Coalition News

Fostering Financial Success: [RE]FRESH

Applications now being accepted!

We are now accepting applications for our new program, Fostering Financial Success: [RE]FRESH.  This is a skills training and job placement program for foster youth ages 16 to 21.  This program will allow older youth to obtain job training and experience, demonstrate their ability to earn and save money, and finally, help graduates of the program obtain permanent jobs in the community.

Employment Skills/Job Training

Youth will learn the workings of a retail establishment in detail, including: receiving, merchandising, working the cash register, managing volunteers, customer service, inventory/stocking, marketing, and helping customers find exactly what they are looking for. In this way, youth will take away valuable interpersonal and customer service skills that will be transferable to multiple industries.

Criteria for Eligibility

• Youth must be between the ages of 16 and 21 and currently in foster care
• Application
• Two references (from adults who know the youth well)
• Permission from case manager to participate in the program
• Transportation to and from [RE]FRESH during scheduled work hours and training workshops. [RE]FRESH is located at 1750 S. Brentwood Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63144.

For more information or to request an application, contact Nickie Steinhoff, Director of Training & Community Support at 314.367.8373 x35. 

02.22.11 / 6 to 8 p.m.

Olivette Community Center (9732 Grandview Dr., St. Louis, MO 63132)

Dinner provided. You must register to attend.  To register, contact Nickie Steinhoff, Director of Training & Community Support, at nickiesteinhoff@foster-adopt.org or 314.367.8373 x35.

Save the Date!  The next support groups will be held March 22nd.

Storytelling at the Museum

01.21.11 / 10:30 a.m.

Missouri History Museum (5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112)

Cost:  FREE

Children ages 2 to 6 can enjoy a story about cheese-nibbling critters and a related craft. 

More information: www.mohistory.org or 314.746.4599

25th Anniversary of 1986 Challenger Tragedy
01.28.11
Challenger Learning Center (205 Brotherton Ln., St. Louis, MO 63135)
Cost:  FREE
In remembrance of the 25th anniversary of the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger, the Challenger Learning Center is offering free "Rendezvous with a Comet" missions all day long. Reservations are required and are limited to five people per party. Mission run at various times.
More information: www.clcstlouis.org or 314.521.6205 
 
Child-Free Shopping Experience
01.28.11 / 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Whole Foods Market - Town & Country (1160 Town & Country Crossing Dr., Town and Country, MO 63017)
Cost:  FREE
Drop your child off for a few hours at the Whole Foods Lifestyle Center and enjoy a child-free shopping trip. Your child will be entertained with books, crafts, and coloring. A healthy snack will be provided. This opportunity is limited to 8 potty-trained children.
More information: www.wholefoodsmarket.com or 636.527.1160

An Evening with Raptors
01.28.11 / 7 to 9 p.m.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center (11715 Cragwold Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122)
Cost:  FREE
Licensed Missouri falconers and their winged "hunting partners" present a program about falconry for children ages 5 and older. Participants will take part in question-and-answer sessions and have a chance to see the birds and equipment up close. Cameras are welcome. Reservations are required.
More information: www.mdc.mo.gov or 314.301.1500

Storytelling at the Museum: Stay Safe
01.28.11 / 10:30 a.m.
Missouri History Museum (Lindell & DaBaliviere in Forest Park)

Cost:  FREE
Children ages 2 to 6 will enjoy 'Do Kangaroos Wear Seatbelts?' and other fun stories about health and safety (follwed with a craft). 
More Information: www.mohistory.org or 314.746.4599
 
Creative Kids Art Class
01.29.11 / 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Schmidt Art Center (2500 Carlyle Ave., Belleville, IL 62221)
Cost:  $1 per person
After a brief tour of the current exhibition, children ages 5 to 12 and adults will create art related to the exhibit. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is encouraged.
More information: www.schmidtartcenter.com or 618.222.5278

 
Cub Scout Day
01.29.11 / 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Missouri History Museum (Lindell & DaBaliviere in Forest Park)
Cost:  FREE
Cub Scouts are invited to complete requirements for merit badges and participate in other exciting activities. Reservations required.
More information: www.mohistory.org or 314.454.3114

Fete de Glace (Festival of Ice)
01.29.11 / 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Main Street St. Charles
Cost:  FREE
Watch as skilled carvers turn blocks of ice into unbelievable creations. Coffee, hot chocolate, and fire pits keep it cozy.
More information: www.stcharlescitymo.gov or 636.946.1898

Summer Opportunities Fair
01.29.11 / 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
McDonnell Athletic Center at Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School
Cost:  FREE
Parents and kids ages 3 to 18 can learn about exciting local, national, and international summer programs for young people. Exhibitors include summer schools, camps, art camps, athletic camps, and more. More information: www.summeropportunitiesfair.org or 314.995.7450 x 7669.   
 
Bob the Builder Opening Weekend
01.29.11
The Magic House (516 South Kirkwood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122)
Cost:  FREE with museum admission
Kids of all ages can work on fun construction projects, enjoy special menu items, and even get their picture taken with Bob!
More information: www.magichouse.org or 314.822.8900  

Great Train Expo
1.29.11 & 1.30.11 / 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Charles Convention Center (One Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles, MO 63301)
Cost:  Adults $7, children 12 and under are FREE
Model train enthusiasts can participate in workshops, operate trains on elaborate layouts, and view the intricate craftsmanship demonstrated by several hundred dealers from across the country displaying trains of different scales. 
More information: www.greattrainexpo.com.

Art from Asia
1.30.11 / 1 to 4 p.m.
St. Louis Art Museum (1 Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, MO 6311)
Cost:  FREE
Come explore the Museum's collection of art from Japan and China.  You'll see amazing story scrolls and golden screens from Japan and ceramics and bronzes from China. Click here for more information.

Tuesday Morning Play Dates
02.01.11 / 10 to 11 a.m.
Contemporary Art Museum (3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108)
Cost:  FREE
Children ages 2 to 5 can visit the first Tuesday of every month for a hands-on play date full of art projects, gallery activities, storytelling, and more. Complimentary coffee and pastries will be served.
More information: www.camstl.org or 314.535.4660

Centene Fitness First Fridays
02.04.11 / 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Magic House (516 South Kirkwood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122)
Cost:  FREE
Take the first step towards a healthy lifestyle and receive free admission to The Magic House. Stretch your muscles and your mind as you travel the 1,500 step circuit through the museum. Along the way you'll find hundreds of fun, educational exhibits and "fit facts" filled with useful health and nutrition information.
More information: www.magichouse.org or 314.822.8900

Public Telescope Viewing
St. Louis Science Center (5050 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110)
02.04.11 / 6:45 p.m.
Cost:  FREE
You're invited to a Star Party! Weather permitting, the St. Louis Astronomical Society and the Science Center will set up telescopes and be on hand to answer your constellation questions. Regardless of the weather outside, indoor events are held inside the Planetarium's Orthwein Starbay, including the popular program "The Sky Tonight" and special guest lectures. Guests of all ages are invited. 
More information: www.slsc.org or 800.456.SLSC, x 4453

National Children's Dental Health Month: Youcan Toucan Show
02.05.11 / 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1:30 p.m.
Delta Dental Health Theatre (727 N. 1st St., #103, St. Louis, MO 63102)
Cost: $1 per person
Have your kids ever wanted to be on a game show? Now is their chance! Kick off National Children's Dental Health Month with Youcan Toucan and a theatre educator as they take audiences on an interactive question and answer adventure. All ages.
More information: www.ddhtstl.org or 314.241.7391

Animal Impression
02.05.11 / 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area (801 Strodtman Rd., St. Louis, MO 63138)
Cost: FREE
It's time to lift the winter drift and find the wonderful wildlife making their impressions in the diverse habitats found at Columbia Bottom. Participants will learn to identify various animal tracks and signs and make animal impressions to take home. Dress for the weather and walking. Reservations are required.
More information: www.mdc.mo.gov or 314.877.6014

Visiting Artist Series: Drums and Music of Africa
02.06.11 / noon and 2 p.m.
The Magic House (516 South Kirkwood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122)
Cost: FREE with Magic House admission
Children ages 2 to 10 can celebrate Black History Month with storyteller Bobby Norfolk and drummer Kenya Ajanaku. They blend traditional songs, folktales, instruments, dress and dance into a lively celebration of African life.
More information: www.magichouse.org or 314.822.8900

Celebrate Black History Month: African Americans and the Civil War
February, 2011
St. Louis Public Library (Various branches)
The St. Louis Public Library is hosting several events throughout the month of February with the theme "African Americans and the Civil War". There will be numerous guest speakers, storytellers, discussions, and films during February. There will also be a pillow making event for children.

More information: Click here  for a calendar of events or call 314.241.2288

Educational Advocacy Corner

After School for All Partnership for St. Louis (ASAP) After School Programs

Community Resources 

In St. Louis, Metro transportation, bus, and train, have linked up with Safe Place to provide youth with transportation help. Kids can get help simply by getting on the bus and letting the driver know they need help. For more information, click here. 

Our Little Academy Therapeutic Preschool

Our Little Academy Therapeutic Preschool at Our Little Haven is a full-day, year round resource for foster and adoptive families. The program serves children 3, 4, and 5 years old, and their families, by providing social, emotional, and behavioral support, including individual and group therapy, social skills development, psychiatric services, and speech and occupational therapy. Our Little Academy is currently enrolling children. For more information, please contact Susan Villasana at 314.533.2229 x222.