The Empowerment Network promotes prostate cancer testing and supports survivors

The Empowerment Network (TEN) has provided brotherhood and fellowship to prostate cancer survivors and their loved ones at 6000 West Florissant Ave. in North St. Louis city for nearly 15 years. Although primarily African American men meet there, its virtual reach extends as far as Ireland. TEN exists today because of a promise to God […]

Beyond Housing invests in transformation of communities

A sign from Beyond Housing asks about location plans.

Beyond Housing is a staple in the Pagedale area. A foreclosure crisis and subsequent decline of a school district left the community struggling to survive. President and CEO Chris Krehmeyer says, “Our job with community folks is to rebuild the fabric of that place. To do that is not just one thing. It has to […]

Girls on the Run focuses on building strong, confident, courageous girls

Medals for GOTR 5K participation

Widespread research suggests that most girls stop feeling good about themselves by their teens.  Girls on the Run (GOTR) works to counteract this through evidence-based programming that marries social and emotional learning with physical activity. The international organization strives to create positive experiences for girls in grades 3-8. While the pronouns “she” and “her” will […]

Share has open arms for parents who grieve the loss of a baby and want to honor its life

Share staff (l to r) Patti Budnick, Sarah Purcell, Rose Carlson, Cindy Swain and Sarah Lawrenz

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month as well as National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month. It’s also one of the busiest months of the year for Share Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support. A birth from loss In 1977, Sister Jane Marie Lamb began Share after listening to a bereaved family’s cry […]

VOYCE advocates for long-term care residents

Your aging mother has been feeling mistreated at a long-term care facility and you aren’t able to be there. You would like to install a camera in her room. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program of St. Louis, now known as VOYCE, has volunteers ready to visit with her and advocate for your mother at no […]

Fathers and Families Support Center helps families make a fresh start

Fathers and Families Support Center logo

Fathers and Families Support Center (FFSC) has helped provide stability to families since its inception in 1997. The last few years have been bittersweet for the organization: it satisfied a dream of a new headquarters in downtown St. Louis and continued successful operations during a pandemic.  Yet the loss of founder and CEO Halbert Sullivan […]

The Wesley House builds partnerships to adapt, respond to community needs

Wesley House Association had to think fast after the COVID-19 pandemic led to a total shutdown almost a year ago. Today staff are still the only individuals inside the Wesley House at 4507 Lee Ave. in North St. Louis city, yet because of its strong partnerships and dedication to the residents of the 63115 zip […]

Afro World has a long history of support for identity and community

Afro World Hair and Fashion Co. in North St. Louis County began as a mail-order hair business in the 1970s. Today, it has grown to be a community hub of cultural pride. The doors at 7276 Natural Bridge Road are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but they have kept going with a drive-up window, tent, […]

St. Anthony Food Pantry adapts to continue serving St. Louis community

St. Anthony Food Pantry, in the basement of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church at 3130 Meramec Street, has been serving south St. Louis since 1991. Last year, the pantry served roughly 9,000 families. COVID-19 safety guidelines closed several food pantries in the spring, yet St. Anthony Food Pantry remained open.  The pantry removed its […]