In 1992, The House of Menuha was founded by Annie Loendorf, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth. Sr. Loendorf knew many women who were struggling with their current experiences and facing obstacles to their personal and spiritual development. More importantly, they all faced varying degrees of unrest. When a tax refund check was donated from a friend, she knew she wanted to use the money to create a safe space for women to rest and reflect. She chose the name, House of Menuha, from the Genesis account of the seventh day. The text states that God found a resting place known as “menuha,” a place or moment in time of deep tranquility.[1]

It is from this idea that the House of Menuha was born, a women’s center, which provided a safe space for rest, renewal, spiritual growth, and guidance.[2] In 1992, a board of directors was formed, and House of Menuha was incorporated. A home was purchased at 801 E. 77th Street in Kansas City; due to Sr. Loendorf’s vow of poverty, ownership was placed into a trust, and transferred later to the non-profit board. The center was operated by volunteers, and governed by the small board, which met monthly.[3] The retreat center was literally a home, with rooms that visitors could utilize. They offered a program called “Reflections,” which facilitated discussion groups of various personal, professional, and spiritual topics.[4]

The early mission statement read: “House of Menuha provides a nurturing environment for women to experience personal rest, reflection and renewal of mind, body and spirit, so that each is strengthened and better equipped to enrich family and community.” The organization was non-denominational and promoted diversity and ecumenical sharing. Women could come for the day, utilize the overnight accommodations, or participate in retreats. Homemade meals were offered. Women could make use of their time in any way they felt best fit their needs, and religious traditions: rest, read, write, pray, or spend time in the garden. The ecumenical spirit of the House of Menuha, rested in its religious hospitality.[5]

After twenty years of providing a safe, sacred space for women, on June 1, 2011, Carol Johnson issued a statement on behalf of the Board of Directors stating that board was forced to dissolve the organization. The property was sold in the fall of 2010. All assets and property sale proceeds were distributed to local non-profits. Main benefactors were St. Teresa’s Academy and the Women’s Foundation of Greater Kansas City. These two organizations were selected as they seek to continue to mission of the House of Menuha by supporting and empowering women.[6]

 

[1] Loendorf, Sr. Annie, interview by Larry Guillot. 2016. House of Menuha (April 13).

[2] Constant Contact Archives. 1 June 2011.  House of Menuha (Women’s Center for Body, Mind and Spirit). Accessed December 26, 2018. http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101477029865/archive/1105771372292.html

[3] Loendorf, Sr. Annie, interview by Larry Guillot. 2016. House of Menuha (April 13).

[4] Southtown Council. 2018. House of Menuha- A place for women to grow their souls. Accessed December 26, 2018. http://www.southtown.org/node/65.

[5] Loendorf, Sr. Annie, interview by Larry Guillot. 2016. House of Menuha (April 13).

[6] Constant Contact Archives. 1 June 2011.  House of Menuha (Women’s Center for Body, Mind and Spirit). Accessed December 26, 2018. http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs015/1101477029865/archive/1105771372292.html