National Benevolent Association

www.nbacares.org 

Basic History
The National Benevolent Association (NBA) is a non-for-profit organization focusing on touching lives of people in need, helping each individual achieve independence with dignity. They are the Division of Social and Health Services of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). NBA was founded on March 10, 1887 in St. Louis, Missouri, by six Disciples women in a prayer circle who were concerned about the plight of widows and orphans. St. Louis Christian Home (now known as NBA ECHO/ Emergency Children's Home) was the first agency in January 1889, and continues to maintain its administrative offices at this convenient central location. Funding for National Benevolent Association programs is provided by gifts from individuals, churches, businesses, foundations, and other groups; as well as by payments from residents; state, federal or local funding; and investment income.

Basic Beliefs
The mission of the National Benevolent Association is to provide social and health services to meet the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs of persons, in the loving and caring spirit of Christ.

Leadership
President - Cindy Dougherty
Vice President - Bob Cleeland
Senior Vice President for Operations - Mike Spencer

Basic Facts
The National Benevolent Association operates 94 facilities and programs in 22 states. Approximately 75 percent of their programs are for older adults, 20 percent are for children and families, and 5 percent fare for people with disabilities. Annually, NBA cares for approximately 28, 000 people in residential facilities and community-based programs, such as counseling, day care, foster care or family preservation. Daily, NBA facilities house approximately 9,500 residents. NBA facilities and programs employ 3, 500 people and more than 950 volunteers serve on local boars of directors.

The NBA offers two publications in addition to the newsletter, The Bugle. NBA Family Talk has been published continuously by the National Benevolent Association since 1936, recalling countless stories of lives changed, and life changers. NBA Covenant is a publication of the NBA Office of Church Relations. The NBA Office of Church Relations strives to maintain open lines of communication between the ministries of National Benevolent Association and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Location
National Benevolent Association
11780 Borman Drive
St. Louis, MO 63146-4157
Phone (314) 993-9000
Fax (314) 993-9018
TTY/TDD (314) 993-9018