SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital and The Salvation Army Launch Respite Collaboration and Celebrate Capital Campaign Investment
SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital - Jefferson City and The Salvation Army are collaborating to improve health outcomes and housing stability for some of the community's most vulnerable neighbors.
On Sept. 23, community leaders gathered at The Salvation Army Center of Hope to celebrate a significant capital campaign investment from SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital allowing for two new Respite Rooms that will provide a safe place for individuals experiencing homelessness to recover following hospitalization.
The newly executed agreement establishes a collaboration between SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital and The Salvation Army to provide non-medical respite shelter services at the Center of Hope, located at 927 Jefferson Street in Jefferson City.
“This partnership represents a unique expression of both organizations’ faith-based missions,” said Andrew Ochs, Regional Vice President of Mission Integration, SSM Health Mid-Missouri & Oklahoma.
Through the program, eligible patients discharged from SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital will have access to temporary housing, meals, transportation assistance, case management, health education, and supportive services while they continue their recovery. The program can accommodate up to four participants at a time.
"Over the past several months, I have had the privilege of getting to know the incredible team at SSM Health and witnessing firsthand their genuine commitment to caring for our community,” said Melinda Jennings, Director of Development at The Salvation Army Jefferson City. “Their desire to invest in people, especially those facing some of life's most difficult circumstances, speaks volumes about who they are as an organization. We are honored to partner with SSM Health and excited to see how this collaboration will bring healing, hope, and lasting change to our community for years to come."
Under the agreement, The Salvation Army will provide room and board, three daily meals, transportation coordination for medical appointments, case management, and services designed to help individuals transition toward long-term stability and housing. SSM Health will identify eligible participants and provide ongoing coordination and support for the program.
In addition to launching this collaboration, SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital is demonstrating its commitment to the future of the community through a gift of $40,000 to The Salvation Army's Hope Lives Here Capital Campaign.
"Health is influenced by so much more than the care provided within hospital walls,” said Dr. John Lucio, President SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Jefferson City. “By partnering with The Salvation Army, we are helping address critical needs such as housing stability, recovery support, and access to essential services. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to improving lives in Jefferson City community."
The Hope Lives Here Capital Campaign supports the expansion and sustainability of services provided through The Salvation Army Center of Hope, including emergency shelter, housing stabilization programs, food assistance, workforce development, and supportive services for individuals and families facing crisis.
About The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army serves the Jefferson City community through emergency shelter, food assistance, utility assistance, disaster response, seasonal services, and programs designed to help individuals and families achieve stability and self-sufficiency. Through its Center of Hope shelter and outreach programs, The Salvation Army remains committed to meeting human needs without discrimination. Learn more at SalvationArmyJeffCity.org.
About SSM Health: SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit health system serving the comprehensive health needs of communities across the Midwest through a robust and fully integrated health care delivery system. The organization’s 40,000 team members and more than 13,900 providers are committed to providing exceptional health care services and revealing God’s healing presence to everyone they serve.
With care delivery sites in Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wisconsin, SSM Health includes 23 hospitals, more than 300 physician offices and other outpatient and virtual care services, 13 post-acute facilities, comprehensive home care and hospice services, a pharmacy benefit company, a health insurance company and an accountable care organization. It is one of the largest employers in every community it serves. For more information, visit ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Jefferson City has been a part of the Mid-Missouri community since 1905. In 2014, the hospital moved to its new, state-of-the art facility with spacious private rooms, an expanded emergency department, an Outpatient Surgery Center and the Blessed Beginnings Family Birth Center, the premier birthing center for Mid-Missouri. The hospital has been recognized with numerous awards for its unique design based on the latest research in patient safety and efficiency of care. It also regularly receives national recognition for delivering outstanding patient experience. For more information, visit us at ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter.