A Lighthouse of Love and Resilience

Written by 5HF and St. Louis Center staff

Louis Guanella, the humble priest who founded the Servants of Charity in Italy. He was canonized as a saint in 2011.

55 residents currently live at the center, and SLC provides 1:1 care for those who need it, while teaching life and work skills to encourage residents to be as independent as possible.

Over the decades, as the needs of its residents changed, so too has St. Louis Center. More aging residents are moving into condo-style housing as part of the Guanella Village concept. Planning for the St Louis Guanella Village was a vision bringing together families living next to individuals with I/DD in an integrated fashion. In 2021, that vision became a reality.

Campus renovations included a renovated hall for Assisted Living, and independent villas. And with the addition of Mike’s House, five women now have an opportunity to live more independently, planning their own menus, shopping and cooking, with minimum supervision.

The Center continues to plan for increasing demand. SLC’s Strategic Plan includes the addition of an accessible wellness center, upgrades to their kitchen facility – over 90% of SLC residents have a dietary restriction – and expanding their ability to integrate into the community through worksite placement.

There are many stories of inspiration and resilience at St. Louis Center. Residents, their families, and SLC staff are all part of one expanded family. The unique needs of residents call for unique caregivers, and St. Louis Center, with over 100 employees and volunteers, counts on the contributions of staff to make SLC a loving environment.

According to Michelle Mikolajczyk, Volunteer Coordinator, “we are always seeking volunteers and staff who portray empathy and patience, and demonstrate their faith in the dignity and potential of others.”

To learn more about St. Louis Center, arrange a tour or donate, contact them at https://stlouiscenter.org/

Dawn Dietrich, a resident at SLC from 2006 - 2021, was a gift to all who knew her. Dawn was born with Down Syndrome, and throughout her years as a resident, she taught others around her what it means to love. She loved music, her friends and she especially loved her Mama Judi. Dawn passed away in 2021, and is missed by everyone.

Adult Learners Institute of Chelsea, Michigan, Inc.

We are about life-long Learning

ALI offers a full curriculum of diverse classes with topics specially selected for adult learners.

For more information visit: www.AdultLearnersInstitute.org Or call 734.292.5540