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Stressed About Birthday Gifts for Your Foster Kids?
If you need help providing birthday presents for your foster child(ren), our Birthday Buddy program can help! Foster parents must fill out an application and be willing to pick up the presents in Kirkwood, MO or Waterloo, IL. We are now accepting applications for October, November, December and January birthdays. Click here for an application.
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The KidStore
The KidStore will remain a resource for your children's clothing (infant through 12 years). School supplies and school uniforms are now available.
Upcoming KidStore Dates:
09.03.11 - $3 Bag Sale
09.07.11 - $3 Bag Sale
09.10.11 - $2.50 Bag Sale
09.17.11 - $2 Bag Sale
09.24.11 - KidStore Closed
Phone:
314.773.KIDS (5437)
Address:
Tyler Place Presbyterian Church
2109 S. Spring Street, 2nd Floor
St. Louis, MO 63110
Map:
Hours:
1st and 3rd Wednesday and every Saturday (except Holidays) from 9 a.m. to noon
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Coalition News
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 Need Someone to Read With Your Child Twice a Week?
We match volunteer tutors with foster and adopted children whose reading skills are behind where they should be. If you can transport your child twice each week for one hour each time to a public library in mid St. Louis county, south city, south county, or west county, please contact Shelley Thomas-Benke at 314.367.8373.
 Math Tutoring Available
Volunteer tutors work in small groups with elementary and middle schoolers struggling with math. Kids participate in 8 week sessions at a learning lab in north county, north city, or south city. Contact Shelley Thomas-Benke at 314.367.8373 for more information.
Fostering Financial Success Workshop for Youth Ages 15 to 20
The Coalition will host monthly Financial Literacy and Job Preparation Workshops for older youth (youth must be at least 15 years of age to participate) to increase their ability to make informed financial decisions, create a savings plan, and prepare for future employment. Community mentors will be present at the workshops to assist in setting financial, educational, and career goals. Registration is required by contacting Nickie at 314.367.8373 x2235.
Upcoming Workshops:
09.08.11 / 6 to 8 p.m.
09.10.11 / 10 a.m. to noon
Ways You Can Help
There are many ways to support the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition!
Pretzel Boys Fundraiser -- 08.25.11
Tomorrow, 100% of the day's sales will be donated to the Coalition! Drop by Pretzel Boys (11750 Manchester Rd., St. Louis, 63131) anytime between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on August 25th. Click here for a flyer.
Lake Forest Confections -- 08.15.11 to 08.27.11
Come to Lake Forest Confections (7801 Clayton Road, just east of the Galleria) - Satisfy your sweet tooth with delicious handmade confections and support the Coalition! Spend $30.00 and receive a Solid Milk or Dark Chocolate Breakup FREE ($17.00 value)! Click here for a flyer to print and bring with you. Lake Forest will donate $1 for every purchase with the flyer. The flyer expires August 27th.
Volleyball Tournament -- 08.27.11
Register now for the Junior Board's sand volleyball
tournament at Bar 101!
Little Wishes... Big Dreams -- 11.19.11
The evening will be a celebration of granting Little Wishes for foster children as well as making Big Dreams come true - forever families for all the children. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, sweet treats, spectacular live auction items, and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children we serve. We are thrilled to announce our special guest: Antwone Fisher, former foster youth, New York Times best-selling author, and award-winning Hollywood producer and writer.
Click here for details and to purchase a ticket or table.
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FREE 24-Hour Crisis Intervention
The start of the school year can bring on a lot of stress. Crisis often erupts. Let us help you with our 24-Hour Crisis Intervention services. We have openings now. For immediate assistance, call 314.614.2342. Crisis Intervention is provided FREE for pre- and post- guardianship/adoptive families in St. Louis County. Click here for a flyer with details.
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Educational Advocacy Corner
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For help with IEPs, tutoring, and educational concerns, please contact Dell Vinson, Director of Educational Advocacy at 314.600.0305.
Scholarship Fair Open to All Students
The Infinite Scholars in Partnership with United States Marine Corps presents the second annual Scholarship Fair on Saturday, August 27th, at Jennings Senior High School (8850 Cozens Ave.). Colleges will be accepting students and awarding scholarships. Students should arrive between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and be prepared with multiple copies of transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, two letters of recommendations, an essay titled "Why I want to go to College," and a resume. Those registering online will be admitted early.
Free Printable Graphic Organizers from TeacherVision
Click here for a collection of printable, ready-to-use, graphic organizers that will help children classify ideas and communicate more effectively. There are graphic organizers for reading, science, writing, math, and for general use. You'll also find blank printable templates and other useful tools.
Illinois Educational Supports and Services for Children
With fewer resources available for direct advocacy in Illinois, Family Matters Parent Training & Information Center (FMPTIC) and Children's Home & Aid welcomes you to attend a free informational session on August 25th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., to gain knowledge that can be used on behalf of your own children or to help other families. The session will be held at Central Christian Church (1420 Illini Dr., O'Fallon, IL 62269). Light refreshments will be available. Registration is required. Register by phone at 866.436.7842 x107 or online.
Private/Parochial After-School Special Education Services
SSD teachers provide after-school special education services to students who attend private or parochial schools or who are home-schooled in St. Louis County. These services are provided through the district's federally funded Special Non-Public Access Program (SNAP). SNAP services are provided at dozens of public school sites in St. Louis County. The after-school nature of the program allows students to receive special education and related services without having to leave their non-public schools in the middle of the day. Through the years, the district's SNAP program has provided quality special education services to more than 15,000 private and parochial school students. For information, contact Jodie Hay (north and west school districts) at 314.989.8239 or LeAnn Bearden (central and south school districts) at 314.989.8306.
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[RE]FRESH: A Fashion Coalition
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The Grand Opening of [RE}FRESH on August 20th was a huge success! Over 50 people waited outside for the doors to open and the first 25 people in line received $60 in [RE]FRESH Rewards! Guest DJ, Bill Beggs, PhD.J. rocked the house while  shoppers had their fashion questions answered by "Ask the Stylist" fashion consultants. There was a Candy Bar from Miss M's, two fashion shows emceed by Junior Board members Sam Schmiz, and Jackie Olinger, a raffle, and more. Click here to view pics. SALES THIS WEEKEND:
All girls and guys pants excluding denim are 30% off. Girls tees and tanks 50% off.Sign up as a [RE]FRESH Insider. Be the first to know about sales and other happenings at [RE]FRESH! To sign up, contact Jessi Brawley at jessibrawley@foster-adopt.org or 314.367.8373 x2236.
Shop Thursday through Sunday for great deals! [RE]FRESH is located at 1710 South Brentwood Blvd. (across from Nordstrom Rack) and open Thursday through Sunday. Visit www.refreshstl.org. for hours and additional info. Click here for important discount procedures for youth in foster care and foster/adoptive/kinship families.
 Watch [RE]FRESH on Show Me St. Louis!
Share your shopping experience via a blog post on our NEW website. You can upload pics and post fashion related questions and comments. www.refreshstl.org  
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Community Calendar
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Zoo Days08.25.11 / Thursdays until October 31stSt. Louis Zoo First Aid Station (One Government Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110)Cost: FREEStop by the First Aid Station to make a first aid kit for a backpack or diaper bag while exploring the Zoo. The St. Louis Children's Hospital First Aid Station is located by the carousel. More information: www.stlouischildrenshospital.org or 314.454.KIDS Ferguson Citywalk concert Series08.26.11 / 7 to 9 p.m.Victoria Plaza ( Click here for a map with driving directions.) Cost: FREEOn most second and fourth Fridays of the summer months, come out to for an evening of music and fun. Bring a lawn chair or sit at a picnic table. A food booth will be on premise or you can bring your own cooler. No glass, please. Friday's artist is Blues Racket. More information: www.fergusoncitywalk.com Friday Night Flicks in Frenchtown08.26.11 / 8:30 p.m.St. Charles (1800 North 2nd Street in historic St. Charles)Cost: FREE Enjoy a free outdoor movie on the lawn of the new park. Popcorn, sno cones, and hot dogs available. Friday's movie is Tangled. More information: www.historicfrenchtown.com Storytelling at the History Museum08.26.11 / 10:30 a.m.Missouri History Museum (5700 Lindell Blvd.,St. Louis, MO 63112)Cost: FREECome to the Missouri History Museum for free family fun! The Storytelling at the Museum program engages the youngest visitors in historic objects and museum settings through traditional and contemporary stories. Children will hear stories in the galleries and also enjoy a hands-on crafts. This Friday, come for fun stories about these creatures of the night. Ages 2 to 6 with an adult. More information: www.mohistory.org or 314.746.4599 Movie in the Park: Mary Poppins08.26.11 / 8 to 10 p.m.Shaw Park near the South Shelton (111 S. Brentwood Blvd., Clayton, MO 63105)Cost: FREEBring a lawn chair and blanket, and enjoy a free movie under the stars. You are welcome to bring your own refreshments. Soda, water and popcorn will also be available for purchase. Rainout location is at The Center of Clayton. More information: 314.290.8544 Amazing Animal Encounters at the World Bird Sanctuary08.27.11 / 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.Cost: FREEVisit the World Bird Sanctuary every Saturday and Sunday until Labor Day for family-friendly environmental education programs. Using snakes, parrots, birds and mammals, naturalists will teach you about the amazing creatures that share our planet and what we can do to help them survive. All ages. More information: www.worldbirdsanctuary.org or 636.225.4390 Ride on St. Louis Music Fest 201108.27.1 / 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.Anheuser Estate in Kimmswick, just 5 minutes south of 270/255 on I55Cost: FREEThis is an annual fundraiser for Ride on St. Louis, an organization that provides equine-assisted activities and therapies for developmentally and physically disabled people, as well as disadvantaged youth. The festival includes live music, barbecue, beer, shrimp, wine, pony rides, and face painting for kids. More information: www.rideonstl.org Loufest Music Fest08.27.11 to 08.28.11Forest Park ( Click here for a map.) Cost: FREEMusic fans from across the country attend this music festival, billed as an all-ages event. Music groups include The Roots, TV on the Radio, Deerhunter and others. For kids, there is Area K, a special area filled with music, magic, kid-friendly food, a rock climbing wall, and more. More information: www.loufest.com 12th Annual Festival of Nations08.28.11Tower Grove Park (4256 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110)Cost: FREECelebrate diversity at St. Louis' largest multicultural celebration. Festivities include more than 40 ethnic food booths, four stages of non-stop free entertainment, folk art demonstrations at the Culture Corner, ethnic dance lessons and more. All ages. Free admission. More information: www.festivalofnationsstl.org Story Time at Whole Foods08.29.11 / 10 to 10:30 a.m.Whole Foods Market - Town & Country (1601 S. Brentwood Blvd.,St. Louis, MO 63144)Cost: FREEDoes your child love stories? Relax and engage your child's imagination with a variety of fun books. Open to all ages, and especially geared towards young ones and parents. Includes some yummy treats and a fun activity. More information: www.wholefoodsmarket.com or 636. 527.1160 Community Resource Fair at the St. Louis County Library08.30.11 / 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.St. Louis County Library Jamestown Bluff Branch (4153 N. Hwy 67, Florissant, MO 63034)Cost: FREELocal organizations that serve families and the community will be on hand to share and discuss their services with attendees. For all ages. More information: www.slcl.org Centene Fitness First Fridays at The Magic House St. Louis Children's Museum09.02.11 / 5:30 to 9 p.m.Magic House (516 S. Kirkwood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122)Cost: FREEPeople of all ages can take the first step towards a healthy lifestyle and receive free admission to The Magic House during Fitness First Fridays. 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 Twilight Under the Train Shed Free Movie at St. Louis Union Station09.02.11 / SunsetSt. Louis Union StatonCost: FREE Enjoy a free movie at St. Louis Union Station. Friday's film is E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial. More information: www.stlouisunionstation.com Free Public Telescope Viewing 09.02.11 / 6:45 p.m.St. Lous Science Center (5050 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110)Cost: FREEYou'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. All ages. More information: www.slsc.org or 314.289.4400 Clydesdale Camera Day at Anheuser-Busch09.03.11 / 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Anheuser-Busch Tour Center (12th & Lynch Streets, St. Louis)Cost: FREEBring your camera for an up-close and personal visit with a world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale. This unique opportunity allows visitors to view, pet and take photos with a Clydesdale in traditional parade dress. More information: www.budweisertours.com or 314.577.2626 A Tribute to Our Troops Veterans Festival in Forest Park09.03.11 / 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.Forest Park (5595 Grand Dr., St. Louis, MO 63112)Cost: FREEGuests of all ages can say "thank you" to the brave men and women in our military. Over Labor Day weekend, the city's largest park will be brimming with special exhibits, events, and festival fare. Relax and enjoy live music by the Trip Daddys, Soulard Blues Band, and many other local bands. Hit some head-spinning amusement rides in the "Family Area" at Cricket Field or check out hundreds of vintage autos on the Muny Upper Parking Lot. The "Veterans Village" will have a special display of modern and century-old military equipment. Free Symphony Concert Under the Stars09.08.11 / 7 p.m.St. Peters' City Centre Park Cost: FREESpend an evening listening to the sounds the St. Charles Symphony. A concession stand will be available, but you may bring your own snacks and coolers. The amphitheater is located behind St. Peters City Hall between Rec-Plex South and the baseball fields. Convenient parking is located at Rec-Plex South parking lot. Follow the driveway past the Rec-Plex over the bridge to the Rec-Plex South parking area. In case of inclement weather, movie or concert may be moved inside St. Peters City Hall. More information: www.vfstl.com
T.A.G. You're It
Every Tuesday at 3 p.m.
St. Louis County Library, Jamestown Bluffs Branch (4153 N. Highway 67, Florissant, MO 63034)
Cost: FREE
Teens, come explore a variety of topics revolving around career, college, and community. This program includes helping plan events at the library and boosting writing and interview skills. If you are interested in ways to contribute to your community, then this is the program for you! Refreshments will be served.
More information and to register: 314.994.3300 or www.slcl.org/contact.htm
Valleypalooza
09.17.11 / noon to midnight
A FREE Music Festival in West County
City Ball Park in Valley Park (St. Louis Ave. & 2nd St.)
Cost: FREE
There will be live music, carnival games, a kid's zone, beautiful baby contest, cutest pet contest, washer tournament, raffles, silent auctions, and great refreshments. Proceeds will be used to assist the handicapped, senior citizens, and children of Valley Park.
More information: www.valleypalooza.org
Fall 2011 Dance for Resource Providers
10.01.11 / 7:30 p.m. to Midnight
Aerospace District Lodge 837 (212 Utz Ln., Hazelwood, MO 63042)
Cost: $15
Gateway Foster and Adoptive Care Association of Greater St. Louis Presents "A Night of Rhapsody." Area resource providers will enjoy live entertainment by New Image Band, food (BYOB), 50/50, and Raffle. All proceeds benefit St. Louis area foster children and resource families.
More information and tickets: 314.355.5545
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Community Resources
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Get Connected! Refurbished Computers from iFoster
If you are a Group Home, FFA, ILP provider, or other support organization interested in multiple computers for a computer lab or to provide your youth or caregivers, iFoster can get you even better pricing. Please email iFoster at rcp@ifoster.org. iFoster offers the only nationwide refurbished computer program for foster care. Get Connected! is part of the global Microsoft Refurbisher Program of pre-owned computers loaded with new software (Windows 7, Office) and Internet ready (wireless for laptops). For more information and to sign up, click here. Free Toolkit on Transitioning from Foster Care for Young People, By Young PeopleCheck out FosterClub's Transition Toolkit. It's an excellent resource for young people planning their emancipation from foster care as well as for professionals and adults supporting them. The toolkit offers great guidance on topics such as financial, transportation, housing, and career. Free Books for Foster Families The Book House (9719 Manchester Rd, Rock Hill, MO 63119) will give $25 in free books for Missouri and Illinois youth in foster care (as well as biological children living in the home). Foster parents just need to bring proof of their foster parent status. For more information, email info@bookhousestl.com or visit www.bookhousestl.com.
Our Little Academy Therapeutic PreschoolOur Little Academy Therapeutic Preschool at Our Little Haven is a full-day, year-round day treatment program serving foster and adoptive families. The program serves children ages 3, 4, and 5 years of age, and their families, by providing social/emotional and behavioral support. Services include individual and group therapy, social skills development, psychiatric services, speech, and occupational therapy, all on-site, at 4330 Lindell Blvd. Our Little Academy enrolls children throughout the year. For more information, please contact Susan Villasana at 314.533.2229 x222. Free Health Screening by Missouri Baptist Click here for a flyer with details.
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