Maryville Crisis Nursery celebrates 20 years of hope
State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (second from right, back row) and Sen. Robert Martwick (third from right, back row) joined the Maryville Crisis Nursery’s 20th birthday celebration on July 25. Pictured with them are, from left, Maryville Crisis Nursery Cofounder Joanne Deuter, Maryville Executive Director Sister Catherine M. Ryan, O.S.F., Crisis Nursery Advisory Council Chair Chris Perille, Maryville Board Chair Richard Devine, Crisis Nursery Program Director Alejandra Ortiz, Maryville Crisis Nursery Cofounder Amy Kendal, Maryville Board Member Sister Donna Marie Wolowicki, C.R., Sister Virginia of the Sisters of the Resurrection and Administrator Fred Smith (back row).
The Maryville Crisis Nursery marked 20 years of protecting children and strengthening families on Saturday as staff, volunteers, donors, community partners, elected officials and families gathered to celebrate a program that has provided hope, safety and compassionate support to families during times of crisis for two decades.
Sister Cathy welcomed guests by recognizing the many people who have made the Crisis Nursery possible. She thanked volunteers, donors, staff and supporters, reminding those in attendance that the Nursery’s work is truly “a ministry of the community.”
State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe and Sen. Robert Martwick joined the celebration, recognizing the Crisis Nursery as a vital resource for children and families. LaPointe praised the founders, staff, donors and parents whose commitment has sustained the program for 20 years, calling it “a life-saving resource for families.” Martwick reflected on his first visit to Maryville more than a decade ago, saying it helped shape his priorities as a legislator and reaffirmed the importance of investing in programs that serve vulnerable children and families.
Crisis Nursery Advisory Council Chair Chris Perille reflected on the significance of the anniversary, noting that 20 years represents an entire generation of children whose lives have been touched by the program.
Administrator Fred Smith thanked everyone who has supported the Crisis Nursery. He noted that the Nursery never defines a family’s crisis for them but instead listens with compassion and works alongside each family to provide the support they need.
Founders Amy Kendal and Joanne Deuter reflected on the vision that inspired the program. Kendal said the Crisis Nursery was built on the belief that no parent should face difficult moments alone and no child should be at risk because a family has nowhere to turn. Deuter emphasized that supporting parents strengthens the bond between caregivers and children, creating a foundation for healthy child development and stronger families.
Program Director Alejandra Ortiz shared her vision for the future, reaffirming the Crisis Nursery’s commitment to serving families with compassion while expanding connections throughout the community. She said the next chapter will build upon the strong foundation established over the past 20 years.
Board Chair Richard Devine and Board Member Sister Donna Marie Wolowicki, C.R. were also present. Following the program, guests enjoyed a picnic lunch featuring grilled hamburgers, hot dogs and pork chops, while children and families enjoyed face painting, rock painting, temporary tattoos and a piñata.
The celebration concluded as everyone gathered to sing “Happy Birthday” before cutting two birthday cakes. The joyful moment reflected the spirit of the day. It celebrated a program that has spent two decades ensuring children have a safe place to turn and families have somewhere to find support during life’s most challenging moments.
