130+ Years of Empowering Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Emmaus Homes is a faith-based nonprofit with a clear focus: to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live independently in the communities they choose.
Since 1893, we have served as trusted advocates and partners, providing whole-person support that honors dignity, promotes inclusion, and fosters self-advocacy.
Today, we continue to grow—offering nearly 1 million hours of direct support and serving 470 people and families each year across St. Charles, Warren, Franklin, and St. Louis counties. We are expanding our programs through our new Adaptive Solutions and Learning Lab services. These initiatives help us generate income that we can reinvest into our core program, Residential Services, while also expanding resources to better serve our community.
Our Mission
Each year, more than 14,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities rely on home and community-based services to live with dignity and independence. Emmaus is proud to be part of that story – walking alongside the people we support as they pursue their goals, discover their strengths, and live life on their own terms.
Our Mission is Clear:
Compelled by faith in Jesus Christ, we enrich the lives of individuals of all beliefs, with cognitive and developmental disabilities, by fostering independence, inclusion, and self-advocacy.
We believe that every person deserves to live with dignity, independence, and the support they need to thrive. That is why our work is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: when people are supported by compassionate, skilled professionals and are given the right tools and opportunities, they can live fuller, more independent lives.
But we know that support alone is not enough. Real, lasting change requires advocacy.
That is why Emmaus works on two fronts:
01
We advocate both with and for the people we serve– pushing for greater access to services, increased funding, and policies that break barriers.
02
At the same time, we are commited to empowering individuals to become advocates for themselves, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to share their needs and share their own futures.
Meet the Emmaus Leadership Team
Our leadership team brings together nearly 100 years of combined experience in the developmental disabilities field. Guided by our Core Values—Customer Centered, Integrity, Initiative, and Collaboration—they lead with a singular focus: positive, lasting change
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Lisa Key
Chief Development Officer
Erika Rodriguez
Vice President, Operations
Maria Schneider
Vice President, Client Services
Dawn Edgington
Executive Assistant
Emmaus Board of Directors
Officers
Ann Ficken
Chair
Rev. Karen Eck
Vice Chair
Kyle Shell
Secretary
Gary Arthur
Treasurer
Ann Ficken
Chair
Rev. Karen Eck
Vice Chair
Kyle Shell
Secretary
Gary Arthur
Treasurer
Directors
Steven Amrhein
Morgan Corder
JoMarie Hejna
Susan Parker
Melanie Brasier
Kim Fine
Alice Igisaro
Animesh Shah
Monique Bynum
Chuck Gross
John Meara
Kim Rev. Christi Tennison
Martha Tharp
Our Core Values in Action
01
Customer Centered
We demonstrate customer centered behavior in many ways, including assessing and responding to varying needs, obtaining feedback from stakeholders, and building long-term relationships to provide the best customer service.
02
Integrity
We have high standards of personal conduct. We may work in many different situations and with various groups of people, so it is of utmost importance that we behave with dignity and respect.
03
Initiative
We go beyond what is asked of us, complete tasks with high standards, act independently, adapt to various circumstances, and we persist when faced with obstacles. We value a process of continuous learning, seek feedback from others, and are ready to act on information received.
04
Collaboration
We work well with others to achieve common goals. We are part of a broader group that maximizes the best outcomes for customers, both internal and external to the organization.
Agency Data
Transparency Matters.
We believe in clear communication and responsible stewardship. View our Annual Reports, Audits, and Form 990 filings for a closer look at how we operate and grow.
