NaNa's House - Not Alone, Not Afraid

About Us

Magnificat Center is a faith-based organization that was founded by Erin Weyerich under the name "Magnificat Foundation" in December, 1997. The name was changed to Magnificat Center in 1999 when we acquired property in the targeted service area and received our IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt designation.

Since 1999 we have been active in the Gravois Park and Dutchtown neighborhoods of the City of St. Louis, working with other community organizations to coordinate activities and events that strengthen families in an area that has one of the highest rates of child abuse in the state.

NaNa's House (Not Alone ~ Not Afraid) opened in February 2002 to provide temporary daytime and overnight care for infants and small children when there is a crisis in their home. The children we serve live in low income, inner-city families suffering from loss of employment, loss of housing, or the illness, addiction, hospitalization, incarceration, divorce or death of a parent. Our goal is to help keep the family together by caring for the children while their parents work to resolve the issues causing turmoil and loss. Children are referred to NaNa's House by teachers, social workers, homeless shelters and other agencies. Infants and toddlers may be with us a few hours during the day while their moms seek housing, employment or attend to a family crisis. The children who stay overnight are usually with us a few days because their mothers are ill, in the hospital, or need help during a very stressful time.

NaNa's House maintains contact with the famlies it serves to provide ongoing encouragement and support. Some children come to stay once or twice a year, and all of the children and their parents are invited to the annual Birthday Party for Jesus.

Magnificat Center Board of Directors and Officers
Angela Lieb, Chairman of the Board
Erin Weyerich, Founder and President
Judy Redlich, Vice President
Lori Dolan, Board Member
Lynne Thien, Treasurer
Mary T. Weir, Secretary