St. Patrick Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our 40th annual Irish Open Gala & Golf Tournament, presented by Triad Financial Group, LLC, is quickly approaching, so we want to thank some of our event sponsors. Without their support, this event would not be possible!

The dynamic HR quad on our last day as a team. Congrats to Alexis on her new role! We will miss her at SPC.

One of our Board of Ambassadors members and longtime supporter, Shannon Williams, sat down with us to discuss her favorite ways to be involved with St. Patrick Center in the latest issue of 'More Than A Soup Kitchen' magazine Visit https://lnkd.in/gwPtdhDx to read more about how Shannon has supported St. Patrick Center over the past decade.

Yesterday we gathered to honor the life of Lana Watson. Lana was our Senior Director of Short-Term Transition Programs which included Rapid Rehousing, Workforce Development, and our Veterans programs. Lana worked at St. Patrick Center for 15 years and dedicated her career to serving people experiencing homeless. We miss Lana dearly and ask for you to keep the Watson family in your prayers.