Family Affair: The Haven of Grace

It isn’t just for now, it’s for always. By providing a nurturing home, The Haven of Grace helps place homeless, pregnant mothers and their children on a path to success. Not only does the shelter address the immediate needs of the women (ages 18 to 24) in terms of food and housing, involving them in a range of programs and comprehensive services, but it also offers transitional housing for an additional two years. Services address the whole person and include case management, parenting classes and other educational opportunities. A 10-year aftercare program provides the same kinds of community-based support for the long haul by keeping in touch with ‘graduates.’ “It isn’t just about coming in out of the cold,” says The Haven of Grace executive director Andrea Vent, “but about empowerment for a lifetime.”

The Haven of Grace was established as an outreach ministry of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Ladue in 1988. The North St. Louis City facility has space for 10 women, most of whom have lived their lives in generational poverty. As a result, many suffer from what Vent calls ‘toxic stress,’ which often shapes behavior in detrimental ways. “There are so many barriers, so few choices available to homeless people,” Vent explains, adding that many women may have spent years ‘couch surfing’ between the houses of friends and family. “Our women have done what they needed to survive and I give them credit for having got this far. But sometimes they may not have learned to manage certain aspects of day-to-day living. Our goal is to provide every woman and child with skills to be as successful as they want to be.” These skills may be as simple as organizing a personal space (each woman has her own room), preparing nutritious meals, or balancing a checkbook. The Haven connects each woman to a medical service, and partners with city agencies like Nurses for Newborns to ensure that new mothers know how to care for their infants. Other organizations provide educational classes and help the women prepare for the job market.

Vent says The Haven of Grace (with a staff of 12) relies on the generosity of corporations, foundations and individuals. On June 4, it hosts its Promises of Hope gala fundraiser at the Edward Jones Atrium. The event features live and silent auctions, cocktails and dinner. Oral auction items include six days and five nights in a five-star condominium and spa on Great Exuma, the Bahamas;a week-long trip for two to Tuscany with private cooking lesson; and dinner for six at Annie Gunn’s.

In so many ways, Vent says, The Haven is a family, nurturing the lives in its charge and paving the way to a brighter future. “Just like a family, we want to help the women get to the next place,” Vent says. “We want them to dream … and then, to realize those dreams.”

People in need are referred to The Haven of Grace by other agencies and shelters, and sometimes by word of mouth. There are about 15 names on the waiting list every month.

The Haven of Grace provides a long-term home for 10 homeless, pregnant women, age 18 to 24. Its Promises of Hope gala takes place June 4 at the Edward Jones Atrium. Pictured on the cover: Monshanay (holding Marita), honorary chairs John Beuerlein an d wife Crystal (holding Allen) and Breanna (holding Madden). For information and tickets, call 314.621.6507 or visit havenofgracestl.org.

Cover design by Jon Fogel | Photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
Featured image courtesy of The Haven of Grace