Main Blog

Leveled for Learning – Creating an Academic Plan for our Kids

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:00:02 GMT

Our After School Program (ASP) currently serves 14-18 kids four times per week. In any given day at ASP, we have students ranging from third through eighth grade. In order to achieve our goals of ensuring our students are improving their academic performance, we researched the best approach to reach each child in the small window of time we have with them each day. What we found was insightful and has put us on a year-long track of meeting each child exactly where they are at during the academic time of our afternoon program.

Incredible Story: Job & Leadership Training Graduate

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:05:28 GMT

Jamal came to Mission: St. Louis’ Job and Leadership Training program in January hoping to learn how to become a man in all aspects of his life. Little did he know what was about to happen would change how he viewed his life and his community. He came from North City’s “West Side,” and after doing time in jail for selling drugs, was referred to our program by Drug Court (a division of the Missouri justice system that works specifically with offenders like Jamal).

Fund a Need: Summer Camp Activities

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:46:35 GMT

Help our kids have an incredible summer!! Mission: St. Louis provides a free summer camp that serves children from low-income families. They participate in 8 weeks of learning, growth and fun. You can help us make it amazing! Alongside the high quality reading and math instruction campers will have each day, we want an expansive realm of engaging experiences for our youth! We’ll do a number of free activities but we need help securing some incredible experiences for our kids.

Mingling for a Mission

Tue, 07 May 2013 17:52:08 GMT

Mission St. Louis is excited to announce that we will be hosting our first ever Young Professional event! The event will be held on June 13, 2013 from 5:30-7:30pm at Urban Chestnut Brewing Company.

Ride for the City Thank You!

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:25:53 GMT

Ride for the City went off without a hitch on Saturday, and it’s all thanks to an outstanding group of volunteers and generous riders who collectively raised just under $6,000 by giving their own financial resources and asking their friends and family members to sponsor their efforts.

Empowered Through Savings

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 19:16:11 GMT

Our Job & Leadership Training program not only gives men the skills needed to obtain and maintain employment, but it also empowers men to become self-sufficient in so many other aspects of their lives. During the program, students participate in financial literacy classes that teach them how to open a bank account, create a financial plan, and use their income effectively in their lives. To help empower men to take what they learn through those classes, we give them the opportunity to participate in our car and/or computer savings match program.

Big wheels keep on turning, Ride for the City keeps on rolling!

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:12:43 GMT

St. Louis has been hit with a series of April showers this week which I’m sure will make for some beautiful blooms in May. However, it’s caused quite a swell in the mighty Mississippi. Even though the flood waters are rising, we’re moving forward with another route.

Ride for the City: Volunteer Perspective

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 06:00:01 GMT

As a recent transplant to St. Louis, I didn’t know anyone so I was excited to receive such a warm welcome at The Journey. My Community Group was great and everyone I met was involved in a myriad of activities. After a friend told me about Mission: St. Louis, I decided to attend Night for the Town, their annual gala. It was a great experience, and I wanted to find other ways to help support the organization. My job, however, didn’t allow for much volunteer time during regularly scheduled Mission: St Louis programs.

AMP: Living Missionally

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 06:00:01 GMT

What is a mission trip? What happens if you turn your mission trip mentality into a part of your daily life? How would your life change? The goal of AMP is to shake up your view of mission trips and teach you how to live missionally on a daily basis.

Ride for the City: Origins

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 06:00:03 GMT

I attend worship at The Journey at Hanley Road. Mission: St. Louis is close to the heart there but I had no experience with the organization until the summer of 2012. I volunteered for one of their workdays and got an introduction to their programs and facilities. I was assigned to repair and renovation work and was amazed at how much we were able to accomplish together in just a few hours at a lady’s home in north St. Louis. I realized that Mission: St. Louis is the kind of effective, grass-roots, personal ministry I’ve always believed in.

Room to Grow

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 06:00:02 GMT

For many people, spring is a season for change and growth. Just like the flowers and trees are blooming and growing in our neighborhoods, the Mission: St. Louis After School Program (ASP) is expanding staff, increasing the number of days, adding quality academic content, and expanding its pool of volunteers.

Mission: St. Louis Empowers

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 06:00:03 GMT

Empowerment, like other popular buzzwords in the world of nonprofit service, can have many different meanings. And while some might debate what is truly “empowering” to individuals that organizations like Mission: St. Louis strive to serve, the best way to understand it is to see it played out.

Volunteer Opportunity: Open Gym

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 13:47:51 GMT

Open Gym is a weekly program that provides youth in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood with a safe place to play. The gym is open for 2 hours on Monday evenings. During that time, volunteers build relationships with the students and their families.

Experience of a Lifetime

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 17:40:23 GMT

I cried the night I drove into St. Louis. I was on highway 64 and could see the arch in the distance. I couldn't believe that this was actually happening. I really was moving here. I really did leave my friends and family. I really was alone. I think it was the most scared I have ever been. I had no friends, no home, and no money. There was one thing I did have; I had Mission: St. Louis.

Life Struggles to Future Success

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:12:11 GMT

Our Job and Leadership Training program has empowered men and made a huge impact in the lives of our students. This Thursday, eight men will graduate the program equipped with the skills needed to attain, maintain, and sustain long-term employment and to gain the resources necessary to become leaders at work, at home, and in the community. As graduation approaches, there are a lot of things to celebrate.

Welcome Erin Malone

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:32:56 GMT

We have been incredibly blessed by the addition of an Academic Specialist to the Youth Development program. Due to support of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, hiring an Academic Specialist became a reality.

Mobilizing, Improving, Empowering

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:23:51 GMT

Last year, Mission: St. Louis’ Home Repair program completed improvements in over 1,000 homes in our city. We mobilized over 550 people who helped serve in the community. These volunteers rolled up their sleeves and did anything needed, from sweeping and cleaning, to helping residents build flower gardens, to fixing a sink. We had a variety of groups from local churches, leaky businesses, and universities who came to St. Louis and served alongside our staff with the residents in the neighborhoods.

Give time and receive more

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 18:14:23 GMT

Lisa, one of our Adopt-A-Classroom volunteers, has truly made a difference. For the past 3 years, Lisa has dedicated her time each week by assisting in the classroom. According to Lisa, “Volunteering with Mission: St. Louis at Adams Elementary was not about the tasks I did; it was about the relationships that were built.”

Together, We are Changing the City of St. Louis

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:44:03 GMT

Mission: St. Louis aims to transform low-income neighborhoods into thriving and vibrant communities. Because of your generous support in 2012, we have celebrated many successes this year. On average, students in our ...

A Changed Life: Mrs. Johnson's Story

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 21:36:13 GMT

Entering your home safely may not feel like a luxury but for some people in our city it seems like a far off possibility. Just two blocks south of Mission: St. Louis is the home of Mrs. Johnson. Currently, a concrete ramp leads to the freshly painted porch, inviting her friends and family inside. This was not the case 6 months ago.

A Changed Life: Shantay's Story

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 21:32:28 GMT

Shantay and I have had our battles. We’ve disagreed over who should clean up the sunflower seed shells on the floor and why listening to an MP3 player while drawing a picture of T.I. is not a proper use of academic time.

A Changed Life: Lamon's Story

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 15:18:58 GMT

Many of the men entering our Job & Leadership Training program feel like they are defined by their past and limited in their future. Lamon came to Mission: St. Louis in October 2012 after serving 10 years in prison for robbery. Even for the most resourceful individual, a record is a huge hurdle to overcome.

Help Us Complete Night for the Town!

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 19:30:07 GMT

Night for the Town is almost here! We are trying to pull together all of the little items needed to make the event a night to remember and we need your help. Below you will see a list of items we are trying to secure through donations or loaned to us just for the night of the event.

An Exciting new Partnership: Anzilotti Family Dentistry

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 19:45:12 GMT

We are eager to announce an exciting new partnership with Anzilotti Family Dentistry! Finding and maintaining employment encompasses so many aspects of our lives that it cannot be limited to just filling out an application and showing up for an interview. Jobs for Life aims to provide men with the skills and resources necessary for long lasting employment and a fulfilling life: financially, spiritually and mentally.

An Interview: Three Kids in The After School Program

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 18:19:22 GMT

Three Kids from the After School Program answer a series of questions about them, school and Mission: St. Louis.

Join Our Team: Programs VISTA Position Available

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 20:31:27 GMT

Wanted: One dedicated individual to serve as an AmeriCorps*VISTA for one year. This person will be the Mission: St. Louis Programs VISTA. This is a full time position requiring evenings and weekends on occasion. Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree a bonus.

We Need Your Help; Make an Impact

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:56:55 GMT

Eleven men secured jobs, 24 kids read 250 books, and 167 home repairs were completed in 68 homes – what an amazing summer! Your support was instrumental in making this impact. As we head into the fall, we would like to ask for your help.

Join Our Team: Program Development VISTA Position Available

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:27:56 GMT

Wanted: One dedicated individual to serve as an AmeriCorps*VISTA for one year. This person will be the Mission: St. Louis Program Development VISTA. We have high standards for this position, but we believe there will be a great payoff for this person as well.

Join Our Team: Communications & Volunteerism VISTA Position Available

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 20:27:19 GMT

Wanted: One dedicated individual to serve as an AmeriCorps*VISTA for one year. This person will be the Mission: St. Louis Communications and Volunteerism VISTA. As the Communications and Volunteerism VISTA, you’ll lead the charge in recruiting and training volunteers for our programs and events. Further, you’ll guide our marketing and branding efforts, which will attract both volunteers and donors. You’ll tell our story - in person through networking and recruiting, and on paper through writing compelling communications materials.

Farewell To A Friend

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 19:06:49 GMT

When Jennifer McHugh (formerly Jennifer Gaby) started volunteering with Mission: St. Louis in the summer of 2008, she had no idea the exciting journey she was embarking on and where God would lead her in the years ahead. McHugh now embarks on a new journey, being led to Chicago for another exciting non-profit opportunity.

AMP Summer Camp: An Intern Perspective

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 22:38:24 GMT

It was almost 4 weeks ago that I met the children, all 24 of them. And as expected, they had me from the moment they walked into the building – at 8:00 am...a full hour and half early. Some of them were shy and others outspoken. Some were sassy, others defensive. All with different personalities. All with stories different from my own. Some forced to grow up too early, others a mere 7 years old. But all precious.

Laura McKee

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:31:57 GMT

It was Mission: St. Louis's systematic approach that drew volunteer, Laura McKee, to the organization.

AMPkids Summer Camp: Reading, Learning, Growing

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:31:02 GMT

The summer can mean fun and sun but far too often for young people it can mean the "summer slide". This phrase may bring visions of swimsuits and a hot weather favorite, the Slip ‘N Slide. However, the "summer slide" we are talking about is something more serious: an academic slide in reading skills.

Urban Movements

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 15:00:17 GMT

This year, Mission: St. Louis is sponsoring a series of workshop tracks relating to mercy and justice for the Legacy Conference, which “exists to equip those that are serious about being disciples of Christ to make disciples for Christ.”

A Summer of Numbers- What it Takes to Build a Free Kids Summer Camp

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:17:39 GMT

There have been a lot of numbers for me this summer. I had about 10 months to prepare our first 9-week summer camp, an entirely new venture for Mission: St. Louis. We welcome 24 kids from the neighborhood, 9-13 years old, to spend 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, with us at our new community space.

Volunteer Spot-light: Brad Booker

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:28:47 GMT

After being burned by a non-profit experience many years ago, Brad was hesitant to give of his time and resources again. However, when he met Darren Jackson with Mission: St. Louis, he decided to take the plunge.

Planting For Potential

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 17:48:51 GMT

Our latest endeavor has taken a rubble filled space and transformed it into a vibrant eco-classroom. This “classroom” in reality is a youth teaching garden that will be used in conjunction with our Summer Camp and After School Program beginning in the fall.

A Free Lunch?

Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:39:17 GMT

We are taught at a young age that there is no such thing as a free lunch. While it may be true in the world of economics, it holds little water in inner city ministry!

Turning Loss into New Life

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:30:10 GMT

On March 29, 2011 I got the worst news I could have ever imagined. In the middle of the workday, I got a phone call that I never expected. My best friend, Erica, passed away at the young age of 23. The months following were a blur...

Missional Practices Making an Impact this Summer

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:40:01 GMT

I started as a VISTA at Mission: St. Louis in July of last year. Last July, I was planning a back to school bash for our kids that were entering another school year. Now, nine months later, I am planning the end of the school year celebrations for each of our programs in Hamilton Heights.

Helping or Hurting: Empowerment Based Non-Profits

Thu, 17 May 2012 14:54:46 GMT

Around Mission: St. Louis, we talk a lot about empowerment. I often hear that explained as working alongside others as they try to do things for themselves. Stated another way, empowerment is not doing for another person what they have the capacity to do themselves. Empowering people is a good thing, and I’m on board completely. In fact, I challenge you to think one step farther. If we do something for someone that they could have done for themselves – is that helping them?

Paying it Forward

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:56:09 GMT

I can relate to the men I serve through my role as Director of Jobs For Life, Mission: St. Louis’ job training program. Three years ago I was in the same position as most of the guys in our 8-week program: I engaged in risky behavior that violated the law, darkened my spirit and put myself on a path to extinguish any real opportunity for success. I never backed down from a challenge and felt like I had everything to prove but no real avenue to accomplish it. All of this came to a screeching halt 3 years ago.

Excited for Summer Days

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:10:27 GMT

When I began my time here at Mission: St Louis, I had a vague idea of what to expect. Now I am beginning to see the whole picture. I have spent my time here working to help develop a free summer camp Mission: St Louis will host for the kids in our neighborhood. It’s not just the work behind preparing for the summer camp that has me excited.

Separating Work and Home: An Endless Struggle

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 15:44:29 GMT

The phrase “don’t take your work home with you” resonates with many people. This has always been difficult for me. I become so passionate about what I am doing that it's often on my mind every minute of every day.

Humanity is Universal

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:40:34 GMT

As I walk up the crumbling sidewalk, I notice a few stray kids lingering on the front lawn. Its fair to say all of these “kids” should be students, however, its apparent from the lack of uniforms on a few that they will not be attending school today.

One Hour a Week

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:57:56 GMT

Volunteering has always been a part of my life. In elementary school, this meant that I gave up some of my lunch recesses to help in the special education classroom. As a young adult, I traveled thousands of miles to learn from and love a community in Lusaka, Zambia. Most recently, I committed to be a full-time volunteer, adopting the role of motivating and encouraging others to engage in volunteer opportunities.

You can Help Bring Dignity, Empowerment and Hope to People in St. Louis

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:03:30 GMT

I’m a few months into my time here at Mission: St. Louis and I am absolutely loving it. I’m realizing more each day where my heart lies—social justice. This job doesn't come with a fancy car or huge paycheck but it comes with something so much bigger.

What does it mean to be brave?

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:10:52 GMT

I thought being brave was one of those traits reserved for people living life on the edge and I couldn’t see myself chasing down poachers in the Serengeti. So, when my dad said to me, “You’re being so brave, Hauna!” I laughed and asked “Why? It’s Missouri. Not Africa.”

With Support Comes Growth

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:22:36 GMT

I am excited about what’s going on with Mission St. Louis. We are in the process of converting an empty space along Manchester--right next to our office--into a space that will serve the community. In this space next door, we will have...

From the Kitchen to the Heart

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:54:38 GMT

In my 20s, I would have bet anyone any amount of money that I wouldn’t, couldn’t, and shouldn’t ever move back to the city of Saint Louis. I was hopping around, living in cool cities like Boulder, Seattle, Auckland, and Beijing. But God has a sense of humor and a strong pull...

Living the Mission

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:57:46 GMT

When I started working with Mission: St. Louis, I expected that this organization would be like so many others in which I had worked. Those organizations were vocal about their values but failed to live them out on a daily basis. This is not the case at Mission: St. Louis. Here, each volunteer is taught the...

A Year of Service in Review

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:02:04 GMT

On February 24, 2011, I took my first steps into the world of Mission: St. Louis. At that point, our offices were located in The Luminary, we had four full-time and four part-time staff members, and I was their very first AmeriCorps*VISTA. Since then, we've been moved into our own...

An Hour Here, An Hour There

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 20:45:06 GMT

One thing I have really enjoyed about my time at Mission: St Louis so far is the opportunity to volunteer in the St. Louis Public Schools. It's a great opportunity to participate in Mission: St Louis' Morning Reading Program as well as its Adopt-A-Classroom program. I get a chance to experience...

You're Doing What?!

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:58:51 GMT

"You're doing what?!" This is the typical response I would hear from my friends and family when I told them I would be leaving my comfortable life in Corporate America in the country outskirts of St. Louis to be a full-time volunteer at Mission: St. Louis, a non-profit in the inner city.

A Hop, Skip, and Jump Later

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:01:43 GMT

I am thrilled that my varied college experiences helped prepare me so well for the everyday challenges I get to tackle here at Mission: St. Louis, but I truly believe that my time here will serve as one of my greatest learning periods and, in turn, prepare me for the rest of my life. The experiences I am gaining...

A Couple of Guys Making a Difference

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:52:52 GMT

// Tweet // We completed our last Jobs for Life session with 10 graduates. Three of our graduates are now employed, one went back to jail, another is getting his GED, one just moved to North City with his two kids after being evicted on ...

Relationship: It's How We Live Life

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:03:56 GMT

// Tweet // If you're around Mission: St. Louis at all, you may notice that the word "relationship" pops up frequently in conversation. We build our programs by building relationships. We believe that real, exciting life-change happens ...

A Timely Lesson

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:07:15 GMT

// Tweet // Finding the balance between creating sustainable relationships and effective programs is an ongoing battle for us at Mission: St. Louis. While the tendency for nonprofits is to want to create knock-out programs, at the core ...

Family Time

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 19:11:48 GMT

// Tweet // The holidays are upon us, and are usually met with a mix of emotion. Over the last few weeks I've had many conversations with friends. Some are excited about this time of year, some not so much. Almost all speak of the ...

Media Communications VISTA (Volunteer In Service to America)

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:04:46 GMT

// Tweet // This is a full-time, one-year position requiring some evenings and weekends. The position starts February 2013 and is funded by AmeriCorps. As the Media Communications VISTA, you'll be the creative force behind sharing the ...

Want to volunteer this Christmas? How about all year?

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:18:34 GMT

// Tweet // Let me start by introducing myself. I am one of the newest AmeriCorps VISTA members to join Mission: St. Louis. I'm the Volunteer Coordinator, to be exact. I picked up my comfortable life in Kansas to move to the whole new ...

'Tis the Season for Affordable Christmas

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 19:24:42 GMT

// Tweet // Now in its fifth year, Affordable Christmas seeks to empower families to provide a wonderful Christmas for their children. Instead of receiving charity, families are able to purchase brand new gifts at low cost. Since its ...

An Affordable Christmas Story

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 19:25:32 GMT

// Tweet // In July 2008, I moved to St. Louis to start teaching in the city schools. By December, I had joined a Community Group with The Journey and was told that our group would be serving at Affordable Christmas. (I had no idea what ...

The Positive Effects of Morning Reading

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:37:47 GMT

Morning Reading is a program where volunteers come together once, twice, or even three times a week to three St. Louis Public Schools and read and interact with a group of children before school. At first I was unsure of what to expect from this ...

A Hope for Hamilton Heights

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:29:16 GMT

Hamilton Heights is a small neighborhood bound by MLK Drive to the northeast, the City limits to the northwest, Page Avenue to the south, and Union Boulevard to the east. Unfortunately, it is a part of St. Louis unfamiliar to most. Throughout ...

4th Annual Night for the Town

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:20:00 GMT

On October 15th, Mission: St. Louis hosted its annual fundraiser, Night for the Town. Now in its fourth year, the event was held at Grand Center's Moto Museum and once again provided a wide variety of silent auction items, great food, and ...

Fall Back

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:46:38 GMT

Fall is a busy time at Mission: St. Louis. Our annual fundraiser, Night for the Town, was held on October 15th at the Moto Museum and was a smashing success. Our Empower Sports Camp for the Roosevelt Basketball team occurred last week. Jobs for ...

Jobs for Life: A Blessing

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:00:54 GMT

We are halfway through our fall Jobs for Life session and things have never been better. It's awesome to see this group of men ages 18-61 working together, learning how to handle conflicts, opening up about their weaknesses, demonstrating their ...

Night for the Town: Four Years Later

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:37:36 GMT

Just over four years ago, I responded to a call for marketing and special events experts at my church. I showed up at a meeting a few weeks later. I quickly fell in love with the mission that the organization was adamantly pursuing. A month or ...

Residents & Volunteers: A Necessary Relationships

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:19:13 GMT

When Mission: St. Louis originally opened its doors, wide was the scope the leadership team aimed to tackle poverty and injustice in the city of St. Louis. As time elapsed, we started to narrow the focus of our longitudinal reach as well as the ...

Open Position: Neighborhood Engagement VISTA

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 21:36:28 GMT

As the Neighborhood Engagement VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America), you'll be tasked with getting to know the people that live in the urban neighborhood we serve. To do that, you'll knock on doors, making sure they know that we're here and ...

Open Position: Community Relations VISTA

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 19:11:11 GMT

As the Community Relations VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America), you'll help ensure that our programs have everything they need to make a huge impact. You'll write grant proposals. You'll find out which businesses in St. Louis support their ...

Words from the Front Desk

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:11:51 GMT

I've been working at Mission: St. Louis for nine months now as the Community Loop Assistant. As part of my duties, I sit at the front desk and greet people who come into the office. I enjoy meeting and talking to people of all different ...

What is Mission: St. Louis?

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 18:22:21 GMT

What is Mission: St. Louis? It is often difficult to give a simple answer to this question. A good start is to ask what it would look like to believe that the power of the Gospel transforms our lives and our city. A good follow up is to try and ...

To India and Back

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 14:44:20 GMT

This summer, I had the opportunity to spend 10 days teaching fourth graders in Hyderabad, India. I'd originally travelled to India to take a public health course but had been given the opportunity to work with a missions organization called ...

Now Recruiting for 2 AmeriCorps*VISTA Positions!

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:26:37 GMT

Mission: St. Louis is looking for two dedicated individuals to serve as AmeriCorps*VISTAs for one year. Positions available are for an Events VISTA and a Volunteer Development VISTA. For the Events VISTA job posting, please see our blog from ...

A Story of Renewed Faith & Friendship

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:02:36 GMT

If you've ever had the chance to meet Maurice Banks, within minutes you're sure to hear about a man that means the world to him, his best friend, Jim Thayer. Four years ago this month, Jim and Maurice met and began an unlikely friendship which ...

Accept the challenge. Serve your country. Join our team.

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:53:22 GMT

Wanted: One dedicated individual to serve as an AmeriCorps*VISTA for one year. This person will be the Mission: St. Louis Events VISTA. We have high standards for this position, but we believe there will be a great payoff for this person as ...

Night for the Town: WE NEED YOU!

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 20:02:14 GMT

WE NEED YOU! Night for the Town is once again upon us. We are gearing up for another great party celebrating the past year of Mission: St. Louis and our efforts to transform the city. We will be holding the event on October 15 at The Moto ...

The Pruitt-Igoe Myth

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 13:09:18 GMT

On Sunday, August 7th, we hosted a screening of the documentary film, "The Pruitt-Igoe Myth." It is a fascinating film about the story of St. Louis, its history and decline, and lessons learned regarding public housing in our city. Though the ...

Countdown: In Forest Park Southeast, population loss doesn't mean neighborhood is crumbling

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:19:08 GMT

The Mission: St. Louis model began in Forest Park Southeast (FPSE), at Adams Elementary School. Our time in Adams has produced many stories of what has been taking place in the community. FPSE has been undergoing massive change for the last ...

It's All About Love

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 17:09:48 GMT

Community Loop has had its most amazing and productive summer yet. I believe it has everything to do with love. There are many ways you can love people, and it is often difficult to know if you have loved someone well. Sometimes after you have ...

Does It Have To Be You?

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 16:16:52 GMT

"It's not that I don't want those kids to have help...I just don't understand why it has to be you." That was my Mom's response six years ago as I prepared for my first trip to the Lou. I had signed up for my college's spring break trip to ...

Education: A Vision of Transformation

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:10:39 GMT

There is more than one reason "education" is among the three core values firmly held by Mission: St. Louis. Emily Whitworth, Director of Education, can rattle off statistics that she knows first hand from her previous teaching experience in St. ...

End of Summer, Beginning of Fall

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:55:48 GMT

We are looking to wrap up the summer well and hit the ground running towards fall! We wanted to let you know about all the opportunities you have to serve with us. We have ongoing opportunities and one time events. Ongoing Volunteer ...

A Calling to Mission: St. Louis

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:42:33 GMT

Kathryn Sternberg is one of our interns and will be with us until December 2011. I came to learn about Mission: St. Louis through a larger database of endless practicum opportunities, but the thing that really drew me to this organization was ...

Opportunities Abound

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:55:25 GMT

My last blog was all about how I loved Morning Reading and getting to know the two girls I worked with twice a week. Since school let out for the summer and Morning Reading is not in session, I have started to build relationships with some of ...

Neighborhood Suffers Tragic Loss, Remains Hopeful

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 06:00:02 GMT

Check out our July newsletter here. During the month of June, the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood suffered the loss of two community members, J'Nylah Douglas, age 7, and Pastor Mike Seagle, age 54. Local news stations covered the facts: ...

Partnering with Mission: St. Louis

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:22:05 GMT

I moved to St. Louis three years ago with a group of people wanting to start a new church downtown. Some of us had been preparing to do this for many months, others had been preparing for years. The idea of starting a new church is a scary one, ...

My First Year at Mission: St. Louis

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 21:47:53 GMT

It has been almost a year since I started working at Mission: St. Louis and things have never been better (or more intense)! After getting a job here I moved into one of the neighborhoods in which the organization serves. My experiences over ...

Investing in the City, Investing in People

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:46:55 GMT

Recently across the globe, a belief has arisen among economists, scientists, and business leaders: the poor can be economically empowered to alleviate poverty. In fact, all over the globe organizations helping the working poor lift themselves ...

A Little Gets A Lot

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:05:09 GMT

My first exposure to Mission: St. Louis was through The Journey. There was a mention about the organization during a Saturday evening service. That mention was enough to pique my interest, so I turned to a friend sitting near me. He was ...

3rd Annual FPSE Sports Camp

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:19:40 GMT

Check out our full June newsletter! During the summer, one small section of the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood - McRee Town - is transformed into something magical every Tuesday night. A few empty lots become a playground and block party ...

Reinvented

Wed, 25 May 2011 14:33:53 GMT

As a native of St. Louis, I've held many jobs throughout my life. My main job for, oh, about 20 years was as an accountant and auditor (not a CPA) before you had to be certified to do that sort of thing. I started as a file clerk but I was ...

Vote for Mission: St. Louis TODAY!

Wed, 18 May 2011 21:17:29 GMT

"Yes, ma'am, we'd love to do that home repair for you, and we have donated materials, so it won't cost you a thing. Let me see if I can fit them in my Camry to bring them to you..." This conversation could be heard on any given day at the ...

The Fence

Thu, 12 May 2011 17:18:21 GMT

Josh Wilson is the founder and Executive Director of Mission: St. Louis. As many of you already know, we recently moved our office into the Forest Park Southeast neighborhood. To say we are excited to be in the neighborhood (and into new ...

Creating Relationships Through Community

Wed, 04 May 2011 18:34:27 GMT

Josh Kamer is Mission: St. Louis's Community Loop Program Director.Community Loop just accomplished its sixth workday of the year. I would call it a vast success. We were able to walk into nine homes and serve thirty three people as well as ...

Christ + City 2011 - A Call to Renewal

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:16:00 GMT

At 5:45am on Thursday, April 14, a contingent of Mission: St. Louis staff and interns, The Journey staff, and pastors from August Gate Church in Soulard gathered at Mission: St. Louis's new office in Forest Park Southeast. We were headed to ...

Just Show Up

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 17:13:28 GMT

In my first year of teaching at Long Middle School in South City, I somehow got roped into coaching every sport. I coached flag football, basketball, and soccer for two years...and won 4 games...all by forfeit. (For those of you who aren't so ...

St. Louis Bank Loans and Resulting Affects on the Community

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:09:55 GMT

The United States has a black president. This shouldn't be surprising. President Obama was elected in 2008 and it's currently 2011. But, my point has less to do with our president's skin color and more to do with the relationship between ...

Job Training Program Highlighted in the 17th Ward Newsletter

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 17:08:50 GMT

Darren Jackson, our Forest Park Southeast neighborhood/empowerment director, recently got Mission: St. Louis mentioned in the 17th Ward's blog newsletter. The blog post highlights M:StL's new job training program that kicks off on April 11. ...

How M:StL Grows and Succeeds

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:06:52 GMT

As a student intern at Mission: St. Louis, I have had the opportunity to see how people in this organization work to empower the community. Although Mission: St. Louis has a size of only about 10 staff members, I'm amazed to see how broadly ...

Empowering Roosevelt Students in Sports, in Life

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:05:34 GMT

For one week, 20 Roosevelt High School baseball players and four Mission: St. Louis volunteers came together for the Empower Baseball Camp. The purpose of the camp was to build a relationship between Roosevelt and Mission: St. Louis and to ...

Morning Reading: A Staff Member's Perspective

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:03:56 GMT

As of this coming Friday, I will have worked at Mission: St. Louis for exactly one month. I'm the newest full-time addition to the M:StL staff and am participating in the AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) program. I was ...

Community Loop Workday - March 6

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 17:01:02 GMT

On March 6, 2011, we had our most recent Community Loop Workday. We had a total of 104 volunteers who served at 10 homes and complete 56 projects. The types of projects ranged from installing drywall and painting to roof and window repair to ...

New Office Space

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:53:10 GMT

We have some GOOD NEWS! The first week of April we will be moving into our new office space in Forest Park Southeast. This is a move that we as an organization are extremely excited about. Forest Park Southeast is a place where we have ...

The Most Typical Person In The World

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:50:09 GMT

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Community Loop: Restoring Faith through Serving

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:21:14 GMT

My husband and I had, for some time, been wanting to plug in and start serving our city, but the timing always seemed to be wrong. We realized we had no excuse. Corporate America was getting the best of us - we weren't giving ourselves away ...

What Can We Do About Gentrification?

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:16:40 GMT

After reading the last three posts, you are more familiar with gentrification and its effects. What can you do to help? Keep reading!In the first post, we stated that gentrification is both good and bad. That's true. ...

Gentrification in Hamilton Heights

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 16:14:06 GMT

The Hamilton Heights community has also been deeply entrenched in poverty. Approximately 97% of the students in Ford Elementary School qualified for a free school lunch, which indicates the severity of poverty in the neighborhood. ...

Gentrification in FPSE

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 16:11:48 GMT

Mission: St. Louis has focused on the Forest Park Southeast (FPSE) community for the last 4 years, building relationships with the residents who live there. FPSE has a poverty rate of 36%, which is 11% higher than the City of St. Louis ...

What is Gentrification?

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 16:09:27 GMT

Mission:St. Louis has seen the dramatic impact of gentrification on the city of St. Louis. We are devoting our next three blogs to this issue. We will address what gentrification is, how it's affecting two urban St. Louis ...