About the Sanctuary on 8th Street

Shaping Lives in Springfield

The Sanctuary on 8th Street is a place of welcome and safety located in the midst of the inner city. We work to provide an enriching, affirming environment for children and families in the neighborhood. This is accomplished through a dynamic after school program, an exciting summer camp program, and innovative adult outreach activities. The goal of the Sanctuary on 8th Street is to create positive relationships, enable healthy emotional development, and promote academic achievement within each person thereby improving self-esteem and enabling success.

Mission

To encourage and empower children, youth, and adults in Springfield to become strong and independent by ministering to their spiritual, physical, social, and intellectual needs.

History

In response to the changing needs of the neighborhood, the Presbytery of St. Augustine and the former Springfield Presbyterian Church opened the doors of Urban Ministries of Springfield in 1992. In 2002 the name of the outreach changed to The Sanctuary on 8th when the program moved into the historic Post Office building on East 8th Street.