Founder & CEO
Faith House
As a registered nurse, Mildred witnessed much suffering among infants, especially those born addicted to drugs or alcohol. She wanted to do something to help these youngsters. She envisioned a place where they would be cared for and loved. She dreamed of a house that would be built on Faith. She went to work armed with $10,000 in cash, two credit cards, determination, courage and most of all faith.
In 1991 Mildred realized her vision with the opening of Faith House. This was a 12-bed home in North St. Louis for children from birth through age five. These children had been prenatally exposed to drugs or their parents were substance abusers. It was the first child-care agency in the state of Missouri to care for this community of children. Through her efforts, hundreds of area children now had hope for a better tomorrow.
In August 1997, her vision continued to grow. Fifty-four children, including 24 infants, moved into Faith House’s new building. This building, located at 5355 Page Blvd., was proof that Faith can move mountains. Faith House purchased the land for $10 and HUD provided a $300,000 grant to assist in the mortgage. Faith House spent $1.7 million on the structure. They also received donations of everything from money to wallpaper.
Children are our future. Faith House gives them the love and support they so desperately need and deserve. Fifty children now call it home. Mildred strives to help these children grow physically, psychologically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. A staff of 101 and over 400 volunteers provide the help she needs.
She says she knows her job is finished when the children can make a transition into regular classrooms or foster or adoptive families. The hope is that they eventually become productive citizens in our community. As Chief Executive Officer, Mildred manages and maintains the caring environment that is so critical to the children’s development.
Mildred’s goal is that Faith House is only the beginning. Her dream is to build Faith Village. The Village will consist of four structures on this six-acre site. Construction on Dream House, the second building of the four, is about to begin. It will be a residential facility for teenagers who are afflicted with HIV/Aids. This is the sixth leading cause of death among teens. The other structures will include child and adult day care services and an affordable, assisted living complex for the elderly.
MJ, as the staff affectionately calls her, is well suited to helping children. She is the mother of 3 adult sons, and grandmother of 2 grandsons.
Mildred shows her commitment to the children and community through her many awards and her involvement throughout the state. She currently is a board member with several organizations: the Missouri Coalition of Children Agency, the Children’s Trust Fund, and the Leadership St. Louis- Class 92-93, to name a few. Mildred has an honorary doctorate degree from St. Louis University.
Recently, she has also received the Archbishop John L. May Leadership Award for Distinguished Health Care Ministry. Oprah Winfrey gave her the Use Your Life Award, during an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Angel Network Show. And the St. Louis American Foundation gave her a Lifetime Achiever Award.
Mildred continues to serve her community. For the past two years she has adopted a YWCA Teen as a daughter. Mildred shares her wisdom and expertise and gives these young ladies a sense of respect and importance.
Her work and love for young people is an inspiration that extends far beyond the walls of Faith House.