As we reflect on the past year, we take time to remember our successes. And as I reflect on 2023, there is no doubt that it has been a transformative year for Magdala House.
As a result of the dedication and focus of our board of directors, staff, and friends of Magdala, we enhanced our partnership and collaboration with the City of St. Louis in 2023. We are now a premier provider of support for the unhoused population in the St. Louis metro area.
In 2023, we expanded our programming and market reach with the addition of 50 new Tiny Homes at Jefferson Spaces, expanded to additional floors at Sisters Mission, and was selected to manage the emergency shelter operations at Biddle House with 101 beds.
For our intellectually disabled residential programs, the number of clients participating in our Adult Day Program grew from 8 in 2022 to 18 in 2023.
I want to be clear, expansion is directly tied to our mission, not our image. Providing resources that enrich lives and support our communities drives everything we do. Helping over 400 people graduate to permanent housing since beginning our transitional housing and emergency shelter programs is a testament to this goal.
The second half of 2023 was also dedicated to technology. Our newly redesigned website and case management system will now help us efficiently gather, organize and measure program, client and consumer information.
It is with this momentum that we prepare to enter 2024. We have much to be thankful for this year, as well as much to anticipate for the future. Each of you–every one of you will play a role in the success of Magdala House.
As we prepare for the last few days of 2023, I encourage you not only to count your blessings— but share your blessings. After all, you do it every day. No matter your role, each day you come to work at Magdala House is a day you make a difference in the lives of others.
I wish you peace and joy, this holiday season and always.
