by Grayling Holmes

The afternoon of May 10th, patrons got the chance to raise a paddle to help expectant un-homed mothers navigate rough waters. Thousands of dollars were raised in a matter of moments for The Haven of Grace. The Haven is a place where mothers find a loving support system and a safe space to navigate a healthy pregnancy. The event took place in downtown St. Louis at the Missouri Athletic Club and raised money concurrently with the massive Give STL Day region-wide fundraising effort.

The Haven of Grace event is held annually during Mother’s Day week and is billed as a MOMentous Luncheon. Peppered with attendees from all walks of life, teachers, social workers, clergy, and wealthy benefactors alike, the event was attended by hundreds.

Prior to the beginning of lunch, guests sipped Mimosas, Chablis, and Cabernet while perusing the items on which they could later bid. The auction items were given by corporate and private benefactors. While dining, patrons could scan the QR code for the item desired and place bids electronically.

Halfway through lunch, the auctioneer came to the stage and pointed to the large projection screens scattered throughout the banquet hall. He then asked attendees if they would help thread the needle of hope by donating $5,000, $2,500, $1,000, $500, or $250 to help the expectant mothers in need. Paddles flew up. Thousands were raised.

Executive Director Patricia Bosman said to the gathering, “I am excited that you are here with us today to celebrate with The Haven of Grace. For more than 35 years, with your help, we have provided housing and life skills programs to empower and encourage pregnant women and their children.”

If you would like the chance to “raise a paddle” to help The Haven of Grace during the Give STL Day just click here.

To donate after May 11, when Give STL Day is over, please visit The Haven of Grace website. The need to help them swim upstream is ever present. Please lend a hand.

More About The Haven of Grace

Under the best of circumstances, pregnancy can be physically and mentally stressful. These strains are exacerbated when a mother is homeless. Our mission is to provide nurturing, family-like support to both mother and child. Our mission is to end a generational cycle of poverty and the reoccurrence of homelessness. We empower young mothers to live their lives to their fullest potential so that they and their children can flourish and thrive. In the past year, there were 15 babies born to mothers residing at The Haven of Grace, all at healthy birthweight, averaging 6.7 lbs. None of the babies or mothers required re-hospitalization.

We have a high success rate of our moms achieving gainful employment, furthering their education, as well as learning how to provide a stable life for their children. Our three-step living program elevates women to a fully independent lifestyle that will ensure they succeed throughout life. They start at the Maternity Center, a safe and nurturing residence where mothers-to-be have access to healthcare, nutritious food, and a private room to rest and bond with their child. They then transition to the Quad apartments, the next step in independent living, where a woman and her family thrive in their own space, live responsibly, and have a savings plan and access to continued services.

Residents of the Quad are either in school or working. Graduates of the Maternity Center and the Quad are eligible for Aftercare, a valuable support system. As families leave our nest, they know that someone is there for them who checks in periodically. By this time, a child born at The Haven of Grace is 13-14 years old, and the family has achieved a strong foundation, stability, and successful independence.