This is such an exciting time in the life of Our Lady’s Inn! While we are enormously proud of our decades-long history of serving expectant women in crisis and grateful for God’s grace, which has carried us thus far, it is to the future that we look at this moment in time.
Rendering of the Exterior
Aerial View of the Property
Who?
We serve unhoused pregnant women who are in crisis as well as their dependent children. These families come to us from the St. Louis, St. Louis County, and St. Charles areas.
What?
We are building a new maternity home in St. Louis County to address the growing need for a safe and secure home for the mothers and children we serve.
Where?
The new maternity home will be in unincorporated St. Louis County near Valley Park, MO. A multi-year search for an appropriate location resulted in the identification of a piece of land along Big Bend Road, upon which we could build a maternity home. Our search covered all options, including vacant schools, convents, churches, and long-abandoned multi-resident facilities. In the end, retrofitting an old space, performing asbestos and lead abatement, and replacing plumbing and electrical systems proved a less satisfactory option than a new build.
Why?
Over the last decade, we have seen a steady increase in the number of St. Louis County women seeking our services. In recent years, more than 50% of those we serve have been St. Louis County residents. Our decades of experience have taught us that serving individuals where they are in proximity to their medical providers, schools, employment opportunities, and where they desire to establish a home is the most effective service delivery methodology.
This home will allow us to expand our reach, offering a sanctuary where women can find stability, security, and the resources to build a brighter future for themselves and their babies.
How?
Our vision is to provide safe housing and offer trauma-informed supportive services in two maternity home locations. Our existing Inn in Defiance will continue to serve pregnant women and children primarily from the greater St. Charles County area, and our new St. Louis County Inn will serve pregnant women and children from St. Louis County and St. Louis City, ultimately replacing the Inn in St. Louis City.
To accomplish the construction of this new Inn, we have launched a Comprehensive Campaign Preparing for the Future, which will allow for funding for the new construction as well as ensuring annual and legacy giving.
When?
We purchased the land in early 2024 and have since been preparing it for construction. Design work is nearing completion. The actual build will be largely in 2026, and we anticipate opening the home in the Spring of 2027.
The ranch style Inn will house up to twelve expectant women (and their children) has been designed with trauma-informed care in mind and with lessons learned in health and safety during COVID. The exterior facade is designed to honor the environment in which it is situated; wood and stone elements are featured on the exterior. Natural elements are being used in children’s recreation area as well. Both the exterior and interior were designed with low maintenance in mind. The Inn will sit in the middle of 7 acres, allowing for privacy and quiet.
Your continued operational support will allow us to carry out our mission daily, as we restore hope to pregnant mothers in crisis. Hope comes in many ways – the safety of a private bedroom, the reassurance of daily meals, compassionate care, and being treated with respect and dignity.
A special gift to the Campaign for the new maternity home will help provide life-affirming care for future generations of pregnant women and children. Please make a multi-year pledge, secure a Naming or “Heart of the Home” opportunity, or make a one-time contribution to the Campaign. Financial gifts to the Campaign may be eligible for the Missouri Maternity Home tax Credit.
Your gift is a blessing to those mothers and children who call Our Lady’s Inn home! Thank you for your partnership in this mission!
Donations to the Campaign may be eligible for the Missouri Maternity Home 70% Tax Credit. Donors may claim up to a $100,000 Missouri State tax credit per tax year; the credit may not exceed a taxpayer’s state tax liability for that year. The tax credit may be carried over to the following year if it cannot be claimed in the tax year the contribution was made.
To learn more about eligibility for a tax credit or to request an application, please call Sandy Rustige at 314-736-1544.
Honor someone special by choosing a Naming Opportunity related to your contribution. Or choose from one of the specific items needed for the new Inn. Please contact Peggy Forrest, President and CEO, at 314-736-1544 or by filling out a pledge form to claim interest in a Naming or Heart of the Home Opportunity.
