to our literal Hyattsville foundation, this is what I see: loving people like you finding infinite ways of supporting our families. Whether it is time, talent, treasure, or even new brick and mortar – you keep finding ways to show your love and ask that beautiful question,<em><strong> “How can I help?”</strong></em></p> <p>Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.<br /><em><strong>Sister Mary Bader, CEO</strong></em></p> <hr /><h3><strong>Support St. Ann's Center Families</strong></h3> <p><strong>[[{"fid":"453","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Mother playing with her infant child on carpet","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"3":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Mother playing with her infant child on carpet","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"alt":"Mother playing with her infant child on carpet","style":"height: 100px; width: 150px; float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"3"}}]]</strong>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 Center to meet the immediate needs of our families and will support the long-term sustainability of our life-changing programs.</p> <p><strong>Donate here</strong>: <a href="https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter">https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter</a></p> <hr /><h3><strong>About St. Ann's Center</strong></h3> <p><img alt="Photo of St. Ann's Center's logo, blue on white background." src="https://stanns.org/docs/resize/styles/medium/public/STANNS%20LOGO_FINAL_PNG-180x184.png?itok=76SZtZHc" style="float: right; height: 179px; width: 175px;" /><strong>Mission Statement</strong>: 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.</p> <p><em>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.</em></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label inline">Tags</h3> <ul class='links field__items'> <li><a href="/tags/minute-sister-mary" hreflang="en">A Minute With Sister Mary</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 19 Sep 2022 14:03:44 +0000 mmccormick 303 at https://dev.stanns.org A Minute With Sister Mary: Summer Fun and Special Moments at St. Ann's Center https://dev.stanns.org/news/2022/08/minute-sister-mary-summer-fun-and-special-moments-st-anns-center <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">A Minute With Sister Mary: Summer Fun and Special Moments at St. Ann&#039;s Center</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>mmccormick</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2022-08-03T10:16:40-04:00" title="Wednesday, August 3, 2022 - 10:16" class="datetime">Wed, 08/03/2022 - 10:16</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-08-03T10:00:00Z" class="datetime">Wed, 08/03/2022 - 06:00</time> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h2 style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>August 2022: Summer Fun and<br /> Special Moments at St. Ann's Center</strong></h2> <p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><em>This blog is part of a monthly reflection series from St. Ann's Center CEO,<br /> Sister Mary Bader. Find more of these reflections by visiting the archive: <br /><a href="https://stanns.org/tags/minute-sister-mary">A Minute With Sister Mary</a>.</em></p> <hr /><p><img alt="Photo of Sister Mary Bader, CEO." class="media-element file-default" data-delta="2" data-fid="433" data-media-element="1" src="https://www.stanns.org/docs/styles/large/public/SMM%20Small%20Headshot.png?itok=z0-FFemP" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); height: 135px; width: 135px; float: right; margin: 15px;" typeof="foaf:Image" />Greetings from St. Ann’s Center! You may know that we celebrated <br /><a href="/node/298" target="_blank">St. Ann’s Day</a> on July 26 – our annual summer celebration with resident families, children in our Child Care Center, and St. Ann’s staff. This event – hosted here at St. Ann’s – includes fun activities and games, food and drink, and of course, ice cream.</p> <p>The day also offered two particularly special moments which have stayed with me over the last week.</p> <p>The first came during the day’s <em>Pony Ride</em>, which we were able to host again after a three year break. Skilled trainers from <a href="https://g.co/kgs/ck19HW" target="_blank">Piscataway Riding Stables</a> accompanied ponies Bishop and Peanut to provide rides for all attendees – including moms and children living in St. Ann’s supportive housing programs, as well as children from the community enrolled in our Child Care Center.</p> <p>It was great fun to watch each child bravely approach their chosen steed, hop into the saddle, and set off on their miniature riding adventure (accompanied by a trainer, of course). It was even more special to witness the young mothers in our <em>Grace House</em> and <em>Hope House</em> programs who accompanied their little ones for rides on Bishop – who was much taller than Peanut! What a privilege to see mom and child try something new and extraordinary, together – and to see the resulting smiles on their faces. </p> <p>The second moment that has stayed with me came during the day’s <em>Staff Luncheon</em>, when one of the young mothers in our <em>Hope House</em> program shared with staff that she had interviewed for and landed a new job after successfully completing a local tech-focused career training program. </p> <p>This mom, who had previously secured employment in our Child Care Center, is now on to bigger and better things – and we couldn’t be happier for her. Additionally, she emphasized that she will advocate for and share this same training program with other women at St. Ann’s. As so often happens, we are reminded that peer relationships and supports are so critical to moms’ successes during their time at St. Ann’s and beyond.</p> <p>We loved celebrating St. Ann’s Day with our families! And although we must wait until 2023 to see Bishop and Peanut again, the truth is that our amazing resident families, our compassionate staff, and our generous supporters make <em>every</em> day worth celebrating at St. Ann’s Center. </p> <p>Please accept my sincere thanks for your part in making our work and these stories possible.</p> <p>Sincerely,</p> <p><strong>Sister Mary Bader, CEO</strong></p> <hr /><h3><img alt="Illustration of mother and child walking in sunlight" data-delta="1" data-fid="451" data-media-element="1" src="https://www.stanns.org/docs/styles/large/public/Untitled%20design%20%2875%29.png?itok=4TbGyA4l" style="height: 175px; width: 175px; margin: 15px; float: right;" typeof="foaf:Image" /><strong>Bring Some Summer Sunshine to<br /> St. Ann's Newest Families!</strong></h3> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>Donate here</strong>: <a href="https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter">https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter</a></p> <hr /><h3><strong>About St. Ann's Center</strong></h3> <p><img alt="Photo of St. Ann's Center's logo, blue on white background." src="https://stanns.org/docs/resize/styles/medium/public/STANNS%20LOGO_FINAL_PNG-180x184.png?itok=76SZtZHc" style="margin: 15px; float: right; height: 179px; width: 175px;" /><strong>Mission Statement</strong>: 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.</p> <p><em>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.<br /> St. Ann's serves families of all backgrounds and faith identities.</em></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label inline">Tags</h3> <ul class='links field__items'> <li><a href="/tags/minute-sister-mary" hreflang="en">A Minute With Sister Mary</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> Wed, 03 Aug 2022 14:16:40 +0000 mmccormick 299 at https://dev.stanns.org A Minute With Sister Mary: New Beginnings, Anchored by Housing and Child Care https://dev.stanns.org/news/2022/07/minute-sister-mary-new-beginnings-anchored-housing-and-child-care <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">A Minute With Sister Mary: New Beginnings, Anchored by Housing and Child Care</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>mmccormick</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2022-07-08T09:40:46-04:00" title="Friday, July 8, 2022 - 09:40" class="datetime">Fri, 07/08/2022 - 09:40</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-07-08T09:30:00Z" class="datetime">Fri, 07/08/2022 - 05:30</time> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h2><strong>July 2022: New Beginnings, Anchored by Housing and Child Care<img alt="" src="https://stanns.org/files/sister-marys-minutepng" /></strong></h2> <p><em>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 here: <a href="https://stanns.org/tags/minute-sister-mary">A Minute With Sister Mary</a>.</em></p> <hr /><p>[[{"fid":"433","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Photo of Sister Mary Bader, CEO.","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Photo of Sister Mary Bader, CEO.","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"alt":"Photo of Sister Mary Bader, CEO.","style":"height: 135px; width: 135px; float: right; margin: 15px;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"2"}}]]Hello from Hyattsville! Whether you are reading this message at home, at work, or perhaps at your vacation destination, please know that I am deeply grateful for your continued support of the families living at St. Ann’s Center.</p> <p>Thankfully, we have been able to welcome four new families to St. Ann’s transitional housing programs over the past few weeks. We are so grateful for you enabling these new beginnings!</p> <p>While no two families who come to St. Ann’s are alike, we often see common stressors which have previously impacted a family’s ability to maintain independence and stability. These stressors include:</p> <ul><li>Poverty and its daily challenges</li> <li>Severe shortage of affordable housing in our region</li> <li>Shortage of employment opportunities that pay enough</li> <li>Lack of affordable child care options</li> <li>Food insecurity and local food deserts</li> </ul><p>These are sobering realities. However, no challenge is insurmountable for young mothers when they know they are sincerely cared for and supported in meeting their goals for the future.</p> <p>From the moment a housing-insecure family arrives at St. Ann’s, they have solved two serious challenges at once: <em>safe housing</em> and <em>child care access</em>, both of which form the bedrock of our programs. As our Residential Staff helps families acclimate to their new living environment, mothers can then begin tackling the other puzzle pieces alongside our Clinical and Social Work Services Team.</p> <p>With basic stressors alleviated, families can begin the vital work of healing from the past while also learning skills that will ensure continued success long after St. Ann’s. Time after time, I amazed by all that our mothers are able to achieve for their families!</p> <p>As I reflect on the evolving challenges facing other families in our region and our nation, I hope you will join me in praying and considering how we might all work together for family-friendly programs and policies that will provide hope for those most in need.</p> <p>Gratefully Yours,</p> <p><strong>- Sister Mary Bader, CEO</strong></p> <hr /><h3>[[{"fid":"451","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Illustration of mother and child walking in sunlight","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Illustration of mother and child walking in sunlight","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"alt":"Illustration of mother and child walking in sunlight","style":"height: 175px; width: 175px; float: right; margin: 15px;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]<strong>Bring Some Summer Sunshine to<br /> St. Ann's Newest Families!</strong></h3> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>Donate here</strong>: <a href="https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter">https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter</a></p> <hr /><h3><strong>About St. Ann's Center</strong></h3> <p><img alt="Photo of St. Ann's Center's logo, blue on white background." src="https://stanns.org/docs/resize/styles/medium/public/STANNS%20LOGO_FINAL_PNG-180x184.png?itok=76SZtZHc" style="width: 150px; height: 153px; float: right; margin: 15px;" /><strong>Mission Statement</strong>: 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.</p> <p><em>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.</em></p> <h3> </h3> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label inline">Tags</h3> <ul class='links field__items'> <li><a href="/tags/minute-sister-mary" hreflang="en">A Minute With Sister Mary</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 08 Jul 2022 13:40:46 +0000 mmccormick 296 at https://dev.stanns.org A Minute With Sister Mary: A Day in the Life at St. Ann's Center https://dev.stanns.org/news/2022/06/minute-sister-mary-day-life-st-anns-center <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">A Minute With Sister Mary: A Day in the Life at St. Ann&#039;s Center</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>mmccormick</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2022-06-03T09:10:11-04:00" title="Friday, June 3, 2022 - 09:10" class="datetime">Fri, 06/03/2022 - 09:10</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-06-03T09:00:00Z" class="datetime">Fri, 06/03/2022 - 05:00</time> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h2><strong>June 2022: A Day in the Life at St. Ann's Center<img alt="" src="https://www.stanns.org/files/sister-marys-minutepng" /></strong></h2> <p><em>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 here: <a href="https://www.stanns.org/tags/minute-sister-mary">A Minute With Sister Mary</a>.</em></p> <hr /><p>[[{"fid":"433","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Photo of Sister Mary Bader, CEO.","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"2":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Photo of Sister Mary Bader, CEO.","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"alt":"Photo of Sister Mary Bader, CEO.","style":"height: 150px; width: 150px; margin: 15px; float: right;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"2"}}]]Greetings from St. Ann’s Center! As summer begins, I am reflecting with gratitude on the blessings we have received this year. Your generous support has allowed us to keep serving the women and children most in need in our region. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. </p> <p>Friends sometimes ask if summers are quiet at St. Ann’s. My experience has been just the opposite! Allow me to paint a picture of what our families, staff, and supporters have been up to:</p> <p>Young mothers in our transitional housing programs continue to find stability and achieve self-determined goals for their families. With Residential Staff support, mothers navigate busy daily schedules including jobs (sometimes in-person, sometimes remote), spending quality time with their children, and in many cases, evening classwork as part of certificate or degree programs.</p> <p>Residents also coordinate with our Clinical and Social Work Services team for the challenging work of healing from past traumas, while also planning for healthy and stable futures. Mothers work one-on-one with case workers, as well as in group activities such as our facilitated journaling session for May: <em>Mental Health Awareness Month</em>.</p> <p>St. Ann’s friends and supporters have helped create some amazing weekend social events for our families, including an Easter Party with Disney princesses and a Spring Carnival, complete with a bounce castle and face painting. We have also enjoyed meeting new friends who have visited St. Ann’s to contribute needed items, meet our staff, and tour our campus.</p> <p>Finally, our Child Care Center – which serves children-in-residence as well as children from the local community - has been busy celebrating <em>Spirit Week</em>, preparing for our <em>Kindergarten Graduation</em>, and planning for a fun <em>Summer Recreation Program</em> ahead.</p> <p>As you can see, life at St. Ann’s is far from quiet! Truthfully, we wouldn’t want it any other way.</p> <p><strong>- Sister Mary Bader, CEO</strong></p> <p><em>P.S. Thank you for being a part of our families’ stories – which have been deservingly highlighted in recent media coverage within <a href="https://www.globalsistersreport.org/news/news/blog/monday-starter-thanks-dominican-hosts-indigenous-representatives-join-un-meeting" target="_blank">Global Sisters Report</a>, <a href="https://www.ncregister.com/features/love-is-inventive-to-infinity-how-the-daughters-of-charity-have-adapted-to-aid-mothers-and-their-children-at-st-ann-s-center" target="_blank">National Catholic Register</a>, <a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/every-day-is-mothers-day-at-st-anns-in-hyattsville/3040811/" target="_blank">NBC4 Washington</a>, and the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/05/09/st-ann-center-hyattsville-pregnancy-abortion/" target="_blank">Washington Post</a>. If you haven't already, I invite you to read and watch these moms tell their powerful stories, in their own words.</em></p> <hr /><h3><b>Hope Blossoms: A Special Thank You</b></h3> <p>[[{"fid":"436","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Photo of St. Ann's Board Chair Tonya Sharpe, Tom Heidenberger, Kyle Heidenberger, Judy Ritz, John Ritz, Hon. Michael Steele, and Sister Mary Bader, CEO","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false},"type":"media","field_deltas":{"3":{"format":"default","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Photo of St. Ann's Board Chair Tonya Sharpe, Tom Heidenberger, Kyle Heidenberger, Judy Ritz, John Ritz, Hon. Michael Steele, and Sister Mary Bader, CEO","field_file_image_title_text[und][0][value]":false}},"attributes":{"alt":"Photo of St. Ann's Board Chair Tonya Sharpe, Tom Heidenberger, Kyle Heidenberger, Judy Ritz, John Ritz, Hon. Michael Steele, and Sister Mary Bader, CEO","style":"height: 333px; width: 500px;","class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"3"}}]]<br /> In our forthcoming Summer newsletter, you will see a full recap of Hope Blossoms - our annual reception and awards ceremony - which was held in-person for the first time since 2019 at Columbia Country Club</p> <p>In the meantime, I wish to briefly thank our event Co-Hosts, Pam and Dennis Lucey, for helping to create a night we will never forget!</p> <p>If you weren't able to attend the event, you can view our <a href="https://michaeljcolella.passgallery.com/db1XWz9s" target="_blank">event photo gallery HERE</a> or watch the livestream of our program by <a href="https://youtu.be/MYKkuuh6TZI?t=3963" target="_blank">clicking HERE</a> <em>(recording begins at the 01:06:00 timestamp)</em>.</p> <hr /><h3><strong>About St. Ann's Center</strong></h3> <p><img alt="Photo of St. Ann's Center's logo, blue on white background." src="https://www.stanns.org/docs/resize/styles/medium/public/STANNS%20LOGO_FINAL_PNG-180x184.png?itok=76SZtZHc" style="float: right; width: 180px; height: 184px; margin: 5px;" /><strong>Mission Statement</strong>: 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.</p> <p><em>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.</em></p> <hr /><h3><strong>Want to Support St. Ann's Center's Work?</strong></h3> <p>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 Center to meet the immediate needs of our families and will support the long-term sustainability of our life-changing programs.</p> <p><strong>Donate here</strong>: <a href="https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter">https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter</a></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label inline">Tags</h3> <ul class='links field__items'> <li><a href="/tags/minute-sister-mary" hreflang="en">A Minute With Sister Mary</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> Fri, 03 Jun 2022 13:10:11 +0000 mmccormick 291 at https://dev.stanns.org A Minute With Sister Mary: What Mother's Day Means to St. Ann's Center https://dev.stanns.org/news/2022/05/minute-sister-mary-what-mothers-day-means-st-anns-center <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">A Minute With Sister Mary: What Mother&#039;s Day Means to St. Ann&#039;s Center</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>mmccormick</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2022-05-09T10:29:09-04:00" title="Monday, May 9, 2022 - 10:29" class="datetime">Mon, 05/09/2022 - 10:29</time> </span> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-05-09T10:15:00Z" class="datetime">Mon, 05/09/2022 - 06:15</time> </div> <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><h2><strong>May 2022: What Mother's Day Means to St. Ann's Center<img alt="" src="https://www.stanns.org/files/sister-marys-minutepng" /></strong></h2> <p><em>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 here: <a href="https://www.stanns.org/tags/minute-sister-mary">A Minute With Sister Mary</a>.</em></p> <hr /><p>Like many holidays throughout the year, Mother’s Day takes on special meaning at St. Ann’s Center. Of course, we celebrate with cards, candy, decorations, and flowers. Yet, this day signifies so much more for our mothers than a mere “thank you.”</p> <p>For the mothers residing in our transitional housing programs, St. Ann’s is one step along a challenging, yet rewarding, journey to independence and stability for their families. Just as importantly, our moms are also on a journey of formulating their own identity in motherhood.</p> <p>Frequently, the young women in our programs celebrate their first-ever Mother’s Day with us. For moms of older children at St. Ann’s, this may be their first Mother’s Day in a stable living environment, with the added benefit of life-enhancing supports such as our clinical and social work services.</p> <p>We are keenly aware that all of the moms we serve are at critical transition points in their lives – points which will hopefully lead to new confidence, new self-esteem, and new opportunities for themselves and their children. While we celebrate their accomplishments in a special way today, we also try to keep the big picture in mind. Affirmation, encouragement, and a shared sense of hope will impact mothers' futures far beyond this holiday or the few months they may spend with us.</p> <p>Recently, <a href="https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/every-day-is-mothers-day-at-st-anns-in-hyattsville/3040811/" target="_blank">NBC4 Washington ran a story</a> in which they asked one of our residents, Maria, what Mother’s Day meant to her. Maria's response was that it made her want to celebrate all the effort she puts into being a mom to her four-year-old.</p> <p>Whenever someone asks about the work that St. Ann’s does, I always respond that it is our moms who do all the hard work – they are the ones sacrificing for their children, achieving their goals, and ultimately building their family’s new future.<br />  <br /><img alt="" src="https://www.stanns.org/docs/resize/styles/medium/public/Sister%20Mary%20Bader%20from%20Cath.%20Stand.%208-20-2020%20%281%29-175x117.jpg?itok=lWhMuk22" style="float: right; margin: 10px;" />This Mother’s Day, I hope you will join me in offering a special prayer of thanks for the moms like Maria who are indeed working so hard to provide a better life for their families.</p> <p>Gratefully,<br /> Sister Mary Bader, CEO</p> <hr /><h3><strong>About St. Ann's Center</strong></h3> <p><img alt="Photo of St. Ann's Center's logo, blue on white background." src="https://www.stanns.org/docs/resize/styles/medium/public/STANNS%20LOGO_FINAL_PNG-180x184.png?itok=76SZtZHc" style="float: right; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" /><strong>Mission Statement</strong>: 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.</p> <p><em>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.</em></p> <hr /><h3><strong>Want to Support St. Ann's Center's Work?</strong></h3> <p>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 Center to meet the immediate needs of our families and will support the long-term sustainability of our life-changing programs.</p> <p><strong>Donate here</strong>: <a href="https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter">https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/stannscenter</a></p> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-inline clearfix"> <h3 class="field__label inline">Tags</h3> <ul class='links field__items'> <li><a href="/tags/minute-sister-mary" hreflang="en">A Minute With Sister Mary</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 09 May 2022 14:29:09 +0000 mmccormick 287 at https://dev.stanns.org