The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ are delighted to announce the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation's transition to a self-sustaining local governance model. This significant milestone marks a new chapter in the Foundation’s mission to serve the vulnerable populations of Allen County, Indiana, ensuring long-term stability and growth in promoting health and wellness.
Since its inception, the St. Joe Foundation has been deeply rooted in the spirit and charism of St. Katharina Kasper, as well as the legacy and values of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. The Poor Handmaids' support has been instrumental in the Foundation's success, providing financial resources, spiritual guidance, and technical expertise, which have enabled this Allen County, IN, philanthropic ministry to explore new pathways to ensure compassionate care for the vulnerable.
"We are incredibly proud of St. Joseph Community Health Foundation and their dedication to building a local network of quality health and wellness services for the marginalized," said Sister Shirley Bell, Provincial of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. "Their journey towards self-sustainability is a testament to their strength and faith. We look forward to continuing our partnership through board presence and building on the strong foundation we have helped establish, which was initiated with this ministry when we sold the St. Joseph Medical Center in 1998. They are now well-positioned to carry on the work envisioned by Saint Katharina Kasper.
Annually, the ministry collaborates with approximately 100 local non-profits to ensure that quality resources and services are available to individuals with limited resources. The foundation focuses on prenatal and infant care, immigrant and refugee support, food and nutrition security, and access to affordable health and wellness care. The foundation’s leadership and staff, with expertise in focus areas and nonprofit operations, have positioned the organization to be both self-sustaining and grow in its ability to respond to the local needs of those serving the most vulnerable.
Under its new self-sustaining governance model, the Foundation relies upon greater engagement with local lay leadership guided by the Gospel Values of the Roman Catholic Church and its Catholic Social Teachings. The Foundation is committed to listening to the community, identifying transformational initiatives and grant opportunities that best serve the vulnerable. According to Meg Distler, Executive Director of the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, “We are inspired by Saint Katharina Kasper to continue the work of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ in northeast Indiana which began in 1868.
This new self-sustaining governance strategy enables us to continue addressing the local community’s needs for many years to come.”
For more information about the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, please visit www.poorhandmaids.org. For more information about St. Joseph Community Health Foundation, please visit www.sjchf.org.