New Name: Marillac Mission Fund
The Daughters of Charity Foundation of St. Louis is changing our name to the Marillac Mission Fund to better reflect the Foundation’s legacy and ongoing belief in the intrinsic value and dignity of all persons, especially those who are poor and vulnerable. St. Louise de Marillac (pronounced Mary-yac) was a mother, widow, teacher, nurse, social worker, and founder. She founded the Daughters of Charity in France 385 years ago as she worked alongside St. Vincent de Paul in dedication of service of care to those who were materially poor. Renaming the Foundation in her honor is a reminder of the enduring gifts of simplicity, humility, inspiration, hope and compassionate love for others living in poverty.
Marillac Mission Fund (MMF) support to the St. Louis Bi-state community remains unchanged. Our work continues to be “rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer” as we partner in efforts that care for and empower the economically disadvantaged through grant funding, organizational capacity building, community collaborations, and advocacy that will lead to improved health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. We will continue pursuing evidence of the impact our work is having on the underserved and the community at large.
As part of Ascension, MMF is a ministry of the Catholic Church and, through our focus areas, we continue to seek opportunities to support area nonprofit organizations that care for, engage and empower people to be active on their own behalf. Like Louise de Marillac, we seek to be advocates for a compassionate, inclusive and just society through our actions and our words. We remain inspired by organizations that serve as catalysts for positive, substantive change in conditions that improve the quality of life and empower individuals and communities to advocate for themselves. Our new name will guide our future work by honoring a legacy of hope and inspiration for a more just and equitable community for all.