From Crisis to Stability: The Guild Services Story

Our Story

1970s

Compassionate Crisis Response

The Guild of Catholic Women steps in to house individuals when Hastings State Hospital closed.

1990

Formalizing the Mission

Guild Incorporated is established as a separate non-profit to continue and expand essential services.

1994

Started Community Support Program

A drop-in support center in West Saint Paul for individuals living with serious mental illness.

1999

Received CARF Accreditation

Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities

2000s

The Integrated Model Emerges

Focus shifts toward the three-pillar strategy: Mental Health, Housing, and Employment.

2001

Established Maureen’s House

A residential mental health treatment facility for those experiencing mental health crises or requiring subacute and intensive support.

2005

Approved to provide Assertive Community Treatment (ACT)

An evidence-based, intensive service model designed for individuals with severe and complex mental health needs.

2006

Selected as one of four organizations to model supported employment

2009

Opened Delancey Apartments

A 13‑unit permanent supportive housing site in cooperation with Project for Pride in Living.

2011

Introduced Community Access (CA) services

Community Access (CA) services connect people with needed resources.

2013

Developed new Youth Assertive Community Treatment

One of four organizations statewide selected to develop new Youth Assertive Community Treatment program for transition-age youth, ages 16-20.

2019

Partnered on Homeless Street Outreach

Partnered in providing street outreach to people experiencing homelessness.

2020

Opened Guild Crisis and Recovery Center in Scott County

Partnered with Scott County to open a Guild Crisis and Recovery Center in Savage.

2025

Opened Crisis and Recovery Center in Dakota County

Partnered with Dakota County to open a Crisis and Recovery Center in West Saint Paul.

Today

Industry Leader

Providing compassionate, integrated care that successfully interrupts the cycle of crisis and reduces hospitalizations.

Past

A Legacy Forged in Crisis

Guild was founded in response to deinstitutionalization in the 1970s and 1980s to provide a continuum of community-based services that prevent psychiatric hospitalizations. This model remains central to our mission and impact, guiding our focus on recovery and stability.

Our roots go back to the 1970s, when the closure of the Hastings State Hospital left many individuals without housing or support. The Guild of Catholic Women, a dedicated volunteer organization, stepped forward to provide essential housing for individuals leaving the hospital with no place to go.

In 1990, The Guild of Catholic Women created Guild Incorporated, a separate, not-for-profit organization that continues to provide these vital services while working independently, carrying forward the same mission of care, support, and empowerment.

Present

Interrupting the Cycle of Instability

Today, Guild provides community-based services for people living with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI). We believe that lasting stability means more than managing symptoms—it’s about supporting the whole person.

Our multidisciplinary approach connects mental health, housing, and supportive employment, empowering individuals to move from crisis to stability and build fulfilling, self-directed lives. Because when one area of life strengthens, others do too.

Future

Expanding Access to Lasting Recovery

Every person at Guild contributes to a shared purpose—supporting individuals in achieving lasting stability and well-being.

We envision a future where every person who needs it has access to excellent community-based mental health care—delivered by exceptional, well-supported professionals in an organization recognized for clinical excellence, person-centered care, and perseverance.

We will achieve this vision by embracing complexity, driving innovation, and sustaining a strong, financially resilient foundation—all while delivering measurable, life-changing outcomes.