When Karen first sought help at Epworth Children & Family Services, she had no hope. “I was a 20-year-old unemployed single mom, stuck in an abusive relationship,” she says. But through Epworth, she learned the skills she needed to be a good parent. “Now I understand how to discipline and teach my kids,” she says today. “I’ve got my own place, a good job, and I’m taking care of my family. I didn’t think I could do anything in life, but Epworth helped me build a brighter future.”
Marcus was 17 when his mom died. “My dad wasn’t around, so I ended up in the streets,” he says. A friend’s father took him to Epworth’s Youth Emergency Services shelter. “The people at Epworth believed in me,” Marcus recalls. “They found me a safe place to live, helped me pass my GED and get a job. I’m learning to take responsibility for myself, and thinking about going to college. Epworth helped me see I had the strength to make it.”
Karen and Marcus are but two of Epworth’s many success stories. Established in 1864, the agency provides comprehensive support services to troubled children, youth and families. Programs range from short-term emergency care and a 24-hour help line to residential and intensive treatment programs, education, counseling, family reunification therapy, case management, foster family recruitment and training, and transitional and independent living programs. “More than 7,500 youth and their families turn to us each year, many of them dealing with severe mental, emotional and behavioral issues,” says CEO Kevin Drollinger. “Our goal is to keep families together, prevent abuse and neglect, and encourage self-sufficiency in youth throughout the region.”
Epworth’s innovative approach helps families focus on solutions and communicate more effectively. “By tailoring our services to each client’s unique circumstances, we help them break through obstacles, function more successfully and make a positive contribution to society,” Drollinger explains. “When we see a need, we try to meet it.” The agency recently opened a drop-in center for older youth in Normandy and surrounding areas, and is currently expanding its psychological services. “We’re hiring doctorate-level psychologists to administer and evaluate tests that help young people and families discover and build on their inherent strengths.”
These programs and services would be impossible without community support. The annual Pillar of Strength Award, a major fundraiser, takes place June 27 at The Ritz-Carlton. This year’s event honors Hazel and Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Cruise Corp., for their philanthropic commitment to the St. Louis community and sensitivity toward youth in need. “Epworth helps young people who are struggling with the effects of abuse or neglect,” say the Donalds. “We can’t think of a more important mission, and we’re honored to lead this year’s event. If we can be strong for Epworth kids when they need us the most, we believe they can become pillars of strength for their families and communities.”
Pictured: Arnold and Hazel Donald
Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton
[Epworth Children & Family Services Pillar of Strength Award takes place June 27 at The Ritz-Carlton. For more information, call 314.961.5718 or visit epworth.org.]