Updates & Resources

In a bold move to reimagine the future of philanthropy, The Deaconess Foundation has partnered with Vision for Children at Risk to launch this transformative NextGen Grantmaking Initiative aimed at placing funding decisions directly in the hands of young changemakers. This innovative initiative shifts traditional grantmaking power structures by empowering youth–not just as beneficiaries, but as decision-makers–who will design, lead, and allocate grant funds to projects that matter most to them and their communities.

“Youth are not just the future – they are the present, and their voices are essential in shaping the change they want to see. Through this youth-led initiative, our Youth Advisory Council members are leading with purpose, making funding decisions that directly impact their communities. This is what true youth leadership looks like – authentic, informed, and driven by lived experience.” – Sanaria Sulaiman, VCR President & CEO

Updates & Resources

The May 16 tornado underscored just how important it is for families to have support while navigating complex systems and services. Our team has been walking alongside families—helping them access supplies, connecting them with resources, and showing up at outreach centers so new families know about our Family Support Services. We remain committed to sharing up-to-date information and opportunities to ensure families have the support they need.

A Message from Our CEO

Each year around this time, we take a moment to reflect on our work and the progress we’ve made. We assess our approach to serving the community, celebrate what has been successful, and collaborate to identify opportunities for growth and improvement in the year ahead.

Vision for Children at Risk (VCR) continues to be deeply committed to centering the voices and perspectives of the community, ensuring that our work is guided by genuine representation. We approach our mission through collaboration, viewing community members as equal partners, united in addressing challenges and advocating for racial equity through grassroots initiatives. Our team, including leadership, mirrors the diversity of the communities we serve, with many members sharing lived experiences that resonate with the families we support. Programs such as our Cafés and the community-driven Parent Advisory Councils empower families and community members to actively shape the services we offer. Cafés provide a welcoming space where families can share their stories, offer feedback to service providers, and influence the direction of our services. The Parent Advisory Council helps strengthen advocacy skills, offering families a platform to amplify their voices.

VCR continues to lead in various collaborative efforts, including the System of Care Council, LIFT-MO, and the STLCANN Collaborative, all dedicated to promoting well-being and prevention. Highlights from 2024 include a public awareness campaign aimed at reducing the stigma around mental health and connecting individuals with critical services. Another major initiative was LIFT-MO, a partnership with DSS and the Family and Community Trust, which supports families receiving TANF through a peer support model. Our team also stays engaged in ongoing conversations with community members, listening to their evolving needs and building trust over time. This grassroots engagement ensures that our services remain relevant and responsive to the specific challenges families in St. Louis face.

As we look forward to another year, we stay focused on progress and extend our sincere gratitude to the partners, parents, and providers who make our work possible.

We are excited to share the newest version of the Children of Metropolitan St. Louis: A Data Book for the Community with you! It is hot off the press and ready for community action and advocacy!

This book is for you, get a copy before we run out! Print books are available to you at no cost, and we also have a digital download available. Contact Liz Hoester to inquire about getting a bulk order for distribution amongst your network (ehoester@visionforchildren.org).

Thank you to our partners and Parent Advisory Council Leaders for their invaluable contributions to this edition. We couldn’t have done it without them!

Partner Contributors:

• Jason Q. Purnell, James S. McDonnell Foundation
• Dr. Matifadza (Mati) Hlatshwayo Davis, Director of Health City of St. Louis
• Pat Oliver, YWCA Metro St. Louis Early Education Program
• Kate Hannon, Belle Children’s Services of St. Louis Arc
• Christina Brimm, Education Justice Program Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
• Joshua Saleem, Education Justice Program Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
• Charise Baker, Missouri Department of Mental Health – Children’s Office
• J.S. Onesimo (Ness) Sandoval, St. Louis University

Parent Voice Contributors:

• Sam Blue, Family Support Partner
• Carmen Southall-Wamhoff, Parent Advisory Council Leader
• Mia Daugherty, Resource Advocate
• Alicia Gant, Parent Advisory Council Leader
• Paulette Brooks, Parent Advisory Council Leader
• Thomastine Richardson, Parent Advisory Council Leader

A Message from Our Chief Executive Officer

STEPPING UP FOR KIDS 2023

COMMUNITY CAFE:

Working Together to Improve Our Child Protection System

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

Public Awareness Campaign RFP

A Message from Our Chief Executive Officer