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August 30, 2024
This blog is part of a monthly reflection series from Sister Nancy Downing - CEO, St. Ann's Center.
Find more of these reflections by visiting the archive: Sister Nancy's Note.
It is a privilege to be at St. Ann’s Center!
I am now eight months into the job, and each day I still learn something new about St. Ann’s mission, history, and people.
This August I had the chance to attend the annual summer cookout for St. Ann’s families hosted by the Blue Knights (MD 1 chapter). A “non-profit fraternal organization consisting of active and retired law enforcement men and women who enjoy riding motorcycles,” the Blue Knights are familiar and beloved to staff, supporters, and alumna of St. Ann’s programs.
And after attending this cookout, I understand why!
The Blue Knights set up a wonderful party for the women and children, complete with bounce house, DJ booth, and expertly-staffed barbecue pit. What’s more, the moms and children got to climb up on the Knights’ giant motorcycles and take some truly memorable family photos.
One of my favorite scenes of the day was watching our families dance together in a joyful conga line to the flowing rhythms of the DJ music. They were truly having a wonderful afternoon.
The party was a blessing. Even more special was getting to chat one-on-one with the Blue Knights, who – like so many of you – have been involved with St. Ann’s for decades. In fact, they have hosted this summer cookout for over 30 years.
Jack, one of the Knights dutifully minding the bounce house entrance, told me,
“We’ve been coming to St. Ann’s for a long time. It’s always so good to see the kids smiling, having fun.”
This event was a wonderful reminder of the wider community of supporters like you who care for our families, month after month, year after year. What a gift you are! You give the women and children reasons to hope, smile, and dance.
Through you, St. Ann’s is blessed beyond words.
Sincerely,
Sister Nancy Downing, CEO
St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families
P.S. - We thank reporter Cat Buckler and photographer Mihoko Owada for joining us to help tell this special story. Most of all, we thank Thea and her husband Aaron for their generous time with the families!
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About St. Ann's Center
St. Ann’s Center helps mothers and children overcome crisis and achieve lasting independence and stability by providing a safe and supportive home, child care, education and employment assistance, and clinical social work services within a Catholic community that welcomes all.
