A mother’s journey brings the Maryville Crisis Nursery’s mission to life
Thank you for joining us at the sold-out Maryville Crisis Nursery Fall Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at North Shore Country Club in Glenview. Together with 170 guests, we celebrated the care, relationships and generosity that help families move through difficult moments.
Kierra Johnson brought that impact to life through a memory she has carried for years: picking up her son from the Nursery and seeing him walking in his very first pair of walking shoes, provided by the staff.
“It meant someone cared,” Johnson said. “Someone saw my child, recognized his needs and helped him reach a milestone that I will never forget.”
Joined by her four sons, Johnson shared how she first turned to the Nursery in 2013 as a teenage mother living in a shelter. Her oldest son, Kendrick, was a year old. She had started a new job but lacked reliable child care. The Nursery helped bridge gaps between care hours and her work and school schedules, giving her time to earn a living, pursue her education and build a future for her family.
That support extended to everyday necessities, including diapers and wipes. Johnson later owned and operated a licensed child care center in Indiana, offering care to other families in her community.
“I went from being a young mother who needed child care to becoming a woman who provided child care for other families,” she said.
Kierra Johnson with her sons. Kendric Johnson, left, was only one when Kierra first availed of the services provided by the Maryville Crisis Nursery.
Maryville Executive Director Sister Catherine M. Ryan, O.S.F., recognized the supporters who have made such care possible, including those who have stood beside the Crisis Nursery since it was founded 20 years ago.
We also were pleased to welcome three members of Maryville’s board of directors: board Chair Richard Devine, Agnes Piszczek and Steven Phillips.
To our guests, donors, sponsors, volunteers, community partners, advisory council members and staff, thank you. Your presence, generosity and commitment help provide a safe place for children and meaningful support for parents.
As Johnson reminded us, “Sometimes all a family needs is someone willing to stand beside them.”
Moments worth rememberingPlease enjoy photos from the luncheon and the people who made the day so special.
For those who wish to extend their support, a gift to the Maryville Crisis Nursery helps keep this care available to children and families throughout the year.
SUPPORT THE CRISIS NURSERY
https://maryvilleacademy.org/donations/
Thank you to our sponsors, friends and supporters for being part of this caring community.
