[Magdalene St. Louis] Magdalene St. Louis is pleased to announce the hiring of Christine McDonald as Director of Outreach and Advocacy effective immediately.  McDonald has previously served on the Board of Directors for the organization and is well known for her role in shaping policy affecting victims of human trafficking.

Magdalene St. Louis is a St. Louis, Missouri-based nonprofit start-up that offers women who have survived lives of abuse, prostitution and addiction a safe place: two years of housing, support and education at no cost.  We invite women coming out of correctional facilities or off the streets into a compassionate and disciplined community where they can recover and rebuild their lives.

McDonald’s role will include developing awareness programs in the community, advocating on behalf of the organization at the state and local levels, and serving as a survivor voice for programming needs.

“Christine brings a wealth of life experiences to the table,” said Executive Director Tricia Roland-Hamilton.  “Her ability to be a strong voice for victims, her knowledge of the legislative process, nationwide trends and the needs of the women we will serve all combine to make her an important addition to the Magdalene St. Louis staff.”

McDonald survived nearly two decades of homelessness, street-corner prostitution, crack addiction and many stints in prison.  She is the author of Cry Purple, which details her life on the street, what led her there and where she is today. Christine was featured in this morning’s St. Louis Post-Dispatch for her work trying to eliminate the lifetime food stamp ban for drug felons. 

“I am so humbled to be in a position that my life’s journey has given me the knowledge and experience to be a voice and advocate for St. Louis’s most vulnerable and under-served population,” said McDonald.  “I am honored to work with this amazing organization.”

Magdalene St. Louis purchased its first home last week and plans to welcome its’ first five residents in the fall.