- WE ARE SO VERY PROUD TO INTRODUCE OUR 2025 CAUSE -
LOVEU2PIECES understands the importance of meaningful relationships and is committed to providing a safe environment where neurodivergent children and teens can connect with peers and have fun. Our supplemental program offers social groups for ages 3-17 based in play/activity which enhance understanding of self/other, working with a group, self-advocacy and social confidence
LOVEU2PIECES Social Groups give children and teens a chance to build social confidence to take out into the larger social world when they leave LoveU2Pieces. Our groups include: Early Childhood, Elementary Social Connections, Middle- and High School Teen Time.
LOVEU2PIECES
LoveU2Pieces was founded to fill a gap in the autism community. Since its inception in 2009, experience has taught us that many children without an autism diagnosis benefit from social support. Our population is made up of neurodiverse children and teens who may have a diagnosis such as autism, developmental delay, ADHD, or social anxiety. Still others may not have a diagnosis but are seeking opportunities to build friendships. Children and teens who thrive at LoveU2Pieces are those who benefit from small group sizes and require minimal support.
Contact Us: admin@loveu2pieces.org 8050 Watson Rd St. Louis, MO 63119 314.526.8616
-JOE'S PLACE - OUR 2024 CAUSE -
Our Mission: Joe’s Place offers unhoused students in the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District a caring home environment that supports them for high school graduation, self-sufficiency, and positive transitions into their adult lives. Joe’s Place is an innovative idea born from a dramatic need in our community. Each year close to a dozen MRH high school students find themselves virtually without a home due to serious family difficulties. These students sleep and eat wherever friends will let them settle for a while. As the MRH School District struggles to find a safe haven for these youngsters, we find again and again that unhoused teens between the ages of 14 and 19 have limited resource options in our social welfare system. Joe’s Place offers a small group of teenage students what every kid should be able to expect from life: a warm place to sleep, regular meals, and someone to provide guidance and affection.
Joe’s Place came together through the creative collaboration of the MRH School District, Crossroads Presbyterian Church, other local churches, and a number of committed volunteers. In July of 2006 a not-for-profit corporation was formed, a Board of Directors was established, and by-laws were developed. In August the MRH School District purchased the house, just a short distance from the school. In September, the Board hired a part-time program director to attend to the details of getting Joe’s Place up and running. Also in September, a major gifts fund-raising committee was established. In the fall of 2006, house parents were hired and they moved into Joe’s Place. They welcomed the first resident in January, 2007, and he was soon followed by the second, third and fourth residents. To date, Joe’s Place has served more than 30 students, with all but one successfully completing high school or on track to do so. Joe’s Place is staffed by two qualified house parents.
Contact Us MAILING ADDRESS Joe’s Place P.O. Box 434057 Maplewood, MO 63143 For more information call (314) 446-1776 or send an email to joesplacestl@gmail.com.
Joe’s Place is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Your contribution is tax deductable as allowed by law. Monetary donations will directly support our programs
2023 - WELCOME NEIGHBOR-STL & BILINGUAL INTERNATIONAL
Mission of Welcome Neighbor STL: To partner with refugee and immigrant families, connecting them with the people and opportunities that will empower them to build and live their best life in their new country.
Welcome Neighbor STL/START began in the fall of 2016 with a toiletry drive for newly-arrived refugee families and has organically grown into a multi-faceted organization with over 4,000 supporters and has helped more than 600 refugees from 11 countries.
The original call to action was to help Syrian refugee families living at Hodiamont since the news reported they were being targeted and newly transplanted teens were beaten.
Welcome Neighbor STL has grown from pairing volunteers with the new American families to teaching English, organizing supper clubs/catering events, driving lessons, citizenship classes, family outings, holiday gatherings, and COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
After establishing roots in the community, our new American friends participate in a giveback program to make thousands of meals for the unhoused. The “pay it forward” mentality has led to create a system of lifting people up while giving back and serving the St. Louis community.
A Voice for the Underserved Since 2002 Providing multilingual social, mental health, and educational support to over 3000 consumers annually
Our mission is to ensure equal access to healthcare, mental health, and social services for all, regardless of national origin or language ability, through the advocacy, education, and direct multilingual services that we provide.
2022 Cause - Cornerstone Center for Early Learning
CORNERSTONE CENTER FOR EARLY LEARNING
Our Mission: To provide quality, comprehensive, and affordable childcare and preschool education in a nurturing, creative environment for St. Louis-area families of all economic backgrounds.
Cornerstone Center for Early Learning is for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, Monday-Friday. They have a need-based tuition assistance program, an experienced team of staff and faculty, some of whom have been with us for more than 30 years. They provide two meals and a snack for every child, every day providing childcare essentials such as diapers, wipes, infant formula, and baby food in addition to food, clothes, toys, and books, among other donated items Health screenings including medical, dental, vision, hearing, and developmental. In addition, we offer free, on-site therapy to assist with speech, physical, and occupational development Two gated playgrounds, in addition to an indoor multi-purpose room.
https://www.cornerstonecenterstl.org/
CORNERSTONE CENTER FOR EARLY LEARNING
3901 Russell Blvd.
St Louis, MO 63110
(314) 865-5244
2020/2021 CAUSE...
HELPING KIDS WITH CANCER, BE KIDS!
Friends of Kids with Cancer is devoted to enriching the daily lives of children undergoing treatment for, and survivors of, cancer and blood-related diseases. Our mission is to be an advocate for these special kids providing them and their families with the educational, emotional, and recreational support needed as a result of the long hours of chemotherapy, illness and isolation.
The Most Unbelievable Organization Teaching 'THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING' A Simple Idea. Friends of Kids with Cancer has a proud 28-year history exclusively in St. Louis of helping kids with cancer…be kids. Jill Turec, Developmental Specialist at Mercy Clinic Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center, along with concerned parents, Molly Henry and Susie Snowden, saw the great need to enrich the daily lives & divert the attention of the patients outside of the medical treatments. These three women shared a dream that every child with cancer would experience as much fun, laughter, support & normalcy as possible. It was this idea that was the birth of Friends of Kids with Cancer. Starting in the office of Dr. Bob Bergamini in 1992, the inaugural program, The Big Shelf, now known as the Toy Closet, was launched to brighten the long gloomy and painful days spent in the treatment center. From that day on, Friends has been driven to meet the ever-evolving needs of patients & their families.
https://www.friendsofkids.com/
Friends of Kids with Cancer
16 Sunnen Drive
Suite 161
Saint Louis, Missouri 63143
(314) 275-7440
(314) 275-7446
2019 WAS A VERY SPECIAL YEAR...SLOCA
In Honor of Denise Gralen Nagel, who lost her battle in September, 2018, and to ALL of the Other Women in the St. Louis area who are currently battling this horrific disease.
St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness is a small but mighty group of women and men who are determined to raise the profile of ovarian cancer in our community.
Simply stated, we work to increase awareness of ovarian cancer, to create a place where patients and survivors can find support, and to fund important research. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of gynecologic cancers. Each year, nearly 22,000 women are diagnosed with the disease; each year, nearly 15,000 will die of it. This organization is doing everything in their power to stop it.
Learn more about this wonderful, very important organization...
and see what you can do to help!
2018 - THE AMAZING GRACIE LEGACY FOUNDATION
The mission of Amazing Gracie’s Legacy is to make a difference in the lives offamilies affected by the critical care needs of one or more of their children. In support of this mission, we focus on serving the needs of those families that were able to provide for themselves before critical care was needed due to unforeseen health circumstances. AGL supports needs not covered by existing programs.
ONE MOTHER & ONE FAMILY MAKING A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
In May of 2016, Amazing Gracie's Legacy was launched in honor of Gracie Lynn West, who gained her angel wings on April 30, 2016. Her family's plan has always been - through her legacy, take steps in making the world a better place through Random Acts of Kindness, including, but not limited to funding and gifting others.
The focus is on those who were able to provide for themselves before receiving the blessing of a special needs child or children. AGL supports in ways not covered by existing programs, that are of an urgent nature, or serve a purpose otherwise unmet.
They have an INCREDIBLE board and group of volunteers that meet in love and dedication for our sweet Gracie for the planning and delivery of the services and support of Amazing Gracie's Legacy.
2017 CAUSE - MISSOURI EATING DISORDERS ASSOCIATION
FIGHTING EATING DISORDERS - EDUCATING COMMUNITIES & SAVING LIVES!
Eating disorders are real, complex and devastating conditions that have serious consequences for health, productivity and relationships. They affect 10% of the population and have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses. Someone dies from an eating disorder every 62 minutes. In Missouri, over 575,000 people will suffer from a serious eating disorder during their lifetime. Four out of ten people know someone with an eating disorder.
FEED THE FACTS - AN EATING DISORDER AWARENESS PROGRAM:
Help MOEDA change the conversation about eating disorders and replace it with a conversation of health and compassion. They are teaching the entire community that Eating Disorders are serious mental illnesses and NOT lifestyle choices!
TREATMENT RESOURCES:
Choosing an eating disorder professional or treatment center is an important and personal decision. Whether you are putting together an outpatient treatment team or looking for a higher level of care, it is imperative that you invest time into finding the right professionals to partner with. Recovery is possible, congratulations on taking the first steps on your personal journey to recovery. If you have any questions or need assistance with the resource center, please contact MOEDA at info@moeatingdisorders.org.
MOEDA LEARNING CENTER:
Please use the learning center to gain valuable information on the types of eating disorders, the symptoms, health risks and statistics associated with each eating disorder. Treatment information is also included regarding goals and available types of treatment for eating disorders. Recovery is possible and included are recovery statistics. If you have additional questions, please contact us at education@moeatingdisorders.org.
INSURANCE RESOURCES:
The Missouri Eating Disorders Association (MOEDA) understands that insurance companies continually deny or cut short treatment services. Missouri is the first state to expand insurance coverage for eating disorders. Effective January 2017, Senate Bill 145 explicitly states the types of eating disorder treatments insurance providers must cover. The new law builds on the mental health parity law by expanding the definition of “medically necessary” to include mental health treatment. It will also ensure that weight no longer serves as the sole determinant for whether someone may continue treatment.
To read the Senate Bill 145 Summary click here: http://www.senate.mo.gov/15info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=134952
2016 - ALMOST HOME
MISSION STATEMENT: BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY - TWO GENERATIONS AT A TIME!
Their mission is 'BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY, TWO GENERATIONS AT A TIME. The statistics are dire: 42% of children born into poverty are still poor a generation later. But for some single moms, their child becomes their motivation to break the cycle of poverty and build a better life for themselves and their children. Almost Home provides resources to do that!
POVERTY IS REAL & POVERTY IS LOCAL
Household of 2 - $15,930 per year
Household of 3 - $20,090 per year
Over 1/3 of Missouri single moms live below the poverty line
PROVIDING THE PATHWAY & SUPPORT TO HELP EVERY YOUNG MOM ON HER JOURNEY TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY
The statistics are dire: 42% of children born into poverty are still poor a generation later. But for some single moms, their child becomes their motivation to break the cycle of poverty and build a better life for themselves and their children. Almost Home provides resources to do that!
ALMOST HOME IS NOT A SHELTER
ALMOST HOME is a proven pathway out of poverty. Our comprehensive programs are designed for highly motivated young women who are ready to work for a brighter future.
DESIGNED FOR 16-20 YEAR-OLD PREGNANT OR PARENTING YOUNG WOMEN:
Designed for 16 to 20 year-old pregnant or parenting young women who haven’t finished high school and are in need of housing.
Goals:
- Earn high school diploma or GED
- Ensure safety for child(ren)
- Create stable living situation
- Learn critical habits & life skills
- Define life goals and a vision for the future
- Qualify for the CEO program
Support:
- Safe transitional housing for moms and their children
- Assistance with food, clothing, baby supplies, and childcare
- Case management and counseling
- Tutoring and academic support
- Life skills classes
BEYOND MAKING A DONATION - IT'S MAKING A DIFFERENCE!
Our donors are as inspiring to us as our moms. They know what it means to dream big, take risks, be disappointed, persevere, overcome obstacles, and achieve success They believe in the value of hard work, and are inspired to invest in a young mom who has put it all on the line for a better future! Please visit us at www.almosthomestl.org.
MOM'S MAKING IT - ALMOST HOME SUCCESS STORIES
Nothing’s better than seeing our moms move out on their own, get new jobs and provide for their children. We see moms every day beat the odds and turn their lives around. It’s about working hard and not giving up. It’s about learning new skills and understanding how to affect change in their lives. Our moms making it today have the confidence it takes to make a difference in their lives and the lives of their children. It’s the grit, determination and will-power our girls demonstrate as we help guide them down a new path. We’re proud of all they’ve accomplished.
MARQETTA:
Before they came to Almost Home, Marshawn and Marquan’s lives were unstable and unpredictable. Their mom lacked a support system, and she didn’t know how to provide for her sons. But she’s determined to create a better life. So every morning, this 19-year-old mother of two woke up at 4:15am so that she could get her sons ready and catch the 5am bus that got them to daycare and school on time. She made steady progress, and today she’s a high school graduate! She’s continuing to work towards a trade certification, and soon they will move into their first apartment. Marqetta’s dedication and perseverance has allowed her to provide stability and safety for Marshawn and Marquan!
TYIESHA
Tyiesha had a baby when she turned 15 and was bouncing from house to house before coming to Almost Home. Living in stable housing allowed her to enroll her daughter in preschool and graduate from Job Corps as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She found a job and was eventually promoted to Activities Director. Tyiesha moved to the Almost Home rent-subsidized apartments and is now looking forward to buying her own home. Her daughter is currently enrolled in a Chinese Language Immersion school and will have a completely different future thanks to the help of Almost Home and her mom’s hard work to create a different life for them.
2015 - FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
Family Resource Center (FRC) provides supportive care to approximately 10,000 children and parents in the St. Louis area each year.
FRC, which started as a pilot project at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in 1974, is now one of Missouri’s largest family counseling agencies.Through innovative programs the FRC's mission is: “To give abused kids a chance for a better life by preventing & treating all forms of child abuse & neglect & by strengthening families through family-centered therapeutic, educational, and support services.” mers a reason to do business with you.
NOW CALLED FAMILY FORWARD!
FamilyForward is the result of a merger between Children’s Home Society of Missouri and Family Resource Center, two of St. Louis’ most accomplished and leading-edge non-profit organizations. With 171 years of combined experience helping children and families, the agencies united in April 2017 from positions of strength to better serve the community.
SIX LOCATIONS TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY!
Out Front
We are leaders in the use of innovative tools and methods to get better results for the children and families we serve. We prefer to set the pace, testing new ideas and collecting data; always striving to make the biggest impact we can.
Whole Hearted
We are tirelessly committed to the vision and mission of FamilyForward. We use our unique talents and expertise to serve our clients and community with compassion, acceptance, and respect.
Rock Solid
We are responsible stewards of an organization with a long and proud history of service. Reliable, trustworthy, and hard-working, we do whatever it takes to get the job done, even when no one is watching.
In 2014, We were blessed to meet GIRLS IN THE KNOW
Girls in the Know was founded in 2009 by St. Louis Mom, Lori Lander. With her children quickly approaching the difficult teen years, Lori became very motivated to find avenues that would help her foster positive ways to openly communicate with her daughters about the difficult and critically important subjects that lie ahead. There were no other organizations in St. Louis that aimed their programming toward both trusted adults/caregivers and their pre-teen girls, side by side to address the mental, physical, emotional and social challenges young women face in today’s culture, so Lori created one. She partnered with St. Luke’s Hospital which provided facilities, professional speakers (Police Officers, School Counselors, Psychologists, Social Workers, Licensed Nutritionists and OB/GYN’s) and launched the first Girls in the Know 4-week workshop series. Forward in her thinking, Lori identified a gap, filled a need and created a program that is now widely sought out and accepted by others.
The mission of Girls in the Know is to educate and empower girls, together with those who love them, by providing tools to establish a strong sense of self. We know growing up in today’s culture is tough… Every 7 seconds a girl is bullied 3 out of 4 girls will consume alcohol in High School 1 or 2 out of every 100 students will struggle with an eating disorder 1 in 4 teen girls has an STI 7 out of 10 girls believe that they are not good enough or don’t measure up in some way.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TEEN GIRLS MAKE HEALTHY DECISIONS
THEY GROW UP TO BE THE STRONG AUTHENTIC FEMALE LEADERS OF TOMORROW
The mission of Girls in the Know is to educate and empower girls, together with those who love them, by providing tools to establish a strong sense of self.
We know growing up in today’s culture is tough…
DID YOU KNOW THAT:
- Every 7 seconds a girl is bullied
- 3 out of 4 girls will consume alcohol in High School
- 1 or 2 out of every 100 students will struggle with an eating disorder
- 1 in 4 teen girls has an STI
- 7 out of 10 girls believe that they are not good enough or don’t measure up in some way
HOW DO I PREPARE & SUPPORT MY PRE-TEEN TO MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES IN TODAY'S CULTURE?
HOW DO I PREPARE & SUPPORT MY PRE-TEEN TO MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES IN TODAY'S CULTURE?
Providing a strong foundation for communication is the key to raising strong authentic women of tomorrow. When girls have positive communication at home they report it helps them establish their individual values, make healthier decisions, develop a stronger sense of self while experiencing less depression and anxiety.
EMPOWERMENT WORKSHOP SERIES
HOW DO I PREPARE & SUPPORT MY PRE-TEEN TO MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES IN TODAY'S CULTURE?
The Girls in the Know Empowerment Workshop Series is designed for girls ages 9-13* and their trusted adults to discuss life’s most important topics:
Presenting 4 one-hour interactive sessions:
SESSION ONE: “Empowering Your Pre-Teen Girl”
*Covering topics not limited to but including: Influences on self-esteem, peer pressure, recognizing your positive qualities, friendship, managing conflict, choose to diffuse role play, I-statements and being assertive, friendship role play, scenario activity
SESSION TWO: “Promoting A Healthy Body Image”
*Covering topics not limited to but including: Internal vs. External characteristics, body image & media influence, fitness- nutrition, fitness- activity, movement & restoration, true/false activity
SESSION THREE: “All About Safety: Internet, Safety, Home & Away”
*Covering topics not limited to but including: Trusted adults, home alone safety, code phrases, away from home, cell phones/internet/social media & cyber bullying, scenarios activity
SESSION FOUR: “Let’s Talk Puberty, What Pre-Teen Girls Should Know“
*Covering topics not limited to but including: Accurate use of terminology, T.H.I.N.K. activity, puberty/body changes/menstrual cycle, taking care of yourself during your period/hygiene, male anatomy, human reproduction, safe touch, promise to myself, true/false activity, matching activity.
PLEASE VOLUNTEER OR DONATE TO THIS WONDERFUL ORGANIZATION!
PLEASE VOLUNTEER OR DONATE TO THIS WONDERFUL ORGANIZATION!
To make a donation online, please go to www.girlsintheknow.org. To mail a donation by check please mail to our address below. For additional information please contact us at 314-717-1270, info@girlsintheknow.org, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter.
Girls in the Know
20 South Sarah Street
St. Louis, MO 63108
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
OUR INAUGURAL 2013 CAUSE - CONNECTIONS TO SUCCESS
INSPIRING FAMILIES TO REALIZE THEIR DREAMS & ACHIEVE ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE BY THE PROVIDING HOPE
At Connections to Success, we provide a comprehensive network of services and support to help people living in poverty become economically self-sufficient. Our model, with lifelong mentoring at its core, delivers evidence-based results and impacts all areas of a person’s life. This is built upon our mission and values.
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF POVERTY:
SERVING PEOPLE TRANSITIONING FROM GENERATIONAL POVERTY, INCARCERATION, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & OTHERS.
IMPROVING WORKFORCE PRODUCTIVITY
We’ve created EEOC approved training programs specifically designed to engage and motivate your workforce.
CHANGING COMMUNITIES
Our proprietary programs can be licensed by your organization to help break the cycle of poverty in your community.
VOLUNTEER DRIVEN
From the beginning, Connections to Success has been a volunteer-driven organization. We depend on the time and talent of hundreds of people each year to create lasting positive change in our communities. Individual and group volunteer opportunities exist within each of our locations and programs.
A BOUTIQUE ON WHEELS!
Connections to Success offers a wonderful pop-up shopping events throughout the year at our St. Charles boutique location, and you’ll find us at a number of community fashion/charity events in the St. Louis area. You can also schedule private shopping times in our vault or schedule group shopping parties with us.
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
Poverty is often associated with not having enough money or not having a job, but it’s more complex than that. Poverty involves multifaceted, interconnected factors and can spark a cycle that impacts generations of families. Living in poverty often limits educational and training opportunities for children and young adults, making it difficult to obtain a job with a living wage as an adult or parent. The cycle of poverty has a widespread impact, contributing to issues like crime, unemployment, poor health, domestic violence, isolation and depression.
We use a holistic, evidence-based model that integrates multiple services to help individuals and families gain social capital and achieve economic independence. As our participants benefit, so do their families and communities. We take an intergenerational approach, working to improve outcomes for both parents and their children through our own programs and collaborations with other service providers.
We meet people where they are and help them move toward a place of personal, economic and social strength. Our model integrates training opportunities, life transformation coaching, support services and job development to equip participants for long-term success.
We then offer ongoing support to foster continued growth and career advancement. Recognizing the importance of lifelong engagement, we connect program graduates with volunteer mentors who can guide them in accomplishing their life goals.
THANK YOU TO CO-FOUNDER & CEO - KATHY LAMBERT
Kathy Lambert, Co-Founder and CEO, opened Dress for Success Midwest in 1998 after reading an article about Dress for Success (DfS), New York. The article explained how DfS provided interview appropriate attire to women in disadvantaged situations, helping them be on the same playing field as other candidates. Understanding the need for this service locally, Kathy opened the first DfS affiliate in the St. Louis region.