Our Lady’s Inn; Saving One Mother,
One Baby, One Family at a Time

By Jim Day

Our Lady’s Inn (OLI) is an emergency shelter for pregnant women in crisis which helps them to choose life for their unborn child. Founded January 22, 1982, OLI is a safe refuge where a woman can learn how to care for herself and her unborn baby. Their mission is saving lives, building healthy, hopeful tomorrows - one mother, one baby, one family at a time.

A woman may go to OLI at any time during her pregnancy and stay until after her child is born. Upon entering OLI’s program, she must commit to an individualized self-sufficiency plan which she and a caring staff member develop together through counseling and formulation of goals. While plans vary, three goals dominate her stay at OLI: (1) She will have a healthy baby; (2) She will obtain employment and (3) She will secure permanent housing.

While these goals are clear, the path to achieving these goals is uncertain for many women who seek OLI’s services. Many issues complicate their ability to reach these goals, including lack of education, illiteracy, prolonged poverty, lack of support systems, substance abuse and other problems. These issues are addressed through classes offered at OLI and through other agencies and include: parenting, living skills, financial planning and budgeting, Life Puzzles, GED programs and substance abuse treatment programs. All women are aided in receiving medical attention for themselves, their newborn and any other children. Referrals for adoptions are encouraged and are made through licensed adoption agencies.

OLI provides on-going support with the help of various community agencies and institutions. An Aftercare Program allows OLI to continue following these families for two years after leaving the shelter. The Aftercare program involves support groups and home visits, designed to help participants maintain stability.

Our Lady’s Inn is located at 4223 S. Compton, St. Louis, MO 63111. Their phone number is (314)-351-4590. For more information regarding OLI visit their web site at www.ourladysinn.org.