"In Her Words" - A Special Night for St. Ann's Center

November 5, 2025

Dear Friends,

Last night, St. Ann's Center hosted "In Her Words" - a short film, panel discussion, and reception held to recognize Homelessness Awareness Month.

Over 125 attendees joined us at the Nolan Center at Georgetown Visitation - a warm, inviting space just perfect for our gathering. On behalf of St. Ann's Center, thank you to everyone who came, and to everyone who joined us in spirit!

Our night began with "In Her Words," a short film highlighting four women journeying with St. Ann's Center as they overcome crisis and build new futures. Thank you Mary, K-La, Hana, and Paige, for sharing your authentic selves and your inspiring stories.

Our panel talk helped deepen the conversation, with help from moderator Kim Daniels, filmmaker Robin Smith, Knina Harvey (our Director of Clinical and Social Work Services), and Africa and Brittany - two successful young women and alumna of our programs.

Finally, our reception provided the chance to connect as a community of like minds and like hearts. We shared, reflected, embraced, and left the event inspired to keep making a difference for the young families who count on St. Ann's Center.

What a privilege and joy, to share in this loving and supportive community! Thank you, especially during Homelessness Awareness Month, for always being there for families at St. Ann's Center.

Sincerely,

Sister Nancy Downing
CEO, St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families

Special Thanks

To our sponsor, Magnolia Companies.
To Kim Daniels, Director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University, for moderating tonight's event.
To Senator Chris Van Hollen, for marking the occasion with a Congressional Citation to St. Ann's Center.
To Robin Smith and VideoAction, for your incredible generosity in making “In Her Words” a reality.
To Dr. Barbara Edmondson and the Georgetown Visitation community, for being wonderful hosts!
To our panelists - Knina, Africa, and Brittany - for being an integral part of our program.
To our wonderful Staff and Board Members.
To our friends at Crave Catering.

Our Mission

St. Ann’s Center helps mothers and children overcome crisis and achieve lasting independence and stability by providing a safe and supportive home, child care, education and employment assistance, and clinical social work services within a Catholic community that welcomes all.