Parenting is a challenge in the best of circumstances, but housing insecurity can make it feel close to impossible. The Haven of Grace is dedicated to helping young pregnant women who are facing homelessness find security and independence. For more than three decades, the nonprofit has been firmly rooted in the St. Louis community. Founded by St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Ladue, it offers shelter and other critical services to new families so they can enjoy promising futures.
“In Missouri, the incidence of both infant and maternal mortality rates have increased,” president and CEO Patricia Bosman notes. “We’re also seeing an increase in homelessness, and the impact on the unhoused population is even greater. Imagine being young, unemployed and undereducated while facing those odds.” The Haven of Grace’s maternity shelter provides services for one year to women with children under the age of 5, and transitional housing offers support for two additional years. Along with housing, families receive assistance with financial literacy, behavioral and therapeutic counseling, education and employment readiness, and the Aftercare Program works with the family for up to 10 years to avoid homelessness reoccurrence.
By helping unhoused pregnant people, The Haven of Grace aims to disrupt the cycle of generational poverty so that their children can look forward to a brighter future. The population the nonprofit serves is 180% below the poverty line, and the majority of the mothers were born into poverty themselves. Through Project Inspire, the organization is helping provide the children with access to educational resources and more. “For kids between the ages of 4 and 7, we have a program that introduces them to various STEAM subjects and careers, through field trips and engaging activities,” Bosman says. “When kids are that age, they’re like sponges, soaking up information. We want to help them see what they can achieve.”
The Haven of Grace also has partnered with the Green Beret Youth Initiative to bring programming to its campus. The initiative connects youth between the ages of 8 and 14 with current and retired Green Berets to build reliance and leadership skills. For babies and younger children, The Haven of Grace is dedicated to helping build early literacy. The nonprofit also is home to a chapter of Divine Daughters, an organization designed to empower women. “This is one of the most important ways we support mothers in uncovering their potential,” Bosman explains. “Divine Daughters helps them build strong families while developing an understanding of career readiness and what a middle class life looks like.”
To make its programs possible, The Haven of Grace relies on grants and donations. The nonprofit’s largest annual fundraiser is A MOMentous Luncheon. This year’s event is May 7 at the Missouri Athletic Club, and it will be a celebration of motherhood. “Without the support of the community, we could not provide any of our services,” Bosman says. “Over the years, participation in the luncheon continues to grow, and the dedication we’ve seen from individuals, corporations and foundations is so important for The Haven of Grace. It allows us to remain committed to serving women in need throughout the community.”
Haven of Grace provides homeless expectant mothers a place to live, educational programs and long-term
support to break the chain of generational poverty. Its A MOMentous Luncheon is May 7 at the Missouri Athletic
Club – Downtown. Pictured on the cover: Honorary chairs D’Anne and Reuben Shelton and Haven of Grace president and CEO Patricia Bosman. For more information, call 314.621.6507 or visit havenofgracestl.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured at top: Patricia Bosman, D’Anne and Reuben Shelton
Photo: Tim Parker Photography
