our story

We began our journey in August 2011 when Founder & Executive Director (and mom), Stephanie Suljak , discovered a large unmet need in the St. Louis area to help families provide for their children.

Based on interviews with over 40 social service advocates, leaders and employees, she found that families in need with newborn infants appeared to be a relatively unserved population.  With that in mind, Stephanie founded HHMD with the original mission of serving infants in need and providing support to their mothers.  

During our first year, it became clear that we wanted to serve the siblings of these infants as well.  We then adapted our model and expanded our mission to serve children of all ages and their families.

We also began to realize that parents being served wanted to give back to help other parents in need. Many parents also come back to volunteer themselves and share how HHMD has impacted their lives.