Buchanan County provides $25,000 funding boost to help nonprofit Sisters of Solace

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- County Commissioners signed off on a court order Wednesday to provide a helping hand for one non-profit and its mission of supporting women survivors of trauma. 

A $25,000 funding request was approved Wednesday by Buchanan County Commissioners to help support Sisters of Solace and a community health worker, a critical position within the nonprofit founded in 2020.

SOS provides a community of support for women survivors of trauma and addiction through a range of varied programs, including residential housing/healing and fostering employment opportunities through Justice Enterprise, which has helped formerly homeless women become artisans and business women.

"The community health worker really helps manage our ladies cases, making sure they have access to things like medical care, dental care, mental health care and really facilitating their recovery, goals and helping them really get back on their feet again," Sisters of Solace Executive Director Trina Clark said. "It makes such a difference in their lives. I don't know how we could run our program without it."

Within its residential healing program, SOS can provide or help facilitate access to services such as ID recovery, healthcare access, mental health assessments, GED preparation, life skills training and more, all at no cost to residents.

"We're extremely grateful to the commissioners for believing in our mission and being willing to support. It really does make a difference in our community," Clark said.

In July 2024, Sisters of Solace opened a new market and coffee shop called Solace Market Coffee Shop at 3024 Frederick Ave. The shop has become an integral part of its career readiness program, offering employment opportunities -- including making candles for its retail store -- and valuable training for women within the program.

"We just encourage everybody to come in and shop. And the coffee's great. It's a really nice place to meet with your small group," Clark said.