Women Saying 'Yes' To God: A Century of Service
by Margaret McDonell, April 2005
Page 3
The Guild of Catholic Women established Guild Residences, Inc. (now Guild Incorporated) in 1990 as a non-profit subsidiary to manage direct services.
Because of changes in care for people with mental illness, Guild Hall and the apartment building were sold in 1994 and the emphasis of service was changed to provide support that would allow people with mental illness to live independently. Today people with mental illness from Ramsey and Dakota Counties live in transitional, shared or independent housing with services provided by Guild Incorporated to help each individual live a productive, satisfying life. In any given year more than 1000 people are served.
Each year, with funds generated by its annual Angel Appeal, GCW hosts a Christmas candlelight dinner which includes entertainment and gifts for about 400 people and families of those who are served by Guild Incorporated. The Angel Appeal funds also make it possible for clients to purchase needed items they personally cannot afford.
In 1998 an endowment fund was established with proceeds going to support the work of Guild Incorporated. Contributions to the endowment continue to be welcomed.
Volunteers support clients in a variety of ways, including one to one friendship matches, transportation assistance, and more.
GCW conducts an ongoing effort to educate the community about mental illness – what it is and how it affects one in every four families. In October, during the Mental Illness Awareness Week, programs planned by GCW and entitled The Puzzle of Mental Illness have been provided to the public free of charge. Speakers are available for presentations to community and religious organizations.
Some 500 members strong, The Guild of Catholic Women still looks for interested women who would like to share in the organization’s work and experience fellowship with others. Their lofty goal is that every woman in the Archdiocese will join them in their efforts to help those with severe mental illness lead quality lives. Membership is open to women of all ages, professions and religions.
