Discovering the Hidden Jewels of St. Ann Center

   We are so thankful for the many volunteers that we have here at St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care. Without their hard work and dedication, we would not be able to reach those in need of our love and care. Many of our volunteers travel out into the community to raise awareness and spread the reach of our programs and services. Others, like Sister Jeanne d'Arc Omilan, come into the Center to help with the myriad of activities and programs that we offer in-house.

   Sister Jeanne d’Arc has been volunteering for St. Ann for ­­­­14 years, and at 97 years of age, that is no small feat.  After retiring in 1991, she began her second career as a volunteer. She has been putting her time and effort towards helping organizations in the Milwaukee community extend the outreach of their missions and services.  Our center is one of the many recipients blessed by her touch. In addition to helping out with the Jewelry department here at St. Ann Center, she also volunteers with several other Sisters in a local jail outreach.

   In the Jewelry Department here at St. Ann Center, it is the careful eye and the keen attention to detail that she provides as donation intake specialist that allows valuable pieces of jewelry to not go unnoticed. And 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these donations go towards providing the much needed services to our clients who otherwise would not be able to afford them.  This includes baths, therapy, rehabilitation, and integrative counseling services.

   Without Sister Jeanne d’Arc’s faith and commitment to the mission of St. Ann Center, some of these hidden gems would go unnoticed. As she kindly says about St. Ann’s founder and President Sister Edna Lonergan, “She has the vision and we do the work.”

Franciscan Values Alive at St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care

Franciscan Values alive at SAC

St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, and its mission, reflect Franciscan values in meeting the spiritual, psychological, social and physical needs of all who participate regardless of faith, culture or ability to pay.

These values are the foundation upon which the outreach of The Center has grown.

Creating a Caring Community

Respecting each person’s dignity.
Offering hospitality, kindness, and friendship.
Fostering loving relationships.

Showing Compassion

Serving and caring for the poor and oppressed.
Working for justice.
Taking responsible social action.

Reverencing All of Creation

Fostering a simple lifestyle.
Preserving the environment.
Respecting all creatures.

Making Peace

Forgiving others.
Resolving conflicts.
Promoting non-violence.

Courtesy of Sister Mary Jeanne Michels.

Posted by Nicholas Schultz

Imagine being 104 years old!

At St. Ann Center we are privileged to share some of our days with Mary Huth – who celebrated her 104^th Birthday with us on Tuesday, April 24, 2012.

Mary’s great-grand son usually brings her to St. Ann Center every other Tuesday, to have a bath in our comfortable whirlpool tub and to get her hair done in our full service hair and nail salon. She has been having her hair done by Carol in our Beauty Salon for at least the last six years. Mary’s family said, “We are lucky to be a part of your center."

Mary pictured with Carol her hair stylist

If you have the pleasure to meet Mary you would be impressed immediately.  This centenarian is full of spark and shares a beautiful smile with everyone she meets.

Of course we had to ask her “what’s the secret to a long life?”    She responded, “Laughter …and a Coke soda each day!”  We teased her about her “Coke” habit - she laughed and shared with us her glorious smile.

In an article from American Statesman Staff, Helen Anders, said Mary is among approximately 104,099 Americans, by U.S. census count, who are 100 or older. People are living longer because technological advancements and drugs cure illnesses that once ended lives. By 2050, the government projects, there will be 601,000 centenarians. A recent study published in the medical journal The Lancet goes even further, suggesting that most babies born after 2000 in developed countries will live to be 100.

We are so very happy to spend such a wonderful day with Mary!  Happy Birthday Mary – Well be waiting to celebrate your 105^th with you!

Lonely Heart by Sr. Clara Styger, OSF

One day my heart felt
very lonely
like Jesus when in the
Garden of Olives
Life in a way was almost too much.
My whole being was crying out -
I longed to find peace within.

I cried out to Jesus,
"Where are You?"
Then among tears of frustration
I felt His respectful presence
around me.
No voice but eyes so pure and
filled with love,
I felt strength and became
very peaceful.
I did not feel alone any more.

Easter is a time of deep hope
A gift of our Father's Love through
His Son Jesus, our Jewish brother,
Lover and true friend.
He came to give us Life and
Show us the way.

Will I and will you truly let
Easter Peace happen in our hearts?
Burst forth in joy-filled praise
For we are the most gifted, hope-filled
Children of God.
Alleluia! Happy Easter to you.

-Sister Clara Styger, OSF

Learning about Grief

This actually sounds like it might be a really nice seminar!


Putting the pieces of your life back together may be difficult after experiencing loss. Adults who are grieving the death of a loved one weeks, months or years ago are invited to a free Seminar at St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care on Saturday, February 18, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30a.m. St. Ann Center is located just off Kinnickinnic Avenue, at 2801 East Morgan Avenue. 

“Understanding Grief…Putting the Pieces of Your life Back Together” is a community outreach program to help grieving adults understand the common and unique effects of loss, the process of grief, and the journey toward healing, offering hope for the future. This gathering is for adults who are grieving the death of a loved one. The goals of this seminar are to share information regarding grief and healing, to empower those gathered, and to provide them with grief support resources in the area.

Grief affects every part of our lives. During the seminar some topics of discussion will include; learning tools for how to put the pieces of your life back together, learning about how to heal, the difference between cure and heal, and many others.

For planning purposes only, pre-registration is requested (but not necessary) by calling 414-977-5000 or by e-mailing petereinl@churchandchapel.us. This free seminar is Co-Sponsored by AseraCare Hospice, Church and Chapel Funeral Homes, St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care and Synergy Home Care.

Sr. Edna's Creations

Check out this wonderful Video showcasing Sr. Edna's Creations!

Sr. Edna's Creations

Respite is Care for the Caregiver!

Anyone who takes care of a loved one knows what it means to get a welcome break – no matter how dedicated they are!

This is what we mean by respite-supporting the person who gives care as much as the one receiving it.

We’d like our community, especially the many dedicated caregivers, to know about our 24 hour overnight respite care center.

St. Ann Center offers this care (from 1-20 days) to frail elderly and adults with disabilities. This gives caregivers a chance to take a few days off, go on a vacation, or maybe stay at the hospital worry free while their loved one is in good hands.

We often say St. Ann Center is someplace you have to see to believe, from the beauty of the center to the care shown to the clients. The nine bed respite center is set up like a European village with each private respite room decorated to look and feel like a bed and breakfast room. The bed and breakfast feel lets the clients who stay in there feel like they are on vacation, comfortable and surrounded by beauty.

St. Ann Center currently has room in its respite center and is always accepting new clients. Even if you don’t need respite – you might know someone that does. We are happy to answer your questions or offer you a tour any time, just call Sarah at 414-977-5033.

Below is a testimonial from the family of a respite client.

“What can I possibly say to express the refuge that I have found at St. Ann Center over the past few weekends? I even think that I could do a commercial testifying to the personal care and concern that you and your staff have shown to my dad. Checking once and sometimes twice for accuracy of the meds dispensed, to the gentle care in the respite center only confirms all the wonderful things I had heard prior to his stays. Thank you and St. Ann Center for an outstanding care center.” Kathy Anderson

St. Ann Center is open to the public 6:00 a.m. – 6:00p.m. Monday – Friday.