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September 22nd, 2011
In This Issue
[RE]FRESH This Week
Little Wishes... Big Dreams
Educational Advocacy
Community Calendar
Community Resources

Fostering Financial Success Workshop for Youth 15 to 20

The Coalition hosts monthly Financial Literacy and Job Preparation Workshops for older youth (at least 15 years of age) 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 required. Contact Nickie at 314.367.8373.

 

Upcoming Workshops:

10.01.11 / 10 a.m. to noon

10.06.11 / 6 to 8 p.m. 

The KidStore 

The KidStore will remain a resource for your children's clothing (infant through 12 years).  The KidStore will be closed on September 24th. 

 

Phone:
314.773.KIDS (5437)
 
Address:
Tyler Place Presbyterian Church
2109 S. Spring Street, 2nd Floor
St. Louis, MO  63110

Map:
map
Hours: 
1st and 3rd Wednesday and every Saturday (except Holidays) from 9 a.m. to noon

FREE Support Groups for Parents & Older Youth   

Support Groups Free to Foster and Adoptive Families 

10.13.11 / 6 to 8 p.m.

Dinner and childcare provided.  Support groups are held in the Foster & Adoption Resource Center (1750 S. Brentwood Blvd., Ste. 210, St. Louis, MO 63144).  You must register to attend. 

To register,

contact Nickie Steinhoff at 314.367.8373 x2235.

 

Training Extravaganza  

October 22nd

Thanks to the Daughters of Charity Foundation of St. Louis, the Coalition will host a Training Extravaganza on Saturday, October 22nd, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Receive 7.5 in-service training hours in one day at this all-day workshop for foster/adoptive/relative caregivers.  Registration deadline is October 10th. 

 

Extravaganza theme: Promoting Positive Development

Click here for details and a registration form. 

 

Phone registrations are not accepted. 

Childcare Lottery:  Space is limited to 200 adults and 100 children.
Registration forms must be received by October 10th to be included in the childcare lottery.  ALL requests for childcare received by October 10th will be placed into the same lottery pool.  Registration forms will be drawn at random until the 100 childcare slots are filled.  All families who register will be notified by mail.  If childcare is full, adults are still welcome to attend the workshops and receive 7.5 training hours.

[RE]FRESH This Week  

happy hour

"Happy Hour" = FREE SHIRT

What makes you happy?  FREE!  This Friday & Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m., show your school ID and receive a FREE short-sleeve t-shirt or tank top!  

Fine print: Limit one FREE shirt per customer/day. Not valid on previous purchase. Shirts cannot be put on hold, and valid school ID must be presented within the time frame listed.

 

$1.99 Shorts and Skirts!

Today through Sunday all sweaters, hoodies, and pullovers are 30% off!  To make room for Fall inventory, all girl's shorts and mini-skirts are just $1.99!

    

 Click here  for important discount procedures for youth in foster care and foster/adoptive/kinship families.   To sign up as a [RE]FRESH Insider and be the first to know about sales and other happenings at [RE]FRESH, contact Jessi 314.367.8373 x36.    

 

Share your shopping experience via a blog post on our  NEW website.  You can also see some great new items that just hit the shelves!

 

Like us on Facebook              Follow us on Twitter 

 

Little Wishes... Big Dreams 

A Wonderful Night! November 19th 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. 

 

Educational Advocacy Corner

For help with IEPs, tutoring, and educational concerns, please contact:

  Dell Vinson, Director of Educational Advocacy at 314.600.0305.

  Trish Taddeuci, Director of Educational Advocacy at 314.367.8373  

 

Student Resource Center
Explore the Student Resource Center when you need articles, photos, maps and primary source documents for class assignments.  It's great homework help in the areas of history, language, literature, science and technology for middle school and high school students.  Click here for details.

Free Storytelling Workshop for Teachers at COCA (524 Trinity Ave., St. Louis, MO 63130)
On September 29th, Dr. David Gonzalez will lead school teachers in a hands-on workshop to develop storytelling techniques that are useful in the classroom. In addition to opening the COCA Family Theatre Series in September with his original Sleeping Beauty, Gonzalez has performed around the globe and his poetry has been featured on NPR and PBS. The workshop begins at 4:30 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m.  There is no charge for the workshop, but registration is required. To register, email esmith@cocastl.org.  For more information: www.cocastl.org 

Community Calendar

Taste of St. Louis
09.23.11 - 09.25.11 / 4 to 11 p.m.
Soldiers' Memorial (1315 Chestnut St., St. Louis, MO 63103)
Cost:  FREE
Guests of all ages are invited to a celebration of the best food, art, music, and culture St. Louis has to offer. Sample food from 45 area restaurants, enjoy live music, entertain the little ones at the Kids Kitchen, and more.
More information: www.tastestl.com or 314.534.2100, x22

The Great Godfrey Maze
09.23.11 - 09.24.11 / 6 to 10 p.m.
Glazebrook Park (Godfrey, Illinois 62035)
Cost: $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 6 to 11, children 5 and under are FREE
Lasso up some fun with over two miles of twisting turns, dead-ends and traps. This year, the corn is cut into two cowboy-shaped trails to confuse and amuse the whole family.
More information: www.greatgodfreymaze.com or 618.466.1483

12th Annual Ferguson StreetFest
09.23.11 - 09.24.11 / 4 to 10 p.m.
Ferguson Citywalk District (20 S Florissant Rd., Ferguson, MO 63135
Cost:  FREE
There will be live music, mouth-watering food vendors, a children's area, home brewing expo, washer tournament, a Manly Man High Heel Contest, and more.
More information: www.fergusonstreetfest.com

Scouting Weekend
09.24.11
Eckert's (2719 Eckert Orchard Ln., Millstadt, IL 62260)
Cost:  FREE for Scouts in uniform
Enjoy a fun-filled day on the farm picking apples, visiting farm animals, and exploring the farm's exciting attractions.
More information: www.eckerts.com or 800.745.0513

Faust Park Folk & Fine Art Festival
09.24.11 - 09.25.11 / . 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Faust Park (15185 Olive Blvd., Chesterfield, MO 63017)
Cost: $5 per person; children 4 and under are FREE
A family-friendly festival including free carousel rides, hayrides, children's activities, live music, folk art, and fine arts and crafts.
More information: www.stlouisco.com/parks or 314.615.8328

Gear Up for Biking
09.24.11 / 10 a.m. to noon
Kirkwood Public Library (40 East Jefferson Ave., Kirkwood, MO 63122)
Cost: FREE
Did you know that, for the average American, 40% of all trips are within two miles of their home?  The Alpine Shop presents information on equipping your bicycle, helmets, bike safety, maintenance, and more. Take a guided ride through historic sites in Kirkwood. Plus, the tour ends with ice cream! There will be lemonade for all those with a helmet. Youth ages 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent.
More information: www.kpl.lib.mo.us or 314.821.5770

Free Workshop at St. Louis County Library: Helping Teens Prepare for College
09.24.11
Headquarters Branch (1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63131) / 10 a.m.
Rock Road Branch (10267 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074) / Noon.
Lewis & Clark Branch (9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63136) / 3 p.m.
Cost: FREE
Teens and parents, get a head start on planning for college at the workshop entitled, "College & the Real World: A Workshop for Teens." It features author, and youth motivational speaker, Grant Baldwin. Please register by calling 314.994.3300. Refreshments will be served.
More information and to register: www.slcl.org

Dancing in the Street Festival in Grand Center
09.24.11 / 1 to 9 p.m.
Grand Center (Grand Blvd. & Washington Blvd. in St. Louis)
Cost: FREE
Guests of all ages are invited to watch over 700 dancers and 75 performances on four outdoor stages. There will be dance performances, public dancing, and special performances by Quixotic Fusion. Get in on the fun by learning the choreographed community street dance in advance and perform it on the Sam Shepard Stage at 6:15 p.m.
More information: www.grandcenter.org or 314.289.1500

Renaud Spirit Center's Open House & Live Well Expo
09.24.11 / 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Renaud Spirit Center (2650 Tri-Sports Circle, O'Fallon, MO 63368)
Cost: FREE
Come dressed for exercise, swimming, and fun! Activities for all ages include face painting, inflatables, a balloon artist, blood drive, helmet fittings, health screenings, cooking demonstrations, and more.
More information: www.renaudspiritcenter.com or 636.474.2732

Kids' Flea Market at The Magic House
09.25.11 / 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Magic House (516 South Kirkwood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122)
Cost: FREE to attend and shop; $15 per table
Gone sour on lemonade stands this summer? Searching for a new way to make some extra spending money? The Magic House is looking for enterprising kids 16 years and younger to sell their outgrown toys, books, CD's, games and handmade craft items. This event is also great for bargain hunters. There are all kinds of hidden treasures to discover!
More information: www.magichouse.com or 314.822.8900

Creve Coeur Safety Fair
09.25.11 / 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital (12634 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, MO 63141)
Cost:  FREE
Interact with more than 40 public safety agencies, explore emergency vehicles, and take advantage of free child safety seat inspections, bike helmet fittings, and child fingerprinting. Visitors will be able to explore police cars, fire trucks, boats, helicopters, mobile command centers, federal law enforcement equipment, and DWI enforcement vehicles. Other highlights include police K-9 operational demos, visits from helicopters, and a simulated vehicle crash and rescue of a semi-truck.  Reservations are required if you'd like a child safety seat inspection.
More information and reservations: 314.454.5437

Celebration of the Creative Art Fair
09.25.11  / 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fort Zumwalt Park (O'Fallon, MO 63366)
Cost: FREE
This art fair offers visitors a chance to meet artists, buy original works, listen to live music, sample wines and beers, and enjoy food from local restaurants. Leftovers, Etc., and the Parks and Recreation staff will provide free kids' art activities.
More information: www.ofallon.mo.us or 636.474.8121

Clydesdale Camera Day at Anheuser-Busch
10.01.11 / 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Anheuser-Busch Tour Center (12th & Lynch Streets St. Louis, MO 63118)
Cost:  FREE
Bring your camera for an up-close and personal visit with a world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale. View, pet, and take photos with a Clydesdale in traditional parade dress.
More information: www.budweisertours.com or 314.577.2626.

19th Annual Historic Shaw Art Fair
10.01.11 / 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Flora Place at Tower Grove Avenue
Cost:  $5; Children under 14 are FREE
The fair features a new food court, great music, and fabulous art. A Kids Stage on both days of the fair will feature storyteller Daniel Romano, the Blaque Berry Puppet Theater and others.  Dogs on leashes are welcome. Parking is available on neighborhood streets and in Tower Grove Park.
More information: www.shawartfair.org

Wilderness Wagon Rides at Shaw Nature Reserve
10.01.11 / Rides depart from the Visitor Center at 1, 2 and 3 p.m.
Shaw Nature Reserve (Missouri 100, Gray Summit, MO 63039)
Cost: $1 per person
Hop aboard a narrated wagon ride around Shaw Nature Reserve's three-mile Trail House Loop Road. The ride stops at the Trail House and wetland bus stop.
More information: www.shawnature.org or 636.451.3512

Fall Festival at Coldwell Banker in Town and Country
10.01.11 / 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Coldwell Banker (1100 Town and Country Crossing, Chesterfield, MO 63017)
Cost: FREE
Enjoy free pumpkins, big top clowns, bobbing for apples, face painting, and balloon animals. Registration is requested.
More information and registration: 636.394.9300

Purina Incredible Dog Challenge Finals and Pet Project Event at Purina Farms
10.01.11 / 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Purina Farms (200 Checkerboard Loop, Gray Summit, MO 63039)
Cost: FREE
This premier canine sporting event features a variety of Olympic-style events, including dog diving, freestyle flying disc, head-to-head 30-weave pole races, Jack Russell hurdle racing, and agility competitions.
Pet lovers can enjoy the first ever Purina Pet Project Event, designed to give back to local homeless pets. Attendees will have the opportunity to give back in more than 30 different ways -building cat climbing towers, painting and decorating dog houses, adopting a furry friend, dropping off supplies, and more.
More information: www.purina.com/purina-farms

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


Kid City at the St. Charles Convention Center
10.01.11 / 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Charles Convention Center (1 Convention Center Plaza, St. Charles, MO 63363)
Cost: FREE for kids 12 and under; $2 for adults and children ages 13 and older
Kids will get a fun, safe, adventure-filled Saturday while parents will get tons of information on the best products and services in St. Louis.  Kids activities include an art wall, safety programs, a bounce house, rock climbing wall, storytelling,  meet Dora and Diego and have their picture taken with them in the Photo Center, visit Charlie the Tortoise in the Pet Center and lots more.  The first 75 kids 5 and under will receive a free bicycle helmet.  Parents, visit vendor booths offering products and information about summer camps, schools, day care centers, and more.
More information and advanced tickets: www.stlkidcity.com

Ottertoberfest at the St. Louis Zoo
10.01.11
St. Louis Zoo (1 Government Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110)
Cost: FREE
Enjoy an otterly fun fall celebration at the Saint Louis Zoo! Families can enjoy special menus, music, drinks, and activities to celebrate North American river otters.
More information: www.stlzoo.org or 314.781.0900

Teddy Bear Tuesday
10.04.11  / 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Delta Dental Health Theatre (727 N. 1st St., #103, St. Louis, MO 63102)
Cost: $1 per person
Kids can bring their favorite stuffed animal to the Delta Dental Health Theatre to make sure they are at their healthiest. Stay and enjoy the fun interactive exhibits at the theatre, designed to teach kids about healthy teeth and overall health.
More information: www.ddhtstl.org

Fall Frenzy at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
10.04.11 / 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Powder Valley (11715 Cragwold Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122)
Cost: FREE
Summer is over and winter is near. What are the woodland plants and animals doing now? Let's find out!
More information and reservations (required): www.mdc.org or 314.301.1500

Family Culture Days
10.08.11 / 1 to 7 p.m.
The Foundry Art Centre (520 North Main St., in Historic St. Charles
Cost: FREE
There will be cultural displays, dance, musical performances, activities for children, and more.
More information: www.foundryartcentre.org 

St. Louis Open Streets in Old North St. Louis
10.08.11 /9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Old North St. Louis (streets winding through Old North St. Louis and The Grove neighborhoods)
Cost: FREE
Watch as seven miles of streets are transformed into a car-free area for cyclists, pedestrians, and everyone else to enjoy. This event will feature healthy living activities, live music, art, a haunted house, obstacle course, and more.
More information: www.stlouis-mo.gov/openstreets

 


Community Resources

Sports Saturday
Hosted by Lindenwood University Recreation Students and the Disabled Athlete Sports Association (DASA), Sports Saturday will be held October 8th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  It will be a fun day of wheelchair basketball, power soccer, track & field, hand cycling, and more.  For more information, please contact Jessica Prichard at 314.580.5168 or DASA at 636.477.0716.  Rampage, the St. Louis Rams Mascot, will also be there enjoying himself!

MO-FEAT
Missouri Families for Effective Autism Treatment (MO-FEAT) is an organization of parents and professionals who's mission is to provide advocacy, education, and support for families and the autism community and to support early diagnosis and effective autism treatment.  For helpful information and autism-related resources, visit www.mo-feat.org.   

Therapeutic Horsemanship
Therapeutic Horsemanship provides award-winning equestrian therapy programs for people with disabilities in St. Louis, St.Charles, and Lincoln Counties and surrounding areas. Programs offered include Hippotherapy (performed by a licensed Occupational, Physical or Speech therapist) and Therapeutic Riding. The physical benefits of riding are based primarily on the movements of the horse. The horse's rhythmical gait transfers to the client the pelvic movements of a person walking: back and forth, up and down, side-to-side, and rotational. This repetitive motion helps to improve balance, coordination, strength, and muscle tone as it gently mobilizes the joints. Four sessions are offered each year, January through December. Fees range from $160 to $300 per month. Individuals over 24 months of age may participate.
For more information, click here or call 636.332.4940.

Our Little Academy Therapeutic Preschool
Our 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.