Q: What inspired your involvement with Nana Baby Home?
Marco: Some causes stick with you, and for me, Nana Baby Home is one of them. There’s a personal tie – my great-grandfather was adopted, and that’s always shaped our family’s values around home, security, and compassion. That legacy made us deeply connect with the mission of Nana Baby Home. Bonnie and I both felt it – this was something we had to support.
Bonnie: The moment we learned what Nana Baby Home does, we knew this wasn’t just another nonprofit. They care for children in some of their most vulnerable moments – when crisis strikes, they step in without hesitation. That level of care is rare, and we immediately felt called to be a part of it.
Q: How would you describe Nana Baby Home to someone unfamiliar with it?
Marco: It’s not just a shelter – it’s a safe haven. They provide emergency care for children from birth through age 12. Whether it’s a newborn rescued from a violent home or a young child needing emergency foster placement, Nana Baby Home is open 24/7, 365 days a year.
Bonnie: What’s incredible is how comprehensive the care is. The kids receive more than just shelter – they get meals, clean clothes, medical support, help with school, and most importantly, a sense of safety and love. That kind of consistency can completely shift a child’s future.
Q: What makes the home’s approach so effective?
Marco: It’s the intimacy of their model. They intentionally keep the home small, caring for about a dozen kids at a time. That allows for genuine connection. Even with all the hardships the children have faced, the house is full of joy – you hear laughter, see playtime, birthday celebrations, bedtime stories. It’s a normal life, in the best way, during an abnormal time.
Bonnie: It feels like a real home, not an institution. And they do more than crisis response. They provide temporary care when families face emergencies, like a parent being hospitalized. They’re also a key support for social workers when other options run out. Nana Baby always finds a way to say yes.
Q: Have you seen the impact extend beyond short-term care?
Marco: Without a doubt. One of the most powerful indicators is how many former residents stay connected with the home. That kind of lasting bond shows they weren’t just cared for – they were loved. That stays with a child.
Bonnie: The ripple effect is real. These kids go on to thrive, and that spreads into schools, families, and the community. Nana Baby isn’t just helping children – they’re shaping lives for the better.
Q: Can you speak to the history and evolution of Nana Baby Home?
Marco: It began in 1989, founded by Louise Larcheveaux-Ali – affectionately known as “Nana.” Her vision and compassion built this sanctuary. After her passing, her sister Beulah Wilson and a committed board kept the mission alive. Through storms, funding challenges, and growing demand, they’ve kept going strong.
Bonnie: Now they’re expanding to meet new needs. Their current space is full, and they’re planning to open a larger facility while turning the original house into a space dedicated to helping teens in crisis. There’s no other place on St. Thomas doing this work at this level. They’re stepping in where the community needs them most.
Q: How does donor support make a difference?
Marco: Contributions go straight to essentials – food, clothing, medical care, school supplies, staff wages, and keeping the home running. It’s direct and transparent. On average, it takes about $10,000 to care for one child for a year. That covers everything – from meals to tutoring to the bedtime routine.
Bonnie: The impact is immediate and personal. There’s no bloated overhead. You’re giving a child safety, support, and stability – things every child deserves but not every child gets.
Q: What makes this work so personal for you?
Marco: We’ve seen how powerful it is when someone steps in during a child’s darkest hour. Nana Baby Home provides a light, a sense of belonging, and a place where healing begins. That’s the kind of impact you don’t forget.
Bonnie: We give because we believe in what this home stands for – and in the lives it’s changing. Every child should feel safe and cared for. Nana Baby Home makes that happen, and that’s worth standing behind.
Q: What would you say to someone thinking about donating or volunteering?
Marco: If you want to make a meaningful difference, this is the place to start. One child. One safe space. One act of care. That’s how real change begins. Nana Baby Home gives you the chance to be part of something truly transformative.
Bonnie: We’re honored to support them. And we invite others to join us – because the need is great, and the impact is real.
– Marco and Bonnie Anasetti