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Sister Nancy's Note: Be Inspired! Join Us at Hope Blossoms

Spring is in the air! It has been a joy to see families who live at St. Ann’s Center (22 women and their 24 children) enjoying the warm weather and bright new colors all around us.

The St. Ann's Center community has three special dates coming up:

First and foremost, our families look forward to a joyful and hope-filled Easter together. Thanks to our staff, donors, and volunteers, St. Ann’s is already well-decorated for the occasion!

Second, we look forward to celebrating Mother’s Day – always a poignant day at St. Ann’s. We will celebrate the love, sacrifice, and achievements of the mothers we serve – especially the first-time moms of children under 1.

Third, we look forward to Hope Blossoms – our annual event celebrating and supporting the families changing their lives through St. Ann’s programs. This year, Hope Blossoms will take place on May 14 at Columbia Country Club.


If you’ve ever been to Hope Blossoms, you know that the atmosphere can hardly be described. Last year was my first time attending, and I am still amazed by the spirit of love, warmth, and empathy within the room. You could feel it all evening, especially when Amber – who entered St. Ann’s when she became pregnant as a teenager – rose to the stage to share her story, closing with this powerful message:

“I want to thank everyone for volunteering, supporting and donating to St. Ann’s. Your seeds that you have planted and continue to plant help young moms blossom into extraordinary women that have a community to support them.”

Before concluding, Amber thanked her 17-year-old daughter Alani (who was there cheering mom on!) for her support. In that moment, you could see the heart of St. Ann’s mission: families changing their futures, together. Not just one generation - but two.

Will you join us at Hope Blossoms this year, and help us create more memories together?

God bless you,

Sister Nancy Downing, CND
CEO, St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families

St. Ann’s Center will honor Michael Steele and the Order of Malta Federal Association at this year’s event! Read more from Sister Nancy and Event Chair Vince Burke III.


You're Invited to Hope Blossoms!

Sister Nancy Downing and Event Chair Vince C. Burke, III cordially invite you to Hope Blossoms, taking place on May 14 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Join us in celebrating St. Ann's Center's mission and history as we honor Michael Steele and the Order of Malta Federal Association for their advocacy and volunteer efforts on behalf of St. Ann's.

  • Date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
  • Place: Columbia Country Club

Click below for sponsorship opportunities and event tickets! All proceeds will directly support St. Ann's Center's programs.

Sponsorship and Tickets!


Our Mission

Mission: St. Ann’s Center helps mothers and children overcome crisis and achieve lasting independence and stability by providing a safe and supportive home, child care, education and employment assistance, and clinical social work services within a Catholic community that welcomes all.