On Friday, May 16, 2025, an EF3 tornado struck St. Louis, causing over $1.6 billion in damage and five deaths—the city’s first deadly tornado since 1959. With peak winds of 152 mph, the storm traveled 23 miles, touching down in a more affluent area before destroying homes and businesses and taking lives in some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods.
In response to the disaster, the city began organizing recovery efforts. Because of its nimbleness, the Incarnate Word Foundation (IWF) team – including their board members, families, and friends – was able to join quickly, providing food and cleaning supplies, and helping with tree removal and donation preparation and logistics at multiple aid hubs.
“Sorting supplies and removing trees was good work.
But being there to listen and to hug survivors is what mattered most.” – Sarah Banks
With support from their sponsoring congregation, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the IWF committed $250,000 in additional aid. The funds have helped purchase generators, vehicles, and a walk-in refrigerator, sustain summer camps and food programs, support building repairs, and organization relocations.
The team also coordinated with funders and nonprofits (both locally and nationwide) to help generate financial support. A heartfelt note of gratitude goes out to the Franciscan Sisters of Mary and the Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities for their contributions to The Northside Resilience Fund as they swiftly get funds and support to the people most directly impacted.
The team continues to be involved with area civic and religious leaders and institutions as part of the long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
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About the Incarnate Word Foundation The Incarnate Word Foundation strives to live out the mission of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, recognizing and responding to “Jesus Christ, suffering in the persons of a multitude of the sick and infirm of every kind.” They listen, learn, envision, engage, and invest to help make a strong, inclusive, and equitable society where all may prosper.