We continue to move forward!
A Quick Look Back
After closing the program for minors, SLC serves adults exclusively.
Some of the higher functioning ladies were moved to an independent program where they are able, under staff supervision, to care for themselves and their needs.
We are planning additional programs similar to this one because we have a very long waiting list of people who are looking to be served at the Center. Unfortunately, due to lack of staff, we keep postponing the opening of new houses.
Some of the residents, who are aging, have increased in their needs for care as well. We implemented the Montessori training to address these needs and to serve the residents accordingly.Â
The development and public relations departments merged to form one department; the development and communication department. This solution will streamline the work that needs to been done.Â
The pandemic is not over. Because of this, we were forced to cancel many fundraising activities. Thus we are using our creativity and knowledge to raise the money needed to meet the goal set for benevolent care, $2.8 million for this current fiscal year. I have to say that many benefactors have increased their support. We are very grateful to them because it is through your generosity that the Center remains a lighthouse of HOPE for many people, and society as a whole, for its services and for proclaiming the great dignity of all human persons.Â
When we planned for the integrated St. Louis Guanella Village, we envisioned families living beside people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After a lot of work, several meetings with people familiar with the rental process, and other organizations which offer similar services, SLC welcomed families into the single home and one duplex. The vision has become a reality!
Next Steps
Looking forward; new projects, which were put on hold due to the pandemic and unexpected changes occurring at the Center, will be resumed. We will continue to modernize the physical structure of the original building.
The Good Lord has called to Him our beloved Dawn, who is now with her mother, Judy, and her aunt, Karen. During the latest part of her life with us, we engaged hospice and nursing services to take care of her needs.Â
Best wishes for a blessed 2022 year!
Fr. Enzo Addari, SdC, (pronounced “Uh – dar – ee”) was born in post-war Italy the small farming community of Corcumelli in the Abruzzo region east of Rome to the Adriatic Sea. He was inspired at a young age to enter the priesthood by the discomfort he felt when he witnessed the disparaging way a disabled youth in the village was treated. He chose to work with those who have developmental disabilities when he was in the seminary, becoming a member of the Servants of Charity with the mission of serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Fr. Enzo came to the United States in 1980 and completed a master’s degree at Villa Nova. He became an administrator of St. Louis Center in 1991. He is now the Chief Executive Officer and has dedicated the last decade to moving the Center forward with plans to accommodate the needs of an aging population of adults with developmental disabilities.
Find this and previous posts from Fr. Enzo Addari, Scd, St. Louis Center Chief Executive Director in Fr. Enzo’s Corner.
If Fr. Enzo’s message, or any other stories in the St. Louis Spirit Winter 2022 Newsletter inspire you, please consider a gift of any amount to the Center by submitting the secure online form below.
