Where We Started
Deaconess Nurse Ministry was founded in 1989 (originally known as Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries) through the vision of Rev. Dr. Richard Ellerbrake, CEO of Deaconess Health System, to honor the centennial of the Deaconess Sisterhood and their mission in St. Louis. Over the past three decades, our ministry has evolved while staying true to its commitment to whole-person health through parish and faith community nursing. As healthcare needs shifted, our Board of Directors developed a community-based model to expand our reach and impact.
Before 2014, Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries, LLC operated under the 501(c)(3) umbrella of the Deaconess Foundation, established in 1997 to manage proceeds from the sale of Deaconess–Incarnate Word Hospital. In 2014, the ministry became an independent 501(c)(3) organization, now known as Deaconess Nurse Ministry.
Today, our work continues the legacy of the Deaconess Sisters, serving communities with hearts open to care for all. We remain guided by the principles of compassion, respect, and dignity, delivering healthcare that reflects the healing love of God.
How We’re Evolving
Deaconess Nurse Ministry continues to grow in response to the changing needs of the communities we serve. While our mission remains rooted in compassionate, faith-informed nursing care, our approach is expanding to create greater access, stronger partnerships, and measurable impact.
We are increasing our presence in senior living communities and underserved neighborhoods, bringing professional nursing care directly to where people live. We are strengthening collaborative partnerships with healthcare providers and community organizations to ensure coordinated, whole-person support.
We are also expanding our impact through fee-for-service training and education, equipping organizations, staff, and community leaders with practical tools to support wellness and preventive care.
As we look ahead, we are developing the Deaconess Learning Hub to further advance community-based nursing education and sustainable program growth.
Our evolution is intentional — focused on sustainability, accountability, and improving lives through accessible, relationship-centered nursing care.