OLDNEWSBOYS
CONNECTIONS
BYJANICEDENHAM
Volunteers,charitiesandOldNewsboysconnect annuallywithkidsinneed.EachThursdaybefore Thanksgiving,onNovember21thisyear,hundreds ofvolunteersdongreenapronsandstepoutonto streetcornersandintobusinessestorequest donationsinexchangeforanOldNewsboys special-editionnewspaper.
Peoplewhorecognizetheneedsofchildren initiatethoseconnections.For67yearstheannual OldNewsboysCampaignforKids,wearingalabel of“charityoflastresort,”hasprovidedfundsto hundredsofcharitiesrequestingitemsstrictlyfor kids.Theyrangefromeverydayneedslikediapers, boosterseatsandfoodforlittletykestotargeted requirementslikesafetyhelmets,basketballsand schooluniformsforolderchildren.
Thefirstcampaigngathered$34,413,apositive stepinsupportingthecommunityof1957. Needsgrow.Theorganizationhasfaced challengesbeyondyearswithinclementweather andapandemicwhichkepteveryonehome. Onlineresourcesnowoffer24/7accesstoits one-of-a-kindnewspapereditionandprovidea convenientQRcodefordonationsonitswebsite oldnewsboysday.org.
OldNewsboys’connectionsgrabattentionasa directpipelineofprovidingchildrenwithabetter life,whetheritisinthemoment,asincentiveoras groundworkfortheirfuture.Thecharitiesithelps oftenhavemodestbudgetsbutservespecific needsthatloomlargeinthelivesofchildrenand families.Theannualdisbursementforgrantshas
reachedalmosttentimestheamountcollectedin theinitialyear.
CONNECTIONSMAKEIMPRESSIONS
SeanMurphyfirstvolunteeredforOldNewsboys around2002.
“IrememberstandingoutsidetheoldRailway ExchangeBuildingonmyfirstjoboutofcollegeat Famous-Barr(laterMacy’s),”hesaid.Itbecamean annualoccasionabout10yearslaterforSanta’s Helpers.Inarolehecalls“therepresentative person,”hewillflitaroundedgesofastreetcorner singlehandedlytocatchdrivers’attentionthisyear inClayton.Thus,heconnectsSanta’sHelpers,
TheO’Loughlinfamilyistakingitsconcernforthe welfareofchildrenuptwonotches.Threegenerationsarejoiningforcestochairthisyear’s OldNewsboysCampaignforKids.
BobO’LoughlinatthehelmwithsonSteve O’Loughlinwillbejoinedbythethirdgeneration, BrianO’Loughlin,whoa lsobecameateammatein theircompany,LodgingHospitalityManagement, thisspring.Theannualrequestforfundsgoesto streetsoftheregiononThursday,Nov.21,2024, withonlinedonationsaccepted24/7year-round.
BobO’Loughlin,chairmanandchiefexecutive officeroftheirhospitalitybusiness,calls OldNewsboys’goalofraisingfundsfor smallerchildren’scharitiesinthemetroarea “aSt.Louistradition.”
“Largertraditionaldonorstendtooverlook manyoftheseorganizations.However,theneed stillexists–andgrowsbytheyear,”hesays. “Itisadayanticipatedbyvolunteerswhoput ongreenaprons.
OldNewsboysprovidesmuchneededfunding fortheseorganizationstopurchaseessentials–food,schoolsupplies,clothing,medications,and otheritems–toimproveachild’slife,sometimes deliveredwithabirthdaypartyorholidaygifts.”
BobO’Loughlinfindsinspirationintracingthe leadershipfromtheearlyyearsoftheorganization’sfoundingin1957.Well-knownlocalfigures likeLouBrock,GussieBusch,TedWetterau, MarilynFox,andJackBuckareamongthosewho chairedOldNewsboyscampaigns.Anotherfamily team,JustinHeutelandPeteHeutelofSunset Ford,headedthecampaignin2023.
TheO’Loughlinscallit“anhonor”tofollowinthe footstepsofthosenotableSt.Louisans.“It’struly anhonortobeinvolvedinthisbelovedorganizationthatassistsmanylocalchildren’scharities eachyear”saysSteveO’Loughlin,chiefoperating officerofLHM.Heapplaudsthemanygreatcivic organizationsaswellasindividualsthatsupport thisnon-profitendeavor.
Theirmultigenerationalhopeisthatonedayall childrenwillhavetheresourcestogrow,thrive withmorethannecessities,andcreateanurturing environmentfortheirownfamilies,too.“I’mlooking forwardtojoiningtheOldNewsboysvolunteerson thecornersandsellingthespecialeditionfordonationthatdoessomuchgoodforourcommunity” saysBrianO’Loughlin,vicepresidentofLHM. Tothisend,LodgingHospitalityManagement partnerswithOldNewsboysandmanyother
organizations,fromlocalfoundationstomuseumsanduniversitiesthatfuelthisdynamicoflocalsupport.TheirvisionhasbroughtnewattractionsandgatheringplacestoUnionStationand WestportPlazaandprovidedbusinessoptionsin bothMissouriandIllinois.
“St.Louishasbeengoodtome.Wehavedone wellhere,andIwanttogiveback,”BobO’Loughlin toldIanCaso,publisherofthePost-Dispatchina WinningSTLvideointerview.“Wehavetriedinour companytotakethingsthatweren’tquitegood, fixthemupandmakethemspectacular.Ifeverybodydoesthat,thetidewillrise.”
OLDNEWSBOYSDEDICATES 2024EDITIONTOMARILYNFOX
BYJANICEDENHAM
MarilynFox connectedwith children.Shebelievedinthem.She huggedthemwith heroverflowing heart.Herjoywill bemissednotonly bytheOldNewsboysFoundation butbyothercharitieslikeVarietythe KidsCharity,where shechaireditsgala fortwodecades, andMissouriBotanicalGardenwhereguestsenjoy theMarilynandSamFoxFruitGarden,namedfor herandherhusbandof70years.
whichheservesontheboardassecretary,with OldNewsboys.Santa’sHelpers,agrantrecipient ofOldNewsboys,isanall-volunteerorganization whichprovidesanewChristmasorHanukkahgift, anoutfitandabooktochildreninunder-resourced families,particularlythosewithachildfacinga serioushealthchallenge.In2023itservedmore than3,600youngstersand1,300families.
“OnceIputonthatgreenapron,Ifocusonthe task.Wehavealongstandingpartnershipwith OldNewsboys,afantasticorganizationthathas helpedusmaterially,”Murphysaid.Truetohis callingasasalesman,hehasdevelopedanaffinity fordevelopingrapportwithprospectivedonors behindtheirwindshields.
“Whathelpsisiftheycatchsomekindofawarenessonthenews.Theyimmediatelywanttogive. Whatiseye-openingformeisthatthekindest, mostgenerousgiverscanbeinthemostbeat-up cars.TheQRcodehasbeenagamechangerin donatingnowthatpeopleoftendonotcarrycash,” headded.
COLDWEATHERORNOT
Anothervolunteer,JamiWaldron,joined MidwestBankCentre’steamin2009.
“Yes,Ihavebeenoutthereinthesnow,intherain, flaggingdowndriversfordonationstosupportthe cause.Ithinkthecolderitis,themoregenerous peopleare.Peoplefeelbetteraboutdonatingto peoplewhenareouttheredespiteharshweather,” shesaid.
Thebankcurrentlyprovidesthreeorfourvolunteersateachoffourlocationsthroughoutthe community.TheresponsetoMidwest’scallfor workersforthisvolunteertaskisalwayspositive.
“Itisadayeveryonelooksforwardto.Onceyouhave thefunandseetheimpact,peoplevolunteeryear afteryear,”Waldronsaid.“Seeingpeoplefindaway tocomeback,maybe20minuteslater,tosupport OldNewsboysisimpactful.Carscirclebackaslights
This2024OldNewsboyspublicationisdedicated tothelongtimesupporter.MsFoxdiedpeacefully atage89attheirhomeonSunday,Feb.18.
ShechairedOldNewsboysDayin2005-2006, receiveditsWetterauAwardin2007andestablishedtheChairman’sCircleofBusinessEditorial Leaderswhichpersiststoday.Herdecades-long legacywithOldNewsboysrangesfromfacing blusteryweatheronstreetspeddlingthespecial-editionnewspapersfordonationsthrough thewelcomedoorofherownhomewhereshe sharedthemagicofhelpingchildrenwithfellow communityleaders.
“Somehowyoudon’tnoticethecold whenyouwitnessthenever-ending generosityoftheSt.Louiscommunity,”
change.Theyreturntothecorneraftertheygetcash ortodonatebyQRcodeontheirphone.”
TEENCONNECTIONS
NateWilsonjoinedTomSchaefer17yearsagoon theteachingstaffofParkwayCentralHighSchoolin Chesterfield.Schaeferalreadycoachedvolleyballand headedavolunteerserviceorganizationforsenior menwhichvolunteeredonOldNewsboyscorners. “ThingschangedafterCOVID,”Wilsonsaid. “Thevolunteerclubdidnotsurvive.Weoffered (theopportunity)tothevolleyballteams.Now bothboysandgirlsfromtheseteams,usually varsity,joinin.Anadvantageistheylookforward todoingitmorethanoneyear.”
Morethan20studentswillbeoutontwocorners, thesecondaddedwhenthevolleyballplayers tookover,beforetheappointedstartertimeof 6:30a.m.tocatchtheattentionofcarsheaded towardschool.Familiesandothersawareof OldNewsboyscomewithbillsorchecksready todonate.At8:30a.m.theygotoschoolandcount thedonationswhichusuallyaddupto“acouple thousanddollars,”Wilsonsaidproudly.They warmupoverhotchocolateanddiscuss schoolhappenings.
“Thiscancreateabigimpact,”heemphasized. “Withteachersandcoachescommenting,this givesthemperspective,thatthismorningofvolunteeringwasbiggerthananywinsorlossesor anythingelsethattheydo.”
YEAR-ROUNDSUPPORT
OldNewsboyswaspleasedwiththeweatheron Oct.5.The6thAnnual“PonyUpforKids”Charity PoloMatchhadbeendelayedaweekbecause ofapotentialdownpourfromHurricaneHelene. Whentheexcitingmid-afternooncompetition playedbymembersoftheSt.LouisPoloClubbetweenAvisonYoungCommercialRealEstateand TeamRoyalBanksofMissouristarted,theparty
OldNewsboysvolunteersandthestaffoftheSt.LouisPost-Dispatch.
EveryChild’sHope -therapeuticgames,booksand arttherapyequipment
FriendsofAfricanAmerican FamilyServicesCenter -medicationforchildrenwithADHD,respitecare, food,shelter,suppliesforvisitsand caregiverservices
GirlsScoutsofSouthernIllinois -financialassistanceforgirls(aged5-17) toparticipateintheGirlScouts LeadershipExperience GivingisaFamilyTradition -NewbornHealthcareKits,infantcarseats, doublestrollers,newbornandinfantsleepers GuardianAngelSettlementAssociation -EarlyEducationProgrammaterials HavenHouseSt.Louis -supportforpediatricpatients(lodgingexpenses, foodexpensesandfuelforvans) HighlandAreaChristianServiceMinistry -shampoo,conditioner,deodorant,bodywash, toothbrushes,babywipes, femininehygiene productsandpull-ups HomeWorks! -backpacks,headphones,flashcards, pencilsandnotebooks
Humanitri -toys,games,personalcareitems,outingsto CityMuseumandScienceCenter,artand cookingclasses
JeremiahHealthcareSolutions -laptops,desks,children’sclothes,andshoes
-therapeuticgames,booksandart therapyequipment
Joe’sPlace -mattressesandboxsprings,comfortersets, waterproofmattresspads,sheetsetsandpillows JoinHandsESL,Inc. -tutoringexpenses KidsEnjoyExerciseNow -adaptivetricycle,tricycle,basketballs,hockey nets,baseballsandfootballs
shesaidinher2012OldNewsboysbiography. “Tosavejustonechildistosavetheworld. Thesechildrenareourgreatesthopeforthe future,sowemustinvestinthemtoday.” Thefamily’sfar-reachinglegacy,which encourageschildrenaroundtheworld,includes fellowshipsatWashingtonUniversity,FoxFamily Foundationgrantsforbasicneedslocallyand sponsorshipofmulti-campusfacilitiesofthe St.LouisJewishCommunityCenter.Ms.Foxwas namedaWomanofAchievementin1993.
withfood,entertainment,tailgatingandasilent auctionwasunderwayforguestslookingforaday ofsunshineandanexhilaratingmatchwithsportsmanshipattheAugustBuschPoloFieldinDefiance. “Thetraditionofstompingdowngrassdivotscreatedbyactiononthefieldwastheusualhighlight whileparticipantsenjoyedaglassofchampagne whentheactionstoppedathalftime,”saidTodd Miller,systemvicepresidentofsecurityforSSM Health,whoco-chairedtheeventwithLisaLamb andNickLamb,partnerwithThompsonCoburn. Thesocializingonthefieldwasequaltothefoot actionreplacingsmallareasofgrassanddirt unendedbyhorses’hooves.
EARLYIN2024WASASWEETHEARTEVENT AValentine’sDayConcert.OnFeb.14,composer andlyricistAlHammermanbroughthisindividual styleofmusicwithheartfeltwordsforboth valentinesandOldNewsboysefforts.Thespotlight movedtofeatureentertainerswithHammerman’s orchestraaccompanyingthem.ArvellKeithley, MalenaSmith,WyattMichaelandBrianOwens sangnewsongsaswellasoldfavoritesatThe SheldonConcertHall.
Theeventmadeloveconnectionsbetweenpeople lookingtocreatefondmemoriesonthatdateand spreadinglovetoat-riskchildrenwhoneedsupportthemost.Attendeestookhomesouvenirsof long-stemmedfeltroseswhichlitupthenight. ThroughouttheyearsOldNewsboyshashadto adaptitseffortstoassistareachildren’scharities. Whathasremainedconstantisthededicationof ourvolunteersfromalloccupations,beitsales associates,bankemployee,teacherorstudentor others,thesevolunteershavemadeaconnection inachild’slife.
Specialthanksisnotedbythecoordinatorsofthe eventtooutstandingindividuals,particularlycornercoordinatorLauraDacus,whomakeadifferenceinactivitiesoftheday–andtheyear.
Kid’sInTheMiddle -therapysupplies,sandtrays,stressballs, fidgetsandarttherapy LemayChildandFamilyCenter -diapers,pull-ups,wipes,andformula LittleBitFoundation,The -Wintercoatsandbackpacksfor childreninneed LOGOSSchool -Foodfortherapydog,preventativehealthcare, obediencetraining,therapydogtraining,therapy dogcage,foodkits(shelfstablemealsandsome freshitems) LoveU2Pieces -EarlyChildhoodProgramScholarships Lydia’sHouse,Inc. -schoolsupplies,healthysnacks,clothes,school uniforms,shoes,socksandwinterclothing ManassehMinistry -schooluniformsforgirlsandboys(pants,polo shirtsandsocks) Marygrove -wintercoatsandouterwearforyouth MonroeCountyHouseofNeighborlyService -FoodfortheFamilySummerLunchProgram. NationalCouncilofJewishWomen -backtoschoolsuppliesfor600kids,500pairsof newpantsforKidsCommunityClosetProgram NorthSideCommunitySchool -Uniforms,classroomsupplies(notebooks,pencils, markers,glue,books,ande-books) NorthSideYouthandSeniorServicesCenter -suppliesforAfterSchoolPrograms(snacks,arts& crafts,games,workbooks,backpacks,calculators andbinders) OurLady’sInn (St.CharlesEmergencyShelter) -children’sbedding,carseats,strollers,highchairs, diapers,clothing,etc. Penuel -CampPenuelTeeShirtsforcampers
SaintLouisCrisisNursery -diapers,babywipes,children’sclothing, andbusyboards SisterTheaBowmanCatholicSchool -WarmUpforWinterUniformsweatshirts SoulFisherMinistries -150backpacksandschooluniforms,gift incentivesforstudentstoearn,schoolsupplies, tablets,headphones,andeducationaltoys St.AnthonyFoodPantry -schoolshoesfor200children St.LouisArc -schooluniforms,undergarments,shoes,diapers, wipes,childsafetyequipment,adaptedtoysand sensorytoys St.LouisAreaDiaperBank -18,750diapers,toiletstools,pottytrainingbooks, pottytrainingseats,stickerchartsand How-toGuides St.LouisAreaResourceRoom -boosterseats,toys,cups,utensils, puzzlesandbooks StrongTowerRanch -woodenplaygroundsetwithfortforDayCamps
Sts.Joachim&AnnCareServices -backpacksandschoolsupplies
TheHavenofGrace -ResidentialandTransitionalPrograms outdoorplayhouse TheTodayandTomorrowEducationalFoundation -TuitionAssistanceScholarships. UnleashingPotential -6-passengerstroller,babybuggycanopies. UrbanReachSTL,Inc. -SummerCampforchildrenincludingmeals/ snacksdaily,weeklyBBQforfamiliesandFallfood distributionevent WalkerScottishRiteClinicforChildhood LanguageDisorders -assessmentequipment,therapyequipment, booksanddigitaltherapyequipment
TheMissionofOldNewsboys:toensurethatchildrenwhoare at-riskinourcommunity,becauseofabuseorpoverty,receive adequatefood,shelter,clothing,medicalcareandareprovided anequalopportunityforsocialdevelopment.
Withthehelpofourdedicatedleaders,theOldNewsboys organizationawardsgrantsonanannualbasistolocal organizationsthatsupportthebasicneedsofat-riskchildren.
Formoreinformationvisit oldnewsboysday.org
GIFTOFNEWBOOKSSTARTS PERSONALLIBRARIESFORKIDS
AUDREYSCHAEFER JUNIOR JOHNBURROUGHSSCHOOL
Since1998,BooksforSTLKidshasprovidednewandrelevantbookstoincrease readingaccessandinstillaloveforbooks inchildrenfromunder-resourcedfamilies.
Morethan3,500kidsperyearreceivethemthroughaplethora ofschoolsandorganizationsaroundtheregion.Someofthem includeGirlsInc.,UniversitySchoolDistrictandBeyondHousing. Thisentirelyvolunteer-ledorganizationhasbeenabletoprovide 228,000newbookstomorethan160recipientgroups.
HeatherWinsby,boardpresidentforBooksforSTLKids, sharedwhytheorganizationiseffectiveinreachingchildren fromlow-incomefamilies.
“Ratherthanlookingforthekidsthemselves,ratherthan lookingforthosefamilies,wegototheorganizationsthat
servethosefamilies,”sheremarked.Childrenintheserecipientgroupsfindprideinowningbooksthattheyloveastheir own,notnewownersofusedbooks.
JulieGagne,whoteachessecondgradeatTownsend ElementarySchool,saidthatBooksforSTLKidscares deeplyforindividualchildren’sinterestsinitsbookgrant applicationprocess.Twiceayear,itreviewsapplications fromlocalorganizationslikeTownsendSchoolinFlorissant. Organizationseligibleforthegrantareawardedagift certificatetouseontheFirstBookMarketplacewebsite,an onlinebookstore.Theseorganizationschoosethegenreand generalkindsofbooksforthechildrentheyserve.
Thus,BooksforSTLKidsisuniqueintailoringitssupportfor children’sliteracytoeachschoolororganization.“Icangoon (thewebsite)andselectwhatIknowkidsinourschoolwantto read,”Gagnesaid.
AnotherwayBooksforSTLKidssupportschildren’spridein readingisbydistributingbooksatTheLargestBookPartyin St.Louiswhichithoststwiceperyear.Inthisparty,firefighters,policeofficersandmanyothervolunteersreadtothe
SCHOOL-OWNEDHOUSEOFFERS HIGHSCHOOLERSASAFEHOME
CLAIREHENDERSON SOPHOMORE MARQUETTEHIGHSCHOOL
WhenLindaHenkewassuperintendent ofMaplewoodRichmondHeights(MRH) SchoolDistrict,sheproposedproviding ahouseforstudentswhodidnothavehomes.VinceEstrada thoughttheideawasoutlandish.
“Iwaslike,‘What?Areyoucrazy?’”saidEstrada,MRHdirectorof studentservices.“Itwasanuttyidea,butitworkedoutgreat.” Withinoneyear,Joe’sPlacewasupandrunninganditsfirst studentmovedtherein2007.Itwasnotthelastfortheresidence,whichbelongstotheschooldistrictandhouseshigh schoolstudentsinneedofasafeplacetolive.
First,onlyboyslivedthere,butafterthepandemicJoe’sPlace expandedtoopenitsdoorstoallteensofanygenderidentity needingahome.Houseparentshelpkeepthetwo-story housetidyandrunningandtakecareofthekidsinawarm andlovingenvironmentfivedaysaweek.Studentsusually reconnectwithfamilyorfriendsonweekends.
“It’sbecometheirhome,”Estradasaid.Joe’sPlaceallows studentstogrowandlearninpreparationforadulthood. Coupleswhobecomehouseparentsaretrainedtoassistin runningthehousehold,buttheyalsoaremandatedreporters, requiredtoreportsuspectedabusetotheschooldistrict asstatelawrequires.Thesettingvaries,yetfollows“family” goalsasabunchofstudentsandvolunteerslivetogetherto helppushtheteenstograduationandbeyond.Volunteers helpcookmeals,tutorandmentorthem.
“ThebestpartofJoe’sPlaceisthattheycanactuallyparticipateinthefulllifeoftheschool.Highschoolismorethanjust takingclasses,”Estradasaid.Becausethehouseiswithin walkingdistanceoftheschool,studentscangooutwith friendsandreturntoaplacewithwarmthandsafetyby9p.m. Forthemostpart,eachstudenthasaroomtocalltheirown, althoughsometimessiblingsorevenfriendssharerooms. Studentsremainsocialontheirownterms.Aswithanygroup oftoday’steens,thisdoesnotmeantheyconstantlyconnect witheachother.“It’stheoppositeofchaos.Withtechnology, theyliketogototheir(individual)roomsandwatchTikTok,”Estradasaid.Theyareallowedtobringoverfriendsandasweet huskynamedOaklykeepstheteenscompany.
children.Attheend,eachchildtakeshomefourbooksoftheir own.Smallerbookpartiessupportchildren’sreadingand literacythroughouttheyearaswell.
TheOldNewsboysgrantrequestedbyBooksforSTLKids thisyearwillsupportthepurchaseof600to800newbooks alongwithbookplatelabels.Itreliesondonatedfundsforthe vastmajorityofdonationsandgrantsitreceivestosupply tailored,newbookstounder-resourcedchildreninSt.Louis. MoreinformationaboutbookgrantsandTheLargestBook Partycanbefoundonitswebsitebooksforstlkids.orgorby emailinginfo@booksforstlkids.org.
BooksForSTLKidsisanorganizationthatfeedstheheartsand mindsofunder-resourcedchildrenwithnewbooks.Itencouragesthemtodevelopintopeoplewhoyearnforknowledge.
Assistanceforthosewhograduatealsoisavailabletohelp residentstransitiontotheirnextstepofcollege,firsthomeor firstbigjob.
JoshuaHelle,oneof35studentshelpedbyJoe’sPlaceto date,appreciateshistimespentinthehouse. “Igotloveandsupport,Ihadfoodonthetableandwithoutall thatsupport,Iwouldn’tbeincollege,”Hellesaid.“Iactually felt,like,lovedforthefirsttime.”HewasatJoe’sPlacefrom 2017to2020.Thecharity’ssupporthelpedhimcontinuestudiesatLakeForestCollegeinChicago.
DonationsfromOldNewsboyswillhelpprovidefoodand clothingtoresidentstudentswhomaketheirhomethere. “Joe’sPlaceisacommunityandJoe’splaceisaprimeexampleofhowcommunitycanmakeagreatimpactonpeople’s lives,”Hellesaid.
ATHLETESEXERCISEWITHKEEN BECAUSETHEY‘JUSTWANNAHAVEFUN’
Naturalsmilesliftthefacesofathletes,parentsandvolunteerswhoentertheCenterofClayton,acity-schooldistrict sharedrecreationalfacility.ThankstoKEENSt.Louis,motherslikePeggyVineyardhaveanoutletwherebothparentand childcanletloose,leavingallburdensoftherealworldbehind astheyenteraspacewhereboundariesknownonames.
Inthepast30years,KEEN(KidsEnjoyExerciseNow)St.Louis hasbecomeastapleinstitutionforfamiliesofchildrenwith specialneeds,creatingasafespacewheretheyfeelempoweredtoplaywithoutlimitations.Vineyardandherdaughter haveattendedKEENathleticsessionsfor10years.
“Sheenjoysthepeersshewouldn’thaveotherwiseunless she’sintheclassroomoratschool.Kidswithspecialneeds, evenleadingupintoadulthood,don’thavethesameaccess thatyouwould.”Vineyardexplainedthatneurotypicalkids findtheirownfriendswhereasitisn’tanaturaltraitofneurodivergentkids.
HANAILAHI SENIOR JOHNBURROUGHSSCHOOL
TheWalkerScottishRiteClinicfor ChildhoodLanguageDisordersofSt.Louis workseverydaytoaidyoungchildrenwith speechandlanguagedisorders.Theclinic’sgoalistoprovide thesechildrenwiththecommunicationskillsnecessaryto succeedandthrive,aswellashelpfamiliesgivetheirchildren allthesupportorresourcestheyneed.
LocatedonMaryvilleUniversity’scampusinTownand Country,theclinicprovidestherapyandsupportfor preschoolchildrenagedtwothroughsix.Since1988,ithas beenservingchildrenwhoexperiencearangeofspeech orlanguagedisorders,includingspeechsounddisorders, languagedelays,fluencydisordersandchildhoodapraxia. “Wefocusonearlyidentificationofthesetypesofdisorders sothatpropersupportcanbeprovidedstartingatanearly
VineyardsaidafavoritethingaboutKEENisthecommitted volunteers,whoneverfailtomakeherdaughterfeelwelcome andactive.AtKEEN,kidsarematchedone-on-onewitha volunteer,creatinganenvironmentthatElizabethNovak, programmanagerforKEENSt.Louis,saidhelpsallkidsfeel included.Itgivesparentsabreakandispartoftheprogram philosophyaswell.
ColinBruns,KEENcoachingcommitteemember,started volunteeringwithhismomwhenhewasinhighschool.He continuedvolunteeringintocollegeandcurrentlyisinhis seventhyearwiththeorganization.
“InhighschoolIdidthisthingcalledYoungMen’sService League,anorganization(where)youvolunteerwithyour mom,”Brunssaid.“Thisisoneofourphilanthropiesthatwe didand(I)fellinlovewithit.”
Novaksaidparentsshouldknowtheprogramhappensinthe enclosedenvironment.“Wewanttolettheparentsknowthat (their)kidissafe,”sheadded.
AtKEEN,Novaksaidthatwhilesafetyisatoppriority,sois ensuringthatallparticipants,familiesincluded,feellikethey areinanenvironmentwheretheycanbecomfortableand feelaccepted.Astheparentofasonwithautism,Novaksaid it’shardformanyspecialneedsfamiliestofindaplacewhere theirchildbelongs.SheappreciatesthatKEENmakesapoint ofacceptingeveryone,meaningthestaffrequiresnoIEP (individualeducationplan)ormedicalandschooldiagnosis. “Wetakeeverybody,sowehavesomekidsthataredyslexic ortheymightbealittlebitsociallyawkward,anditgoesall thewaythroughthegamma,”Novaksaid.“Wetakethemall andletthemplay.”
KEENemphasizesbeingnoncompetitive,whichisimportant inmaintaininganenvironmentwherekidscanavoidcompetingfortitlesandroles.Playing,laughing,havingagoodtime andjustbeingthemselvesisoftheutmostimportance. “Nomatterwhoyouare,KEENisaplacewhereeveryoneis acceptedandeveryonehasfun,”Novakadded.
age,”saidJacobGutshall,directorofWalkerScottishRite Clinicandanexperiencedspeechlanguagepathologist. Testedandspecializedscreeningmethodshelpidentify potentialproblemsinchildrenearly.Toaddressthesespeech andlanguagedisorders,familiesareabletochoosethe typesoftreatmentprogramstheirchildreceives,ranging fromgrouptoindividualsessionsthatcanoccurinperson atoneoftheclinic’smultiplesitesaroundtheSt.Louisarea oroveratelepracticeplatformwhichdeliversservicesusing telecommunicationandinternettechnology.
“Ourpathologistsemployplay-basedstrategiestoengage thekids,”Gutshallexplained.“Theyarehavingfunanddon’t realizetheyarereceivingbeneficialtherapyatthesame time.”Thesefun-focusedtreatmentsrangefromtoysand gamestoreadingbooksaloudaswell.
Alongwithprovidingtherapyforchildren,WalkerScottish RiteClinicalsoaimstoprovidefamilieswiththeproper resourcesandsupportthroughouttheirchild’sjourneytoensurethemostprogressandsuccess.Thisincludescreating take-homepackages,nicknamedKidTalkConversationKits,
TomakeadifferenceinthelivesofSt.Louiskids,donateonlineat
thesameitemsusedinachild’stherapy.Theseallowafamily torecreateasuccessfulpracticeathome.
AllofWalkerScottishRiteClinic’sservicesarecompletely freeofchargeformorethan450kidsservedeveryyear. Fundraisers,eventsanddonorsallhelptokeeptheClinic supportedandrunning.
“TheOldNewsboysDayFundwillhelpustogetaccessto evenmoreresources,suchastheassessmentsweuseto diagnose,andtheequipmentweuseintherapy.Ithelpsusto offerthesetofamiliesforfree,”Gutshallenthusedaboutthis year’sgrant.
ThegoalofWalkerScottishRiteClinicistomakeatrue differenceinthelivesoffamiliesintheSt.Louisareawhose childrenareimpactedbyspeechandlanguagedisorders. Ithelpsgivethesechildrenthevaluableresourceoffluent communication,askillthatwillservethemtodayandforthe restoftheirlives.
Reflectingonsomeofthefamiliestheclinichashelped, Gutshalladded,“Seeingthesekidsgaintheconfidenceto interactandcommunicatemakeseverythingsoworthit.”
WalkerScottishRiteClinic
MILO’STIMEINTHERAPY SUPPORTSSTUDENTS,STAFF
CHARLOTTEKAYE
JUNIOR JOHNBURROUGHSSCHOOL
Atherapydogseemstogobeyondthe standardofbestfriendtohumans. AtLogosSchool,Olivette,onevery specialtherapydogspendshisdaysassistingstudents whoneedhim.
AccordingtoClaireJennings,grantcoordinatoroftheLogos developmentteam,themissionofaschooltherapydogis to“[provide]alifelinetostudentsthroughatransformative, personalizedtherapeuticandacademicprogram,fosteringa pathtohopeandsuccess.”Logos’environmentisgearedtowardmiddle-andhigh-schoolstudentsforwhomatraditional schoolsettingisnotquiterightforwhateverreason,which mayincludeemotional,behavioralorintellectualchallenges. Studentsareassignedtooneof15specializedtherapistsfor weeklyindividualandgrouptherapyandreceiveothertypes ofaidfromtheirbehavioralandstudentsupportstaff.One memberofthisfantasticteamistheirtherapydog.
Milo,athree-year-oldAustralianshepherdandpoodlemix, “supportsthestudentsbybeingacalming,neutralpresence intheschool,”Jenningssaid.Asapuppy,hewasgoingtobea prizeforanannualfundraisingevent,butLogosteachers–understandably–fellinlovewithhim.Luckily,membersofthe
boardagreed.Theytookhimofftheauctionlistandpurchasedhimastheschool’sfirsttherapydog.
HebringsjoytothewholeLogoscommunity.Hespendshisdays assistingstudentshowevertheyneed.Hemayescortastudent toclasswhostruggleswithschoolrefusal.Hemaycometoa classroomtoeaseanxietybeforeatest.Ontheotherhand, maybeperformingasimpletrickwillmakeastudentlaugh. Logosstudentsalsolearnresponsibilitybyassistingwith Milo’sneeds,likerefillinghiswaterortakinghimoutside. JenningsalsoemphasizedhowMilohelpscreatea calmingatmosphereforallofthestudentsaswellas thefacultymembers.
AtourinearlyOctobershowedhow Milo’spresenceenhancestheatmosphereasafull-time,belovedmember oftheentireschoolcommunity.A hugesmilelightsupthefaceofeach teacher,therapistorstudentwhenhe appears.Theytakeamomenttopat himontheheadorgivehimahighfive. Manyclassroomsawaitthecomingof thewell-lovedcaninewithaMilo-sized dogbedorwaterbowlready.
Ateacherwhoseclassroommeritsfrequentvisitsfrom Miloemphasizedhowmuchherstudentsadorehimandhow thankfulsheandherstudentsaretohavehim.OneofLogos School’stherapistsexplainedhowheeasesstressduring
PLAYTEACHESSOCIALSKILLS ASKIDS,TEENSPRACTICE
GRAYSONBOWEN JUNIOR MARQUETTEHIGHSCHOOL
LeighRolnickidiscoveredsoonafter hersonwasdiagnosedwithautismthat therewerenoplacesforhimtoplayor havehissocialneedsmet.Thislackofcommunityforher childwasthemotivationsheneededtocreatehercharity, LoveU2Pieces,whichhelpsneurodivergentkidsgrowsociallyandfindsupport.
“Theystillneedtheopportunitytobeabletobelongandconnectwithotherkidsandmakefriends,sothat’swhyweexist,” Rolnickisaid.
LoveU2Pieceshasbeenaccommodatingchildrenagesthree through17since2009byengagingtheminactivitiesand practicingsocialskillsthatmakemanyneurodivergentpeoplestruggle.Theinstructorsfocusonpositivityaboutschool becauseitcanbehardforkidstonavigate.
Membersalwayslookforopportunitiestospreadword oftheirorganizationprimarilybyreachingouttoschools, sharingonsocialmediaandcommunicatingbyword ofmouth.
“Oneaspectofbeinganonprofit,forusespeciallyasasmall one,(is)wedon’tadvertisebecauseitisveryexpensive,”Rolnickisaid.Organizersstilltakeadvantageofeverypossible waytobecomeknowninthecommunity.
Anyfundingacquiredisusedtobenefitthekidsdirectly.
Sensorytoysanditemsandcomfortingdecorations,suchas throughitsOldNewsboysgrant,helpprovideanenvironment wherekidscanfeelsafe.Scholarshipsalsohelpkidswho maynotbeabletoaffordtheprogram.
“Wetryourbestnevertoturnsomeoneawayfromourservicesbecausetheycan’taffordit,”saidJanTompson,board memberofLoveU2Pieces.
Thischaritystrivestoeducatethe communityaboutmisconceptionsregardingneurodivergentpeople.People whoknowlittleaboutthechallenges mayassumethatallthosewithmental disabilitiesshowobvioussignsandare lowfunctioning.
Theoppositeismorecommon.RolnickihopesthatLoveU2Piecesremoves thatstigma.
Sheemphasizesthat neurodivergencyisaspectrumandall kidsstruggledifferently,somemore thanothers.LoveU2Piecesfocuseson childrenwhoarehighfunctioningand seemfai rlynormaltomostpeople–untilthatonemoment whentheydon’t.
therapysessions.Forexample,studentsmayrequesta weeklytherapysessionwithMiloattendingsotheycantake acalmingwalkwithhimintheparknearby.
Whiletherapydogshelpfullycreateasoothingenvironment toanticipateeachday,theirupkeepisexpensivebeyond theaverageforapet.Ontopofregularfoodandveterinary costs,therapydogsneedspecialtrainingandcertification, whichgreatlyaddstoday-to-dayexpenses.
Jenningsadded,“WewantMilotobethebest,healthiest versionofhimselfsohecansupportourstudentsandspend timedoingwhatheloves.”
TheOldNewsboysChildren’sFundwillhelpsupportthe positiveimpactMilohasontheschoolanditscommunity. Donationsonthesupportdog’sbehalfmaybemadedirectly atlogosschool.org/support-logos.
“It’snotadisabledwayofthinking;it’sadifferentwayofthinking,”Rolnickiexplained.
Overtheshorttimetheorganizationhasbeenorganized, manysuccesseshavebeenseenaskidsbecomemoresocial andcomfortableinschoolenvironments.JanTompson, LoveU2Piecesmember,hadafamilymemberwhojoinedthe programwhenshewasjustfouryearsoldtohelpcommunicatewhensheneededhelp.
“Lastyearwasthefirstyear,whenshestartedfourthgrade, thatsheactuallydidnotsignupforLoveU2Pieces,”Thompson said.Theprogramhadhelpedhergainnewfriendsinschooland becomemoreconfidentintheschoolatmosphereovertime.
Rolnickisaidfuturegoalsarenumerous.Gettingmorerecognitionasagroupandreachingmoreindividualswithfunding wouldbeimportant.Ofcourse,thereisoneoverridinghope andloftygoal.
“Wewouldtrulyloveitifnobodyneededusanymore,” Thompsonsaid.
SAFETYNETSECURESCHILDREN WHENFAMILYFEELSCRISIS
NALAROSE
SENIOR RITENOURHIGHSCHOOL
TheCoalitionof100BlackWomen,Junior LeagueofSt.LouisandDeaconessHospitalfoundedSaintLouisCrisisNursery.
“Wehavekeptthemsafesince1986.(Atotalof)138,000 St.LouischildrenhavebecomesafewiththeSaintLouisCrisis Nursery,”saidJaneBeckman,seniorcommunicationsdirector. WithfivelocationsinmetroStLouis,theCrisisNursery providesasafehavenforchildrenandanopenenvironment tosupportparents.Servicesarecompletelyfreetoserveits missionofpreventingchildabuseandneglect.
“TheCrisisNurserydoesareallygoodjobatcommunicatingto parentsthatwearehereforyouwhetheritisagooddayorbad day,”saidBrittneyBonds,aformerchildoftheCrisisNursery. EveryyeartheCrisisNurseryhousesupto4,000children frombirthtoage12.Itprovidesclothes,foodandaplaceto staywhilefamiliesandothersfigureouthowtomoveforward intheshorttermandlongrun.
“For38yearstheCrisisNurseryhasbeenpreventingchild abuseandneglect.Wesupportparentswhenthereisacrisis becauseweknowthat’swhenterriblethingscanhappen. Whenparentsfeelliketheyarenotsupported,whenthey feellikethereisnowheretoturn,andtheydon’tknowwhatto doandtheirstressjustgetsoverthemoon,that’swhenthe nurserystepsin,”Beckmansaid.
Thenurserywantstohelpanychildinneedstaywiththe parentsandrelievewhateversituationisbeingexperienced. Theywantnochildorparenttoworryaboutbeingseparated forfixablereasons.
Bondsrecalls,“WhenIwouldgotothenursery,itwasnice becauseIknewthateverytimethatIwasthereIwasguaranteedtohavethreemealsaday,snacks.Theyhadclothes youcouldpickouttowear–cleanclothes,evenbrand-new clotheswithtagsstillonthem.Thatwasreallyempowering forsomeonelikemewhoalwayscamefromafamilythathad nothingbuthand-me-downs.”
Whilethechildstaysatthenursery,thestaffworkstofindout whatistranspiringinsidethehome,beitfood,clothesoreven abilltheycan’taffordtopay.
“Ninety-ninepercentofourkidsarenotabusedor neglectedwhenthefamilyisinvolvedwiththeCrisis Nursery.Ninety-ninepercentofthekidsgettostaywith theirfamilies.That’scritical.Thefamiliesmaynotalwaysbe thebest,butthekidsalwayswanttostaywiththeparents,” Beckmansaid.
Thenursery alwaysappreciatesbabyfood, diapers,wet wipes,children’s clothingand busyboards, asgrantedwith OldNewsboys funds.Thecommunitymakes itpossiblewith grantsand donationsplus volunteerswho work24hours adaytokeepa hotlineavailable sevendays aweek.
“Long-term,wewanttobreakthecycle,”Beckmansaid. “IfyoureachouttotheCrisisNursery,that’sapositionof strength.Thatmeansyouknowyourlimitoflimitationsand thatmeansyouaregoingtohavesomeonewithyou.Youare notaloneanymore.”
RESOURCES UNLOCK FUTURES
LOUISWANG
8THGRADE JOHNBURROUGHSSCHOOL
Imagineaworldwhereeverychild,regardlessoftheirbackground,hastheresourcestothriveacademically,physically andsocially.Manyfamiliesfindaccesstoqualityeducation andsupportfortheirchildrenisastrugglebecauseoftheir economicsituation.ThisiswhereUnleashingPotentialsteps in,makingsurethatallchildrenhaveachancetogrowand learn,nomatterhowtoughcircumstancesare,andtobridge theopportunitygapforallyouths.
Itsmissionremainsthesameaswhenitwasfoundedin1913 nearSt.Louis’southside:“Tounleashthemagnificentpotentialinchildren,familiesandneighborhoodsthatleadstoa justcommunityforall.”
UnleashingPotentialoffersprogramssuchasEarlyChildhood, AfterSchool,FamilyEngagementandEnrichmenttocoverall ages.Itstartsservingchildrenattheearlyageofsixweeksold andleadthemuptoage14,supportingnotonlythechildrenbut alsotheirfamiliesthroughouttheyearstheyworkwiththem.
JenniferWood,managerofcorporateandfoundation gifts,says,“Onehundredpercentofourkidsarekindergarten-readyand82percentofourkidsareexceedingour developmentalmilestones.”
Inpreviousyears,OldNewsboysDayhashelpedUnleashing Potentialfundasix-passengerbabybuggytokeepchildren togetheronwalksandfieldtrips.Thisyearthemoneywill gotowardvehiclerepairsforitsearlychildhoodeducation passengervan.
UnleashingPotentialhashadanimmenseimpactonthousandsoffamiliesithasfosteredovertheyears.Asuccess storylikethatofyoungAh’Maud,toldbyhismother,LaWanda, showshispathwiththeorganization.
Inhisfirstyearoflife,hestruggledalot,LaWandarecounted. Atyearone,Ah’Maudwasseverelyunderweight,experienced persistentacidrefluxandalackofnutritiondevelopedhair loss.Atthe18-monthmark,hestilldidnotwalk,whichworriedhismother.Frustratedwithotherchildhoodeducation centers,LaWandafollowedfriendsandGooglerecommendationsandenrolledAh’MaudatUnleashingPotential.
Ah’Maudwasdiagnosedimmediatelywithaneatingdisorder andlactoseintolerance.Anoccupationaltherapist,speech therapistanddietitianworkedon-sitewithAh’Maudwith eatingandspeech,andhelpedhisfamilylearnstrategiesfor
introducingnewfoodstoAh’Maud.Overtime,heachieved anormalweight–andfoundoutthathelovessoymilkand PediaSure,anutritiondrinkthatcomplementsadietforkids whoarebehindingrowth.
Unfortunately,hisfamilycouldn’taffordthehelpfulsupplement,soUnleashingPotentialprovideditforAh’Maudatno cost.Aphysicaltherapisthelpedhimgainweight,mobility andproblem-solvingskillsforaheartwarmingrecovery.Todayhethrives.Withhis3rdbirthday,Ah’Maudwalksandtries torun,loveshishairandcontinuestogrowandgainweight. Ah’Maud’sjourneyisjustoneofmanystoriesofhowUnleashingPotentialchangeslives.Throughpersonalizedcareand unwaveringsupport,theorganizationempowerschildrenand theirfamiliestoovercomehardshipsandprovidesmeans forlastingsuccess.Withthehelpofvolunteers,donorsand programslikeOldNewsboysDay,theynotonlychangelife storiesbutbuildabetterandmorejustcommunityforall.
SELF-ESTEEMRISESWHEN STUDENTWALKSINOWNSHOES
HASHIMILAHI
SOPHOMORE JOHNBURROUGHSSCHOOL
ShawntelleFisherfoundedSoulFisher
Ministriesin2012torespondtotheneeds ofdisadvantagedyouthwithincarcerated parents.Italsohelpscurrentlyorformerlyincarceratedwomengainskillstheyneedtosucceedintheworldafterrelease fromprison.
SoulFisherMinistrieshasreceivedsupportfromOldNewsboys’Dayinthepast,butthisyear’sfundswillbeusedforits newSWAGprogram–SchoolwithApparelandGear.Having schoolsuppliesandchoosingtheirownshoesandaccessoriesnotonlyhelpskidsdobetterinschool,butalsoboosts theirself-esteemandbehavior.
FundsfromitscurrentOldNewsboysgrantwillhelpstudents chooseshoestheycanwear.SoulFisherMinistry’spartnershipwiththeNationalCouncilofJewishWomenprovides studentswithcoats,backpacksandschoolsupplies.
“Whentheyhavethesuppliesthattheyneed,thishelps themtoperformbetterinschoolandcutsdownonthe behavior[issues],”saidO’LiviaBowles,theprogramcoordinatorforENAL,itsEducateNowtoAchieveLaterprogram. TheENALprogramfocusesonimprovingliteracyandmath skillsofurban-areayouththroughafter-schooltutoringfive daysaweek.
“EveryOctoberwetakeagroupofstudentstoaShoe Carnivalandtheyareabletopickoutapairofshoes ofwhateverkindthattheylike,andthisgivesthemthe autonomy…tohavechoice…andtobeabletofeelconfident inwhattheydoeverydayatschool,”Bowlessaid.
SoulFisherMinistriesoffersawiderangeofsupportfor thoseintendingtoleaveincarcerationbehind.
ItbundlesservicesinitsAdultGeneralAcademicProgramof Education(AGAPE)program.AdultstransitioningfromincarcerationtotheSt.Louiscommunitymayneedassistancein financeandcasemanagement,professionalandpersonal skillsdevelopment,employmentaidandhousing–thechallengeoftheFisherTransitionalLivingforWomenprogram.
TheMissouriDepartmentofCorrectionshasnotmissedthe impact.ItrecognizesSoulFisherMinistriesanditsAGAPE ProgramasanofficialReentryPartner.
IfaformerprisoninmatelacksaGED,SoulFisherofferseducationalopportunities.Healthcareassistanceandcounselingforpsychiatricandsubstance-relatedissuescome underitswing.Itrealizes,however,thatitcannotdoitalone. AGAPEpartnerswithsuchorganizationsasCenterfor WomeninTransition,QueenofPeaceandAreaResources forCommunityandHumanServices(ARCHS)to provideservices.
SoulFishertriestoencompassthewholepicturetoaidtransition.Ittutorschildrenwithanincarceratedparentorthose whoperformtwotothreegradelevelsbelowexpectation. IntheRiverviewGardenSchoolDistrict,ENALprogramming aidsstudentsinkindergartenthrougheighthgrade.Enrichmentopportunitiesextendtorobotics,scienceandcharacter education.PartnershipswiththeSaintLouisScienceCenter, Bricks4Kidz,GirlsontheRun,CookingMattersandothers helpensureasolideducationalandextracurricularbasis preparingthemforthefuture.
Hopefullythekids’newshoesfromOldNewsboys,guidedby SoulFisherMinistries,willhelpformerlyincarceratedadults andtheirchildrenwalktowardsuccessintheirlives.
ARTIJAIN
SENIOR LADUEHORTONWATKINS HIGHSCHOOL
Raisingachildbornwithdisabilitiesordevelopmentaldelays isademandingrealityformanyfamilies.
MissouriFirstSteps,anearlyinterventionprogramrunbythe MissouriDepartmentofElementaryandSecondaryEducation,supportsfamiliesbyconnectingthemwithspecialists whohelpchildrengrowdevelopmentalskills.However,specialistssometimesprescribe carethatfamiliescan’tafford. EnterSt.LouisAreaResourceRoom,anonprofitorganization thatbeganin2013toprovidetoys,diapersandformula,thus assistingtherapists,servicecoordinatorsandhundredsof families.Alongsidebasicnecessities,theorganizationprovidescarebeyondearlychildhood,connectingfamilieswith schooldistrictsandotherservicesthatchildrenmayneed. TracieHope,anoccupationaltherapist,workswiththeFirst Stepsprogramasanindependentcontractor.Shevisits familiesattheirhomesorincommunitysettingsandrelieson theResourceRoomforsuppliesonhervisits.
“There’snothinglikeaparentwhosays,‘Tracie,Idon’twant tohavetosharethiswithyou,butweareoutofdiapers.’ AndI’mlike,‘I’llbringthemtoyou.I’llbethereinacoupleof hours.’IcangototheResourceRoomandgetthatforthem,” Hopesaid.
Alongsidebasicneedslikediapers,manyfamiliesstruggleto providetheirchildrenwithdevelopmentallynecessarytoys.
VINCENTHSIAO
JUNIOR LADUEHORTONWATKINS HIGHSCHOOL
AccordingtoKidscreen,aninternationaltradepublication focusingonfamilyproducts,theaveragepriceofatoyrose eightpercentin2022.
Hopeadded,“That’salotofmoney.So,Ifeelthatasatherapist,[theResourceRoom]helpsusbetterservetheclients thatwetreat.Ithelpsusbeabletomakesurethattheytrust us.Weseethemattheirworstandattheirbestandithelps ussupporttheminthatregard.”
Tofurthertheircommitmenttofamilies,St.LouisArea ResourceRoomplanstouseproceedsfromOldNewsboysto restockitssupplyoftoys,diapersandformula.Anyleftover fundswillbeusedforgiftcardsthattheygivetothemost underservedfamiliesintheirprogram.
RuthNothdurft,presidentoftheorganization,enjoysbeing abletoprovidefamilieswiththispeaceofmind.
“Youseefamiliesthatareworried,”Nothdurftsaid.“Alot oftimes,they’relike,‘WhatamIdoingwrong?WhatdidIdo wrong?Whyismychildnottalking?’Allofthosequestionsare runningthroughtheirhead.Hopefullyandusuallybythetime theyleaveourprogram,eveniftheirchildstillneedstherapy services,thesefamiliescantal kaboutthetherapyinandout.”
Hopenotedthattheroommakesalargedifferenceinwhata providercanofferinaidstohelpchildrengrow.Itallowsthem tofulfillwhatfamiliesneed.
“[TheResourceRoom]hasreallybeenimpactfulforus,andit justkindofgrewoutofsomebody’sidea,”Hopesaid.“Somebodyhadanideaandwantedtomakeadifferenceandhelp andnowwearehelpingexponentially.”
JOCELYNGARRIDO
SENIOR RITENOURHIGHSCHOOL
TheEastSideHeart&HomeFamily Centerhasremainedactivelyengaged withresidentsofEastSt.Louissince1993. ThecenterbeganwhenVincentGrayAlternativeHighSchool closeditsdoors.Acknowledgingthatthelossofthehigh schoolaffectedthecommunityoftheOlivetteParkNeighborhoodofEastSt.Louis,SisterCarolLehmkuhlcollaborated withlocalresidentstodeterminetheobjectiveforthefirst missionstatementofthefamilycenter:todeveloprelationshipsandrecognizeandsupportoneanotherasvalued communitymembers.
Twoyearslater,EastSideHeart&HomeHousingwas formedtoconstructaffordable,low-incomehousingfor theEastSt.Louiscommunity.Theorganizationsremained separateuntiltheymergedinJanuary2013toformEastSide Heart&HomeFamilyCenter.
“Wetrytodevelopinterpersonalrelationshipsthrough meetings,funactivitiesandcalls.Asopposedtoaprofessionalsetting,itismoreofapersonallevelhereatthefamily center,”saidSisterMaryAnnBuhr,executivedirector. EastSideHeart&HomeFamilyCenter’sgoalistowelcome neighborsfromavarietyofbackgroundsandcommunities tojointheirs.Theyhavetheopportunitytoworkside-by-side onprogramsandprojectswhichhelpstobringheartening changeinlivesandcommunities.
CarlaHenry,amotherwhoreceivedsupportandguidance fromEastSideHeart&HomeFamilyCenter,hasbeen involvedfornearly25years.Shehasspentalotoftimewith SaturdaysonSummit,asummermorningprogramatthe centerthatinvolvesfamily-friendlyactivitiesforthechildren. “IhelpwithSaturdaysonSummit,whichisonceamonth, wherethechildrengatheranddoprojects,reading,scavengerhunts,andbikeriding.Thechildrengenuinelyenjoythese memorableexperiences,”Henrysaid.
TheprofitsthatthefamilycenterreceivesfromitsOldNewsboysgrantwillbechanneledbacktofamiliesassistedfor back-toschoolclothingandsupplies,dividedequallyamong them,toensurescholarsfromK-12werewellsuitedforthe schoolyear.
Intheprograms,volunteersandstaffmembersofthefamily centerworkalongsideEastSt.Louisresidentstoshapeand maintainalovingcommunitytopromotepositivechangesfor themselves,theirfamiliesandtheCityofEastSt.Louis. “OneoftheactivitiesthecenterprovidesisReadandWrite. Itencouragesthechildrentoreadandwriteaboutaparticularsiteandabikeridetothedestinationwiththesupervision ofaboardmemberofthefamilycenter,”SisterBuhrsaid.
Theorganizationseekstorelievepovertyandcreatesocial changebyemphasizinginclusionandcooperationbetween individualsofallbackgrounds.
“TheEastSideHeart&HomeFamilyCenterhelpedmewith myhouseandchildrenandIwantedtogiveback,”Henrysaid. “Inordertogainyouhavetogivebackandshowappreciation.”