2019

VCDF-STL partnered with St. James AME Church located in the heart of the St. Louis Ville community. Together we began the work of identifying areas of interest and needs of the community and search for Contributors.

Results: Held First Annual Fall Donor Drive October through November. Secured initial Donors base and first Grant by year-end.

2020

January-June – Partnered with the Missouri Faith Leadership Council (MFLC), for an after school pilot program; “The Villages: “Safe Space” After School Pilot Program. The Foundation was assigned oversight operations of the Sumner High School site. The program was a restorative and therapeutic alternative for youth, young adults and families of the St. Louis Ville Community, where the average household income is $26,000, and crime is ranked as one of the most dangerous areas to live in St. Louis. The program was designed to provide a safe space for youth and young adults to have opportunities for homework assistance, educational enhancement and career readiness; engage in activities related to nutrition and diet, gardening and global ecological studies, self-expression through the creative arts and movement, mental health and awareness resources, and other activities where participants may be encouraged to become positive change agents in their own lives and the greater community.

Results: The program as it was designed ended abruptly due to COVID-19 as personal and professional lives suddenly changed. VCDF-STL quickly changed course; reimagined its strategies with MFLC, and became the Safe Space Commissary “HUB.” VCDF-STL was able to continue servicing and assisting youth and families through the pandemic by means of Safe Space funding extension and Grants for COVID-19 recovery (St. Louis Community Foundation, Deaconess Foundation, and Pershing Charitable Trust). The program expanded to include collaborative efforts resulting in providing food and essentials to residents in the St. Louis Ville, Greater St. Louis, and neighboring communities. The pilot after school program has ended. However, VCDF-STL continues to seek and secure funds to carryover the Commissary HUB program through the end of the year. As a collaborative partnership effort, the Foundation has served over 15,000 households; 7,600 youth under 18 years, 1,050 seniors and 150 differently abled individuals living within the St. Louis Ville; Greater North St. Louis, and neighboring communities.

February – During Black History Month, the Foundation partnered with Missouri Humanities Council (Grant Award) and St. James AME Church, to co-host an African American Heritage Program, “Reflections of Black History” featuring jazz and narratives of notable African American men and women of the St. Louis Ville and Greater North St. Louis area. The program was open to the public.

Results: Program was successful in providing educational historical information about Black History and contributions made by African Americans that impacted lives of residents within the Ville community. A diverse mix of adults, youth, and families participated and or attended the program. Portions of proceeds were designated for the Foundation’s education, youth and enrichment programs, and St. James ministries for various other charitable initiatives.

Multi-Media Program Grant – This Grant was awarded by Pershing Charitable Trust to go towards media production efforts for the community; to be used for multiple charitable programs held or co-sponsored at the Historic St. James AME Church, located in the St. Louis Ville where many programs and events are available to residents of the Ville and area St. Louis communities. The program includes technical training for operating a sound system for youth and young adults that reside in the Ville and surrounding areas. Community events include, but are not limited to: Health Seminars, Employment Preparation, Families and Youth Support initiatives; Women in Crises, and Neighborhood Awareness Programs. Projected outcome expectation also includes gaining skills for future potential job opportunities in the field of technology.

Results: Began purchasing sets of microphones. Sound board and purchase of other pertinent equipment and training is scheduled to begin during year 2021.