A small loan made a huge difference for the residents, volunteers, and staff of Magdalene St. Louis, a supportive residential community in St. Louis, MO, for women recovering from prostitution, violence, and addiction. Last month, IFF provided a $20,000 loan to Magdalene, helping the nonprofit purchase its very own 12-passenger vehicle.
The new van, affectionately called the “MagdaVan,” will allow staff and volunteers at Magdalene to easily transport all 11 residents to their jobs, schools, and around town to run errands. In the past, Magdalene relied on volunteers to transport residents in their own cars. Thanks to IFF’s financing, while one volunteer drives the MagdaVan, the rest are freed up to support other important activities at Magdalene St. Louis.
Magdalene’s intensive recovery program allows the women to live for two years in the house, where they will learn essential life and job skills. With support from social workers and staff, they learn how to apply and interview for a job; how to plan meals and budget; and how to pursue further education. While participating in Magdalene’s program, the women receive daily meals, medical care, and supportive services — all at no cost.