A circle is a powerful symbol of inclusion and unity. Great Circle, a behavioral health organization, welcomes people who are struggling with difficulties and don’t know where to turn. “The circle stands for the children and families we serve, as well as our partners,” says president and CEO Vince Hillyer. “Everybody needs help and hope along the way. Some families need extensive services, others just need a little support. We provide a wide range of resources and a continuum of care across the state. Our goal is to help families become healthy, enriching members of the community.”
Established by the 2009 merger of Boys & Girls Town of Missouri and Edgewood Children’s Center, Great Circle provides treatment, education, support services and prevention programs to families dealing with behavioral and learning challenges, adoption and foster care, and instances of abuse and abandonment. “It’s a broad network of resources under a single umbrella, so families don’t have to jump from agency to agency to get help,” Hillyer explains. Resources include nationally accredited schools and educational services, 24-hour specialized care, parenting classes, therapeutic adventure programs, counseling, emergency shelter, homeless youth services, behavioral health-care facilities, and foster care training and case management.
The organization’s reach extends beyond St. Louis to include St. James, Columbia, Springfield and Steelville. “We provide community-based resources in more than 103 Missouri counties, including in-home and in-school services,” Hillyer says. “Each year we touch the lives of more than 16,000 children and their families. But the biggest change I’ve seen in the last 20 years is that we’re no longer a last resort, but a first step. Early intervention is key.”
Great Circle is one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the state, but the need continues to grow. “Community support helps us carry out our mission,” Hillyer says. To raise funds and awareness, Great Circle hosts Starry Starry Night Nov. 15 at the Edward Jones Atrium. “The evening brings our mission alive with entertainment, food and celebration, and features interactive vignettes that illustrate our unique programs,” he says. “Edward Jones is generously providing us with event space.” Co-chairs are Karlos and Samantha Bledsoe and John and Cindy Munich.
Unfortunately, some of the children involved with Great Circle have parents who aren’t capable or able to care for them, Hillyer notes. “There is nothing more heartbreaking,” he says. “All children deserve a safe, loving home. We make every effort to keep the family together, but if the environment remains unstable after intervention, we place the child with a responsible relative or in a caring foster home, and work tirelessly to find them a permanent home.” There’s nothing more satisfying for Great Circle staff than seeing the joy on a child’s face when he or she finally gets adopted, he adds. “Just think, it means these kids get another shot at being loved! What could be better than that? With every child helped, our community grows stronger.”
Photo courtesy of Great Circle
[Starry Starry Night, a benefit for Great Circle, takes place Nov. 15 at the Edward Jones Atrium, 12555 Manchester Road. Tickets start at $125. For more information, call 314.919.4733 or
visit greatcircle.org/events]
