How the Center for Respite Care became one of the partners at the Saint Anthony Center
A brief history by Ed Slater | Aug 15, 2024 | The Center’s Words
While in Avondale, it became clear that more space was needed to increase capacity – to serve a larger client population, secure a more extensive medical unit with updated capabilities, and expand in-house services. Along with more physical space for the facility, another key element was finding a location convenient for the Center’s clients to access services in the wider community.
The Center’s board of directors adopted a strategic plan outlining what that increased capacity would entail. New location options began to be considered.
In 2015 the late Tom Klinedinst, Jr. approached the Center’s board and administration. Tom was then president of the board of St. Francis Seraph Ministries (SFSM). His wife, Diana, had been a long-time member of the Center’s board of directors. Tom asked if there would be interest in sharing space with other organizations that serve a similar constituency. The building being considered was formerly the site of the Franciscan Friars’ publishing house, St. Anthony Messenger Press at the corner of Liberty and Republic Streets in Over-the-Rhine.
The board and administration immediately noted the community benefit that could occur from shared services; both in expense and the ability to provide well-rounded care for people experiencing poverty and homelessness. The decision was made to become one of the partnering agencies and join in the process of creating the new St. Anthony Center (SAC). A relocation campaign was launched. The relocation donor wall in the Center’s lobby is testimony to the generosity of the organizations and individuals who supported the move to the new facility.
Meet the Center’s partners!
Established in 2017, SAC provides a warm, safe, environment where our community’s most vulnerable can find refuge and restoration right in the heart of Over-the-Rhine. SAC is a welcoming place where multiple not-for-profit organizations work together to serve all the basic needs of those disenfranchised in our community. Each partner meets a different physical and emotional need.
St. Francis Seraph Ministries restores strength through nurturing and nourishing through the Mother Teresa of Calcutta Dining Room and a bagged lunch program. SFSM provides other services as well. The Sarah Center restores independence and self-esteem by empowering women through life and skills training in sewing and jewelry making. Foot Care for the Souls provides foot care for those experiencing homelessness and the working poor – including foot baths and foot massages.
Mary Magdalen House restores dignity and hygiene by providing a place to shower, laundry service, charge and use phones, and receive messages and mail. They also provide onsite case management services.
Franciscan Ministries’ Haircuts from the Heart restores confidence and self-image by providing haircuts from a salon in the lobby of Mary Madelen House and through mobile units as well. They come monthly to the Center.
The goal of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church / Welcome Home Collaborative is to transition people out of homelessness, utilizing people that could not find jobs by using their existing skills or to train them with new job skills, and finally, to remodel / beautify vacant and distressed property.
The Center for Respite Care is a proud member of the SAC team united in its care for a critical community sector. The partners believe SAC pioneers a new model of collaboration with the goal to bring transformational change and holistic healing to all those we serve. Thanks to all who have contributed to its seven years of service. We could not do it without you!
