A Shared Mission
St. Bakhita House is becoming part of the Thrive For Life network, expanding our shared commitment to accompany women seeking healing, education, stability, and hope.
Committed to Service
For decades, Anne Haines has lived a vocation rooted in education, hospitality, and Catholic social teaching. As an educator, theologian, and longtime advocate for those living on society's margins, she spent years discerning how God was calling her to serve. That journey eventually led to the founding of St. Bakhita House—a home where women survivors of sexual exploitation are welcomed not for who they have been, but for who they are becoming.
Inspired by the witness of Dorothy Day and the Catholic Worker Movement, Anne envisioned a community where the Beatitudes would be lived each day through shared meals, meaningful relationships, and steadfast accompaniment. Today, as St. Bakhita House enters a new chapter alongside Thrive For Life, that original vision remains unchanged. Her legacy of hospitality, faith, and hope continues to shape the home and every woman who walks through its doors.
Rooted in the Same Gospel
Founded in Milwaukee, St. Bakhita House is a Catholic Worker Movement of Hospitality, Healing, and Community for Women Survivors of sexual abuse.
Founded in New York City, Thrive For Life is built upon Jesuit Spirituality and provides Education, Housing, Employment, and Purpose to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Though our ministries were born in different places, they have always been rooted in the same Gospel call: to recognize the God-given dignity of every person and walk alongside those seeking a new beginning.
Matthew 13
Four years ago, St. Bakhita House began as a small act of faith. Like the mustard seed, it grew into a place where women found safety, healing, and hope. Today, through God's grace, that same seed continues to grow—extending its branches through the Thrive For Life Network while remaining deeply rooted in its original mission.
Women will now have access to
Supportive Housing
Educational Pathways
Employment Support
Lifelong Community
Spiritual Formation
Trauma-Informed Care
What will stay the same
Three tenets.
01
St. Bakhita House remains Bakhita House
The home’s identity and mission remain unchanged from what it was in the past.
02
The Catholic Worker charism continues
Its spirit of hospitality and accompaniment remains at the heart of the ministry.
03
Donations stay with Bakhita House
Every gift designated for Bakhita House continues supporting its women and its mission.
More Opportunities.
The same calling.
Together we are creating a network of homes where formerly incarcerated men and women can pursue education, meaningful work, spiritual growth, and lives rooted in community. This partnership allows us to serve more women while remaining faithful to the mission that brought us together.
In Anne’s Words
"For four years we have been blessed, through the grace of God and the generosity of those who support us, to grow like that mustard seed."
"We have had the privilege to welcome over 20 of those beautiful 'birds of the air' and invite them to nest on our beautiful branches."
"In the spirit of solidarity, and with a desire to ensure that we serve as many women as possible, we are becoming a part of the Thrive For Life community."
“The Catholic Worker charism fold seamlessly into the Jesuit charism.”
“YOU are the water and sun to our mustard seed.”
Join This Next Chapter
Every new chapter begins with people willing to believe that lives can be transformed.
Thank you for walking with us as this story continues.