News and Updates

Audit 2023

Audit for 2023  

Thank You!

Nurse Cindy is passionate about DNM’s mission of Call to care for all. She cares for as many as she can each week. She meets her clients through a homeless meal program and an affordable housing. This year is the 100th year of United Way. Nurse Cindy helped her clients apply to the 100 Neediest...

100 Neediest Cases

Ms. R who is a disabled senior met a Deaconess nurse through a Food Pantry where she was looking for many type of assistance. Nurse Reta worked with her to apply for the 100 Neediest Cases. Ms. R was adopted by a very generous donor who received her “Wish list”, then connected with Reta carefully address...

Mr. L is at home, safe and happy.

One evening at Peter and Paul Dinner Service, Nurse Cindy met Mr. L – a 63 year-old veteran who was a pilot in the Vietnam War. Mr. L was standing in the room, studying the poster board that shows possible resources available which our nurse displays near her table. Mr. L approached the nurse’s table for health assessment intake. He then shared his...

Mr. K’s Success Story

Mr. K comes to the food pantry weekly where a Deaconess nurse is at. He likes to walk by to say hi to Debra but always outside of her office. Debra would step closer to the door to talk to him. For months, those short conversations have helped Mr. K feel more comfortable in talking...

Mrs. B says: “Deaconess Nurse Ministry is a Godsend!”

Our nurse Debra who came to see Mrs. B, a client of Capable program, which Deaconess Nurse Ministry has implemented to help the elderly to be safe in their own home. Debra said Mrs. B has been through a lot, was homeless for a while and needs a lot of help, but she is very...

Madreen H. “Mickey” Meyer, RN

It is with the deepest sympathy that we inform of the passing of Madreen Meyer on Tuesday evening at Friendship Village / Chesterfield / Skilled Nursing. She was 89 years old. Madreen was a Deaconess Alumni, and the biggest advocate for nursing and the medical field. She was very involved in the Deaconess Alumni Community and a wonderful...

Thank a Nurse Campaign!

During the COVID-19 pandemic in this past year, the work of nurses in healthcare has been critical.  From providing care to those recovering to preventing COVID-19 to preventing the spread of the virus in the community, nurses have served a pivotal role in the overall health and wellness of the St. Louis region. As the...

Rev. Douglas Anders

With a heavy heart that we share the sad news about the passing of one of the most passionate, kind and dedicated members of our board, Rev. Douglas Anders who passed on March 22, in hospice care at his home in St. Louis, Missouri. He was 68 years old. Rev. Douglas Anders was a retired...

What do we know about COVID-19 Vaccines?

A lot of our clients are asking questions about the COVID-19 vaccines lately. So let me help spell out some thoughts about the vaccine. Let me start that as a nurse, I understand the importance of vaccines. Scientific research has demonstrated over many years and independent studies about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. We...

Deaconess Nurse Ministry’s Work in 2020

 Looking back in 2020, Deaconess Nurse Ministry is proud of the impact we have made in our community, and we are so thankful for all of your support to allow us to follow our mission and did what we were called to do – Care for Every Life.     The pandemic was hard on all of...

November is American Diabetes Month

My father had diabetes. He lived with the disease for several years, watching his diet and monitoring his blood sugar. Eventually he died with heart disease, as a result of his diabetes. Because of his struggle, I am always mindful of diabetes and its effect on overall health. Diabetes is one of the leading causes...

Health Benefits of Fruits and Vegetables.

A couple of years ago I began to plant a vegetable garden. I planted tomatoes, all sorts of peppers, eggplant, corn, cucumber, green and yellow beans, okra, carrots, cantaloupe and watermelon. I put in grapevines, blueberry bushes, and apple and peach trees. I learned to enjoy all that I grew. New tastes and treats enjoyed and savored,...

Deaconess Nurse Ministry’s Partnership with St. Louis City Senior Fund.

  We would like to say thanks to the St. Louis City Senior Fund for their support throughout the years. This year, through the St. Louis City Senior Fund,  three Deaconess nurses were able to help 104 seniors in the city of the St Louis receive 253 different referrals, adding up to $20,115 increase in...

Deaconess Nurses’ work in the community during these uncertain times. 

We would like to share one of many stories of how Deaconess Nurses are helping others during this difficult  time. Late Saturday afternoon, Elizabeth George from the St Louis Community Foundation, reached out to our Executive Director – Donna Smith-Pupillo. A person had emailed her pleading for her family with needs and asked if Deaconess Nurse...

Anxiety and Grief in this time.

The world is different today. Life has changed, dramatically. The Covid-19 pandemic has struck with all of its ripple effects in many aspects of our life together. Every day we are hearing the news of tragedy and loss. Hearts race in the “what if’s”. Anxiety and grief are everywhere. As the Covid-19 spreads, anxiety does...

Coronavirus Prevention

Prevention is the best medicine for the Coronavirus! Daily in the news media we have heard about the spread of the Coronavirus. The Coronavirus is a respiratory virus that is spread by droplets as we cough and breathe. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).  The best way to prevent illness...

Deaconess Nurse Ministy Partnership with the Salam Clinic

As you know, Deaconess Nurses have been working along side volunteer physicians from Muslin Community Services at St. Peter’s UCC for many years to provide free medical services to the uninsured and under-insured who don’t have access to healthcare system. Starting January, 2020, The Salam Clinic extended their services to mental health services, we served our...

Happy New Year!

  Happy New Year! May you have a very happy, healthy and successful New Year! We want to say thanks to all of our wonderful donors, thank you for supporting us and for your generosities in 2019. With your support, we were able to care for over 2,000 low income adults and their families in...

Linda Stoecklin, R.N. Leaves A Legacy of Providing Compassionate, Holistic Care at Immanuel United Church of Christ

For 19 years, Linda Stoecklin R.N. has served through Deaconess Nurse Ministry as a Parish Nurse at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Ferguson. Last month she retired from her post, and although she will be missed dearly, we’re incredibly proud of the compassionate care she’s provided so faithfully to hundreds of people in her...

Ministry Moment: Reta Kirk, RN Helps Children and Staff Stay Healthy and Safe at UP – Caroline Mission

Reta Kirk, RN has been working with Unleashing Potential’s Caroline Mission, a nonprofit daycare for children as young as six weeks old and as old as kindergarten-age, since January. They serve fifty to seventy children annually, primarily from low-income families. They provide meal services and a play-based education designed to work with where each child...

Leesa Richardson RN helps homeless people in Washington, MO develop the confidence to ask for help.

Each Saturday evening, Leesa Richardson RN serves low-income and homeless residents in Washington, Missouri as part of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ Harvest Table Ministry. Leesa has been a Faith Community Nurse at Deaconess Nurse Ministry for three months. During her time at Harvest Table, she’s grown her ministry to engage with 25 –...

DNM Helps Launch Clinic at St. Andrew’s Senior Housing Community

Since January, Cindy Siple RN has served the nearly 75 residents at Zion Corner Apartments / Sammie E. Jones Residences in South St. Louis City by operating the Homer Schmitz Memorial Health Clinic, funded and managed by St Andrew’s Senior Solutions and Cape Albeon board. For many residents, her 5-day a week on-site presence has...

The Gift of Good Health for the Holidays

St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Ferguson is located in a quiet neighborhood lined with big oak trees and 1950 era homes. The church has a rich history, dating back to 1843, and the congregation has welcomed thousands of families and residents over the years. One of St. Peter’s many successes over their history has...

Deaconess Nurse Ministry in St. Louis Review

Church-based nurse helps caregivers, older adults For Deb Goldfeder, serving as a nurse for a unique church-based senior ministry means working with caregivers as well as older adults. For example, Goldfeder receives calls from adult children who live out of town and want to get their parent in activities sponsored by SAJE Senior Ministry, an...

A Reflection: Serving Ferguson

August 9th marked the two-year anniversary of the shooting death of Michael Brown’s shooting death, an incident which sparked unrest and an outcry of racial and economic injustices in St. Louis and the United States. Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo, Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries (DFCNM) Executive Director, remembers the months following Michael’s death in several ways.  Most significantly,...

New Year Resolutions

article by Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo, RN At the beginning of the New Year, people make resolutions to get fit and well. Exercise and diet are two of the top resolutions to help one get healthy. But what is often overlooked is how one can make a resolution to get spiritually healthy in the New Year....

Living Well as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and other forms of dementia change the lives of not just the sufferer, but also of her or his family and friends.  They become caregivers and don’t always know the resources for help and advice.  This Living Healthy Moment offers sound advice for dealing with AD day-to-day.   Living Healthy Moments are...

Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries Celebrates Bone and Joint Health Awareness Month

Did you know that bone and joint conditions are reported by US citizens more frequently than any other health condition? It is estimated that these conditions occur in nearly one in two people over the age of 18 years of age. This month Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries wants to raise awareness and encourage people...

Four Strategies to Help You Live a Longer, More Enriched Life

If you had a choice and could either age well, enjoying your golden years with energy and vigor, free from disability and illness; or age poorly, and be straddled with health issues that keep you from fully living your later years – which would you choose? You have a choice, or at least you can...

Summer Fun Safety Tips

Fireworks are synonymous with our celebration of Independence Day. Backyard BBQ and summer outdoor activities fill our July days. Yet the thrill of fireworks and summer sun can bring pain. At least 200 people a year visit the emergency room on the fourth of July due to fireworks injury. Others seek medical attention for sunburn...

Nurse’s Week

May brings May flowers, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and for us at Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministry – Nurse’s Week. Nurse’s week – a celebration of all that good about nursing – is the week of May 5th. Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries celebrates Nurse’s Week all month by promoting the work of faith community...

National Kidney Month

This month Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries joins with National Kidney Foundation in National Kidney Month. We urge Americans to get to know two humble hardworking organs: the kidneys. The kidneys serve a vital function in filtering waste from the bloodstream. They serve to help control blood pressure. Proper hydration of at least six to...

Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries Emerges

For more information, contact: Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo, RN 314.918.2596; dpupillo@faithnurses.org (St. Louis, MO) Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries (formerly Deaconess Parish Nurse Ministries Network) began 2014 as an independent nonprofit with a new name, mission, and vision and a team of faith community nurses providing wholistic healthcare, education and advocacy across the St. Louis region....

Colorectal Cancer Awareness

There are only a couple of parts of our body that we don’t like to think about or talk about to anyone. One is our colon. Who likes to talk about how their bowel movements are or if they have had a colonoscopy? Not too many people.   But not talking about or getting the...

Spiritual Wellness

At the beginning of the New Year, people make resolutions to get fit and well. Exercise and diet are two of the top resolutions to help one get healthy. But what is often overlooked is how one can make a resolution to get spiritually healthy in the New Year. Spiritual wellness is just as important...

Ms. MW

When MW came to visit nurse Cindy at Rush Gardens Homer Schmitz Clinic, she was complaining of “dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo, balance and not feeling well”.  After initial intake and review of her medications, there was a concern that it might be a combination of the medications she was taking, and the medications were not resolving...

“ I remember the story of Mary washing Jesus’ feet and that is what you are doing today.”

On May 11, there was a foot care clinic at Trinity Episcopal food pantry. Deaconess Nurse Ministry participated, along with two other Episcopal churches and The T (Dr. Punch and her crew). The idea of the foot care was to provide a space where those who are homeless could receive the loving touch of care...

Cold Weather Appeal

One late afternoon, we got a phone call from a case worker at Cardinal Ritter, who was trying to help Ms. M, a 65 year-old senior, living in her car. She told us about Ms. M’s case, that she is trying to get her into a shelter before the dangerously cold winter months arrive. Ms. M...

Tips for a Healthy Summer

These are some tips for a healthy summer: Get enough sleep. There are so many exciting events during the summer, but make sure you get at least seven to nine hours of sleep at night. Move more, take sometime to enjoy the outdoors, make a plan to do exercise for at least 150 minutes each week....

We serve people like JT

Mr. JT, a 68 years old, Trinity client was living in poor conditions outside of Central West End area when nurse Reta Kirk met him. He had suffered a stroke a year ago left with some lower extremity weakness & slight shuffle like walk. He also suffers from poor eyesight with blindness in the left...

Leesa Richardson, RN

Leesa Richardson, RN is one of our wonderful, dedicated nurses. She serves at The Harvest Table soup kitchen in Washington, MO. She is there every Saturday, caring for people who are coming to the soup kitchen. Please listen to Karen Dawson –  Founder and President of The Harvest Table, shares about how Deaconess Nurse Ministry makes...

Good Samaritan Grant

In 2020, with the Good Samaritan Grant, Deaconess Nurse Ministry was able to help 14 clergy members with emergency assistant and gap assistant, with the total amount of $50,694.71 This was especially important for such a difficult year in 2020. We are thank God for this gift which allow us to help our fellow clergies....

AIDS AWARENESS.

In the beginning of my career as a nurse, I worked with AIDS patients through BJC home care. In the early 1980’s many of the patients were very, very sick. It was before treatments had been developed, so many of the clients died with the disease. Now, while treatments have been developed, there is still...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About one in eight born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram –...

August is National Immunization Awareness Month.

In the midst of the current pandemic, getting a flu shot is important to prevent disease. It is especially important this year, to prevent co-current diseases. What that means is to have both flu and Covid-19 at the same time or near the same time. Medical professionals and researchers are concerned that vulnerable populations, such...

God’s work through Deaconess Nurse Ministry

“See, the home of God is among mortals. He dwells with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them.” (Revelation 21:3) My heart is heavy with grief and concern. There is so much worry and anxiety in the world right now. People dying with Covid – 19, other losing their jobs,...

Deaconess Nurses – Then and Now.

The person was fine in the morning, and dead by nightfall. Sounds like now with Covid – 19. But is also from Spanish Flu Epidemic of 1918. Until Covid – 19, the Spanish flu pandemic on 1918-1919 was the only recent pandemic experience. This devastating influenza pandemic lasted only about a year, but ultimately claimed...

Dealing with stress during this time

Stressful times. We are living uncertain times with the pandemic of Covid-19. The outbreak and all the changes it brought about in our daily lives can bring stress and anxiety. What will the next day bring? Coping with the stress today helps us to make through to a next day with hope. Everyone reacts differently...

Good Samaritan Fund through Deaconess Nurse Ministry

The Good Samaritan Fund through Deaconess Nurse Ministry provides financial support, subject to available fund, for UCC active and retired clergy and their partners/spouses who reside in the Missouri Mid-South and Illinois South Conference. Deaconess Nurse Ministry assumes no financial liability or fund-raising responsibility for this program and only the Good Samaritan Fund will be...

Happy Valentine!

February is the month of love and giving. We share our love and compassion every day, and it makes our hearts warm to listen to one of our client’ testimonials about how Deaconess Nurse Ministry makes a difference in our community. We wanted to share Geraldine Dobbins’ testimonial with you: ” Nurse Reta Kirk of Deaconess Nurse...

Ministry Moment: Belinda Randall Finds Her Purpose in Helping Seniors Feel Less Alone

Three years ago, Belinda Randall RN found herself professionally overwhelmed and lost. She was working as a nurse, and the position became demanding and felt impersonal. So, she began praying for guidance and searched for a new opportunity. Her prayers were answered with a call from Deaconess Nurse Ministry. She had submitted her resume online...

Ministry Moment: Deb Goldfeder Meets Seniors Where They’re At to Promote Spiritual Well-being

Deb Goldfeder, RN has been a faithful servant to seniors in the St. Louis area for over 20 years, most recently through SAJE Senior Ministry, an organization she formed in the summer of 2010. Deb has a diverse range of responsibilities at SAJE including but not limited to consulting for seniors, advocating for seniors at...

Reta Kirk, RN, Keeps People Across the City Healthy All Year Long

For the past four years, Reta Kirk, RN, has been working to make life better for people throughout the St. Louis region. As a community faith nurse at Deaconess Nurse Ministry, Reta splits her time between five locations: Trinity Episcopal Food Pantry, Pilgrim United Church of Christ, Bridge of Hope Ministries, Peace Pantry at Cedar...

Stacey Melliere RN Improves the Health of Over 100 People in Less Than a Year

It’s been a busy seven months for Stacey Melliere RN. She joined Deaconess Nurse Ministry late last year, and she’s already worked with hundreds of people living in St. Louis City to as far as South St. Louis County. Stacey is a firm believer that through compassion and present listening, trust is possible with her...

Salam Clinic is Recognized for its Interfaith Focus

        Over the last five years, DNM Nurse, Virginia Springmeyer RN has supported the work at the the Muslim Community Services of St. Louis – Salam Clinic in Ferguson, Missouri. There, she and volunteer physicians from a St. Louis Muslim doctors group provide health services to low-income residents living in the community....

Featured Report: Quality health care services for all in Greater St. Louis

It’s 9 o’clock on Wednesday morning, and Registered Nurse Jill Randall is driving to see a client she met at a Jefferson County food pantry the previous week. Armed with a stethoscope, blood pressure monitor and other nursing tools, Jill looks forward to providing quality, holistic care to her client. These personal home visits have...

Feature Report: The Gift of Work

This month, we share stories of ways our nurse interventions are enabling two patients to work in order to enrich their lives and the lives’ of others.  Booker T. Washington once said, “Nothing ever comes to one, that is worth having, except as a result of hard work.” At Deaconess Nurse Ministry, we believe work...

February is Heart Month!

As an instructor of cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures in the community, I tell the story of how my grandmother and father were resuscitated by family members, only to die of heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, one in four deaths are caused...

Enjoying the Holidays Germ-Free

The holiday season is the time in which family and friends gather together in various fun festivities. However, it is also a time that germs can be spread, as flu viruses spread more quickly when people gather in homes and around tables. To prevent viruses from spreading, it is important to remember to continually wash...

Reducing Your Risk for Diabetes: My Personal Journey

Authored by Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo  Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Another 79 million Americans have pre-diabetes and are at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that each year the total health care costs for those with diabetes is $245 billion dollars. The American Diabetes Association has...

Rev. Donna Smith-Pupillo, Executive Director, featured in People Magazine

If you didn’t know what or where Ferguson, Missouri was three months ago, it is likely that you do now. Covering almost every media outlet across the Globe, you saw crowds of people gathered in the streets of Ferguson, honoring the life of Michael Brown and demanding a more thorough look at police – citizen...

Ways We All Can Prevent Various Cancers

Recently in St. Louis, several Relay for Life walks (events to support the American Cancer Society) were held.  Hundreds of supporters walked to celebrate all those who are or have battled cancer – remembering those who have lost their battle. It is a special time for participants as they walk with others who have been touched by the...

Men’s Health Month

Wear Blue! It is Men’s Health Month – a time to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encouragement for early detection and treatment of diseases that affect men and boys. Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries joins the work to make men and boys healthier. Do you know that men die higher rates than women...

Healthy Choices, Healthy Communities Month

Since 1987, the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) encourages communities to focus on awareness of the disease of alcoholism and alcohol related issues. Often faith communities have been silent about this chronic disease, which is treatable, and not a moral weakness or failure. This month Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries joins others...

Go for Red Women Month

Valentine’s Day, February 14th, brings flowers, candy and hearts as gifts. The American Heart Association has designated February as “Go for Red Women” or “Go Red Por Tu Corazion” to raise awareness to saving women’s lives and beating heart disease – the number one killer of women. Each year cardiovascular disease claims the lives of...

Healthy Weight and Lifestyle Month

At the beginning of each New Year, countless people make New Year’s resolutions to improve their health. Some resolve to lose a few extra pounds. Others want to add exercise into their daily routine. But not too many weeks pass, and the resolutions made for a healthier lifestyle are broken. Old habits die hard, or...