SAINT MARTHA’S HALL

Breaking the cycle of domestic violence

by Melissa Wilkinson over 7,000 women served, the pandemic got Saint Martha’s board members thinking about what else they could provide for the community.

A new drop-in center in South St. Louis County is one more way a local organization is helping victims of domestic violence.

Founded in May 1983, Saint Martha’s Hall is a St. Louis nonprofit group that provides shelter, resources and compassionate care for women and children in the process of escaping or moving on after an abusive relationship.

“During the pandemic, we realized it was very difficult for women and their kids to come quarantine for 14 days. They still needed the services, but we couldn’t offer it unless they were going to stay in the shelter,” said Board Member Kathy Rehmer of Shrewsbury. “The staff realized we needed another location for people to drop in and get the services they need, whether it’s help with court orders or applying for jobs.”

On Jan. 3 of this year, Saint Martha’s Drop-In Center opened at 4733 Mattis Road. Whereas the shelter provides a secure location for women to escape abusive situations, the drop-in center aims to help those in any stage of an abusive relationship with anything they might need.

Funded by donations and federal, state and local grants, the group operates a shelter in an undisclosed location that can accommodate nine women and 15 children for up to 12 weeks.

But after nearly 40 years and

“The drop-in center offers a homey environment where we hope women are comfortable seeking our services in a confidential setting,” said Board Member Amy Howe. “We have crisis intervention and support services, remote access to apply for orders