A Legacy St. Louis Was Built On
A shared courage. A common good. A Mission that continues with you.
At SSM Health Foundation – St. Louis, we believe in what happens when people come together — when courage is shared, compassion is multiplied, and generosity leads to healing.
Our story began in 1872 when five courageous women left everything behind to care for the sick in St. Louis. What they lacked in resources, they made up for in faith, determination, and community.
That same spirit carries us forward today. We work to support innovative, patient-centered care across SSM Health hospitals in the greater St. Louis region. From expanding access to behavioral health resources to training the next generation of caregivers and meeting our region’s immediate health care needs, SSM Health ensures every person is treated with dignity and love.
When you give a gift to SSM Health Foundation, you’re making a difference and joining hands with those who came before us to build a healthier tomorrow for the patients and families we serve today.
More than 150 years of impact. Built by hand,
guided by heart.
The story of SSM Health didn’t begin in a hospital — it began with a decision to serve. What started with just $5 and a deep trust in God has become a 150-year journey of healing. Explore the legacy we carry forward, together.
Photo courtesy of SSM Health Archives & the Franciscan Sisters of Mary.
1872: A risk worth taking
Five sisters left Germany with little more than faith and purpose. Arriving in St. Louis, they began their ministry by caring for the sick in their homes with minimal resources and no hospitals. The sisters relied on relationships, resourcefulness, and unwavering trust in God to carry out their mission to heal others.
Photo courtesy of SSM Health Archives & the Franciscan Sisters of Mary.
1874: Incorporation
The Sisters of St. Mary, today known as the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, became an incorporated entity under Missouri law — one of the first steps toward creating a sustainable model for Catholic health care. They knew that to serve the sick well, they needed financial structure and long-term planning.
Photo courtesy of SSM Health Archives & the Franciscan Sisters of Mary.
1877: First Hospital
After caring for the sick in their homes since December 1872, the sisters opened their first hospital, St. Mary’s Infirmary, in May 1877 to properly shelter and nurse as many of the sick as possible.
Photo courtesy of SSM Health Archives & the Franciscan Sisters of Mary.
1880: Rally the Community
The Sisters of St. Mary were formally recognized as a religious congregation by the Vatican. That same year, a fundraising raffle was held to support their mission. Grand prizes included land, livestock, and donated goods, which showed how the community believed in them and rallied to keep their work going.
Photo courtesy of SSM Health Archives & the Franciscan Sisters of Mary.
1894: Separation
Several sisters left the congregation to continue the Mission of healing elsewhere as called. Committed to a Franciscan way of life, they formed a new community, the Sisters of St. Francis, Maryville, Missouri. Both congregations expanded, grew, and stayed in touch. In 1987, they reunited to form the Franciscan Sisters of Mary.
Photo courtesy of SSM Health Archives & the Franciscan Sisters of Mary.
1924: Funding the Mission
From the beginning, the sisters from both traditions established professional and personal relationships to help fund their mission to care for others in need. Along with traditional business loans, they borrowed money from private individuals and accepted gifts in kind. When St. Mary’s Hospital in Richmond Heights opened in 1924, they even sold insurance to help build a hospital endowment. Their leadership would set the tone for philanthropic efforts still used by the Foundation today.
Photo courtesy of SSM Health Archives & the Franciscan Sisters of Mary.
1933: A Bold Step
At a time defined by divided communities, the sisters converted St. Mary’s Infirmary into the first Catholic hospital in the country to welcome African American patients. When local leadership hesitated, they asked the Vatican for permission — and received it.
Photo courtesy of SSM Health Archives & the Franciscan Sisters of Mary.
1986–Present: A modern Mission, rooted in purpose
SSM Health became one of the first Catholic health systems in the U.S. to structure under public juridic personhood, allowing laypeople to officially sponsor and govern the system while preserving its Catholic identity. Today, SSM Health continues to serve across the Midwest with the same compassion and faith that defined its founding.
Share Your Why
From the very beginning, the Franciscan Sisters of Mary were driven by their why: to bring healing to all, especially those most in need. Today, that Mission continues through people like you — benefactors, caregivers, volunteers, and patients — each moved to act by your own experience, belief, or hope.
Whether you’re honoring a loved one, supporting a program that touched your life, or simply believe in a healthier future for our region, we invite you to share your why.
“SSM really listens to us. Their Mission is grounded in the same core values of a loving family. Their Mission is that the patient’s comfort & healing come first.” — Grateful Patient
“The people of SSM Health made me feel like I was going to survive when I didn’t believe it myself.” — Gary Foree, Grateful Patient
“The work of the Foundation supports so many of our vulnerable populations by providing medical treatment and broader more holistic services.” — Jessica Portis, Board Member
“It’s an honor to work alongside board members who are deeply passionate about making an impact in the community & supporting the Mission of SSM Health.” — Maite Ryan, Board Member
Your gift today carries 150 years of healing into tomorrow.
Your support helps us bring faith-driven, patient-centered care to those who need it most. Thank you for continuing the legacy.
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