St. Anne's Maternity Home

I was a resident of Saint Anne's from November of1979 to May of 1980 and that experience changed my life. I was 16, pregnant,homeless and scared. They taught us child care, lamaze, child birth, we had regular doctor appointments, counseling, social workers and attended high school. I had great friends there as I got there at approx 7 weeks along. I remember the list on the board as girls would go into labor and how excited we were for them. Sometimes it was heartbreaking when one of them wanted to keep her child but her family wouldn't allow it, or these young Warrior women who knew they wanted more for their child than a 16 year old girl could give them and although their heart was breaking they put that precious one up for adoption.
Saint Anne's was100 or more girls when I was there and a bed wasn't empty for long.
I promise you that if you were one of those babies put up for adoption your mother agonized about that decision for months, when she came back to the residence after giving birth to you she cried like only a broken hearted Warrior can, she remembers your birthday every year and on every one of your birthdays she whispers your birth name and remembers every second you were in her arms. I was not a Warrior. I was the girl who ditched school with 4 other girls so that we could lay out on the roof and tan in our maturity panties and those monstrous huge bras, I organized a giant toilet papering on the 2nd floor (everyone participated) and only myself and my roommate got docked $ for wasting the toilet paper, a Nun by the name of Sister Gerard had a serious disdain for my antics and made No secret of it. Oh but there was an angel by the name of Lady Tucker who I adored. This Angel was a beautiful Black woman who weighed 300 lbs, gave THE BEST HUGS and who would come in my room every morning with a "Girl you got to get up outta that bed before I sit myself down on your legs" Sometimes you couldn't breathe when she hugged you because she would squeeze you tight and her boobies would swallow up your head. I loved her. There was rarely a day when I didn't hear my name over the loud speaker "Paula Brandon, Paula Brandon please report to the house mothers office" We didn't do bad things just mostly silly teenager things and what a great place to become a young Mom. I had my oldest child,
a daughter and Now I'm the mother of 5 grown people who never cease to make me proud and the grandmother of 21...Sister Gerard would be shocked.
God Bless the good people who give their time, love and money to a place that has the ability to change generations of lives. If I can help anyone with information from my time there my email address is:
Paula.kristine.long@gmail.com

I was born at St Anne's Maternity Home on December 31, 1963. My mother was 20 of Rumanian descent. I want to thank her and St Anne's for giving me the opportunity to be born. I wish I could find my birth mother, father or relative to say thank you for giving me life.

Hi I was born at St Anne's on March 23,1963.My mother was an unwed teenage girl that I know nothing about accept that she put me up for adoption.I was adopted by an Italian Catholic couple and was taken to Ventura ca to reside and live my life.I desperately would love to try and find my mother and any possible siblings.If anyone knows anything of my birth there or my biological mother I would be more then grateful of any help in trying to locate her or any possible siblings.Thank you so much.My name is Anne.

I was placed at St Anne’s in 1993. As a young 17 year old girl who had been to several group homes and foster homes. St Anne’s was one of the best placements I had ever been in. I wished I would of just allowed then to help me.. I was to wrap up in the gang life and being with my boyfriend that I never took advantage of everything St Anne’s could of offered to me and my son. I was lucky enough to have been able to go to college and receive my Bachelors and Masters. But I did struggle a lot on my own, if I would of stayed I would of learned the value of learning how to cope with a young baby and I would of had better opportunities to grow and mature into young productive 17 year old. The staff was so supportive and very understanding of our unique situations. Hopefully one day I am able to give back to St Anne’s the same way I was once blessed..I would love to be able to volunteer one day once Covid-19’s gets better.

In 1972, my mother was young and brand new to this country, all alone, pregnant with me while my father was in Vietnam. St. Anne’s helped us and welcomed me into this world.

I was a resident at St Anne's from August 1981 through Feb 1982. Mrs. Sandra Crusor was my counselor. I was one of the older teenagers who stayed at St Anne's while attending college. I had lost my mother to cancer while in high school and my home life was nonexistent.

The staff at St Anne's were very supportive and offered guidance and wisdom. I met many wonderful girls there. We celebrated the holiday season together. My roommate Cheri and I even dressed up as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and performed to "Puttin On The Ritz" at the Christmas party.

I delivered a healthy son at Queen of Angels Hospital and decided to keep him. It was challenging but we managed. I finished college and I returned to St Anne's to work in their clinic as the Assistant Director. I left after 6 months to go to nursing school because I enjoyed helping the patients more than balancing the budget.

I own my own Case Management company, am a mother of 3 and a grandmother of 4. My son is a CRNA with a beautiful family of his own and an AMAZING dad and a compassionate nurse who had Covid and survived (praise GOD)

As I celebrate my son's 39th birthday I must thank St Anne's and her amazing staff for the care, and guidance that they so generously gave

My mom was there when she was 15/16 , I believe, when she was pregnant with me. She’s told me a some things about her experience there and how a lot of people loved me and thought I was a really cute little girl and how everyone knew me and who I was. I love when she tells stuff that happened when i was a baby, it’s cool to hear memory’s that your included in but can’t seem to remember because it was such a long time ago. I’m wondering if anyone remembers her. Her name was Sonia c. Please let me know.

My biological mom was at St Anne’s in 1982 from March to April when she had me. She was 13 when she was there and only there a month. I was adopted soon after because her mom made her give me up for adoption and she was the one who put her in there. I’ve been searching for her and have had no luck. Does anyone remember a young girl there in 1982.

I was sent there when i found myself pregnant at 16. I made alot of friends and have been searching for them. Marino Hatcher.. Diana Love and sondra/Sandra who had a boy sage sterling in march 1989 and i had my son april 1989. All those kids just turned 30. Please help If you can

St. Anne’s offered 7 months of stability for me and my unborn son. I gave him up for adoption because I was so young and wanted him to have a stable family. He was born on April 15, 1976 at St. Anne’s. I’m forever grateful for the love and support that the staff and sisters gave me❤️!

I was here in 1988 I had a daughter her name is Anwanette Renee hill, but I gave her up for adoption I think they changed her name to Morgan please help me locate her thank you Cheree mckeen

I was 15-years old in June 1989 when I entered St. Anne's Los Angeles. I stayed until August when I had my baby boy. I put my son up for adoption, which seemed to be the best decision at the time as I had no support at home. I've been looking for him ever since to no avail. I've always been extremely thankful to St. Anne's and the supportive staff for their guidance and assistance with making such a difficult decision at such a young age. I am still searching for my son till this very day. I've never got the chance to thank St. Anne's and my case worker, Alberta Folk.

I was a resident of St. Ann's in 1968. I don't know how my daughter and I would have survived without their loving care. The facilities, healthcare, Nuns and support were wonderful. I was so well taken care of and even able to finish High School while I was in residence. They helped me through the adoption process and found a loving Catholic home for my baby. During such a difficult time, it was such a blessing to be at St. Ann's.

While volunteering there, I couldn't help but notice the professionalism and genuine concern and care for the young women at St. Anne's-in particular, the Development Department. With hearts full of compassion, they make sure their needs are met, both in the material and spiritual sense. They have a genuine desire to help these ladies become self-sufficient members of society and approach their difficult task of raising money in these difficult economic times with such passion and a genuine belief in what they are doing. I highly recommend volunteering or donating to this worthy cause.

As a follow-up to a previous review over a year ago, I would just like to say how impressed I am with the evolution of this organization. This organization very easily could have been lost with changing times; however, it has risen to the occasion over the years. St. Anne's continues to grow along with and for the community, and I will happily continue to volunteer here for years to come!

I stayed at St. Anne's in the early 70's. I was from an abusive home, 15 years old, alone and pregnant. St. Anne's was a safe harbor where I was treated with respect and compassion. St Anne's enabled me to continue my schooling uninterrupted and I ended up graduatiing BEFORE my class. I'm so grateful for St. Anne's and the individuals that dedicated their time and energy to helping me and steering me in the right direction. My experience was also the very first time another adult explained to me that my abusive father's actions weren't my fault and that I could stop the cycle by learning to make different choices. Saying thank you would never be enough but know that not only did I raise my son successfully but I brought 5 other children into the world and adopted another. I've been married for 33 years, was a stay at home mom, and later worked outside the home, when my children were old enough to enjoy the time apart from me. I've spent a lifetime learning how to make healthier choices than my parents did. I am one of your success stories and remain extremely grateful for the part St. Anne's played in my life. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I am an adult adoptee who was born in 1964 and My birth mother lived at St. Anne's during her pregnancy. From all the letters and documents that I have found it looks like she and my adoptive parents were thoroughly cared for and helped along the way to what they needed. I am glad such a place was available for an unwed mother who needed a place to belong. Writing in gratitude, E.C.

I have been volunteering at St. Anne's and been a member of various boards for a dozen years. I can truly say this is the best run non-profit organization that I have ever had the pleasure to work with. The staff are caring professionals and the programs that they provide for these young women and their families are exemplary. As a mental health professional myself, I can see how much the staff have helped their clients in all aspects of their lives.

I lived at St annes with my son Michael from 1996 to 1997 . I was 17 and my son was 16 months when we came to St annes. I learned many things about how to be a good mother . I met some wonderful people , staff , volunteers and residents . I made some wonderful lifelong friends . I wasn't used to many rules when I went to St annes and had a hard time with that then but looking back I really appreciate it . As a child my parents set very few guildlines and St annes gave me that . I also was able to graduate high school ontime which wouldn't have happened if it weren't for St annes . I am now 32 with 4 wonderful kids and my son Michael is a great teen at 16 . Thanks St Annes

What a valuable organization St. Anne's proved to be. As a teen, when I first learned that I was pregnant, I was devasted, shocked and believed it was the end of the world for me. My dream of going to college was shattered due to an unexpected pregnancy. My intention was to get away and have my child peacefully. Not only was I placed in a safe and educational environment, but also had the opportunity to experience the miracle of carrying a baby with other expectant mothers and not be looked down on since I was a pregnant teen. I remember my first day at St. Anne's I cried since it was first time being away from home and didn't know what the future would bring. Because of the unique organization of St. Anne's , I was well prepared to face the challenges of being pregnant, being a young mother and also being a teenager. Because of St. Anne's I had the opportunity to make good choices for myself and for my baby. I now have a wonderful career in Human Resources and my baby is now 24 years old planning her wedding and preparing to graduate with her Master Degree in Education. I am truly grateful for my experience at St. Anne's.

In 1966 St. Anne's cared for me. The Sisters were helpful; the special classes provided skills and helped the time pass. The young women at the home were wonderful people and I pray their story is as happy as mine. I gave birth to a daughter on my actual due date and I relinquished her for adoption. Almost forty years later we found each other and we have an incredible, loving relationship. My husband welcomes her as his own; my sons also know her and her family. St. Anne's was partly responsible for this loving relationship due to their example of faith and unconditional love. Thank you St. Anne's.

I lived at St. Anne's from January 1985-August 1985. It was a wonderful experience during a life-changing part of my life. I finished high school and received my diploma, I received counseling, and guidance regarding my choices as a pregnant unmarried teen.

When I think of St. Anne's Maternity Home, I have fond memories. During those difficult months St. Anne's provided love, support, knowledge, and friendship. I was only 15 years old when I arrived on my birthday week, I then turned 16. I was so scared, but the funny thing is that I bumped into one of my friends from my high school. We didn't have a clue that we were in the same predicament. We hugged, and cried. I was able to continue my junior year. I was encouraged to stay in school. Since I kept my baby girl, I was also taught how to care for a newborn. I gave birth to a healthy baby girl April 10, 1981. That baby just turned 30, and I am so proud of her. She is a teacher, and just gave birth to a beautiful son this past Feb. 2011. I was able to graduate high school, and graduate from college. My husband and I have 5 daughters, and we will be forever grateful to St. Anne's. They also treated my husband (then boyfriend) with respect and encouragement. He too, finished high school, and graduated from college with B.A. and Masters from USC. Thank you St. Anne's we love you!!!!!!!

I was at St Anne's at the age of 15 from Feb. - April 1982 when I gave birth to my son and gave him up for adoption. The staff at St Anne's was very supportive. This difficult time in my life was made easier by being there.

During the 70's, I had the wonderful privilege of working at St. Anne's in the Social Service department. I continue to be in touch with a number of the young women who were there during that time; they have blossomed into mature and giving women who would be in a very different place today were it not for St. Anne's. It was duirng this decade that St. Anne's experienced a change to housing and caring for more and more wards of the court. Today, as I serve as a Board Member, I see how wondrously the lives of young women and their children, who might otherwise be caught in the downward spiral of poverty, drugs and a destructive lifestyle, are given choices that offer life to them and to those around them. St. Anne's has made, and continues to make, monumental strides in the care and support for growth on all levels for the women, children and families served. In addition to caring for those actually housed at St. Anne's, St. Anne's has become a vital component in its neighborhood--reaching out to those in need and truly making a difference in Los Angeles.

Hello,

I would like to share my experience as a volunteer from two prospectives.

The definition of volunteer is two fold, those you are serving " the attendees" and "the organization" however ultimately it is the cause.

Saint Anne, provides a phenomenal service to the young girls who would generally have no place to turn.

Speaking from a personal experience I was fortunate to be accepted to Saint Anne it turned what some would say the end to a pointual future to life long positive experience. By offering me a safe and nurturing enviorment to live along with econamic skills and job training.

I walked in as a girl with little to no future and walked out a young women with potential. So my volunteer efforts stems from what I was exposed to durning my stay at Saint Anne being surrounded by the continuous generosity of other with no agenda.

It is amazing to see the positive growth in the area of programs and projects that Saint Anne offers.

I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with all levels of Saint Anne staff members possess, integrity, professionalism and sincerity.

I will continue to volunteer and will take great pride in doing so.

I lived at St Ann's from Nov 1993 to fed 1994 when I gave birth to a beautiful health baby boy at Queen of Angels Hospital. I did give him up for adoption through Holly Family. I was 15 and I would say of the 100 girls there 50% where the same age me, only one other gave up her child for adoption, it was very hard and sister Claire was my Angel and prayed with me and helped get through that rough time. I loved having my Dr appointment right on sight. Now that I have three other children I appreciate how easy that was. I would do it all over again and not change a thing. I made some great friends and being with girls going through the same thing was the best. God is Good Thank you St Ann's for being there for me
Christine Wilson White

Hi, my name is Dana Ramey, I lived at St. Anne's Maternity home in 1986. My baby boy (Darius) was born at Queen of Angels Hospital on December 7, 1986. The time I spent there was a soothing, quiet time for me. I was afraid before I got there, but Mrs. Crusor, the Housemothers and the Sisters took good care of me. I remember going to my prenatal appointments in the same building, taking the parenting classes, going to the group counseling meetings with Mrs. Crusor and working on my high school diploma at the school directly across the street (can't beat that). Mrs. Crusor was wonderful and I still often think about her. I remember how calming it was having the Nuns around, knitting, walking around and talking to us. I will NEVER forget the cafeteria, it looked like The Sizzler... : ) Oh, man, all that good food!!! I think what I will always remember is that it was a safe place to be. To this day, I always seek safety and serenity and I'm sure St. Anne's instilled some of that in me. I hope that St. Anne's revelance is recognized and rewarded. For some girls, it was the only stable environment to be experienced and savored. My son Darius, is 24 yrs old, in his 5th year in the Navy, stationed in Everett, Wa, a wonderful young man, I am a proud Mama. God is good. I currently work in the medical field as a Medical Coder, I am self sufficient, have a great family, wonderful friends, healthy and I love God. How great is that?

My name is Julie Brady. I was fortunate enough to have found a home at St. Annes in March through June of 1982. I was in my senior year of High School when I became pregnant. Abortion for me was not an option, but neither was remaining at home during my pregnancy. My mother was supportive but the decision was made that my grandparents and aunt would not be told, nor any of my friends. This secrecy was difficult and the lies we told to explin my absence even harder but I was so lucky to be welcomed in a place where I could just be free and open. It was scarey to leave home but still a relief when I got there. From the moment I walked through the St. Annes doors I felt at home. My wonderful Social Worker Sandra Crusor along with Nurse Menor, Sister Anthony Claire and Sister George, the rest of the wonderful staff and the girls were a great support system and have remained in my memories in a positive way. The classes both in parenting and in vocational training were really great. I remember my first night at St. Annes we went to see a Polish dance team. It was during Polands solidarity time and it was so thrilling to be there! I loved that we were able to use the pool and the kitchen. I remember the last night I was at St. Annes my mother had brought me brownie mixes and a group of us were giggling in the kitchen like any other teenagers at a slumber party. There was a "store" in the basement with donated maternity clothes where we could go shopping . I remember my room and roommate, Toni, so well.
My pregnancy had a sad end. I had made the decision to give my daughter up for adoption and had picked a wonderful family with the help of Catholic Family Services. The counselor I worked with was so kind to me. Unfortunately the day before my due date it was discovered that no heart beat could be felt. I was not alarmed in that 17 year old everything will be ok in the end kind of way. I was sent to Queen of Angels Hospital for an ultra sound and the next day my mother was called in. Mrs. Crusor and Nurse Menor told us that my baby would be still born. I was taken to St. Annes and my labor was induced. Unfortunately the umbilical cord had wrapped around her neck as she shifted. She was a beautiful baby, I know because the doctor insisted I see her and he was right. I hasve always been greatful to him for that. The love and support I received from the St. Annes staff was so comforting. Even at that time I had nothing but gratitude for the hospitality and kindness I had received there and as the years have passed the pain of my loss has eased and all that remains is a good memory of the few months I was cradled at this wonderful institution. I had a rough few years after my St. Annes experienc, a marriage that could have been better and unfortunately, or fortunatel;y actually, that ended in divorce, but am now a Social Worker myself and the proud mother of 3 grown sons and a grown daughter and am a grandmother as well.
I have been back to St. Annes once several yaers after my stay. It looked so different even then but the feeling was still there. I plan to make another visit soon.
Though my experience ended in sadness at the time, I thank from the bottom of my heart every loving person who cared for me while I was there, and am greatful that St. Annes is still there ready to give a home to those who need it.

A friend introduced me to St. Anne's over 10 years ago. I visited the facility and toured the programs. I quickly learned that the clients served by St. Anne's were some of Los Angeles's most vulnerable teens and young adults. The foster care system had not prepared these girls for the challenges in life - let alone facing those challenges with a baby as a single mother. I have been involved as a volunteer and Board member ever since that day. St. Anne's staff and volunteers are dedicated and talented individuals who make miracles happen in the lives of their clients. Through residential treatment, mental health, literacy, education and transitional housing services, St. Anne's provides a safe and nurturing environment for the young women and children who live and visit there.