Covenant House Missouri helps homeless, runaway and at-risk youth ages 16 to 21 become contributing members of the community. “Too old for child services but too young for adult shelters and missions, these kids often slip through the cracks,” says executive director Suzanne Wagener. “They come to us in crisis, frightened and mistrustful. We meet their basic needs: a nourishing meal, a shower, clean clothes, medical attention and a safe place to stay.”
That’s just the beginning. “Kids coming off the street need hope, education and skills,” Wagener explains. “Without help, many of them will become chronically homeless or dependent on welfare. Others will enter the court system or prison. Some will even lose their lives on the streets. Covenant House is a bridge from homelessness to opportunity, empowering them to break the cycle of unemployment and poverty.”
Established locally in 1998, CHMO is an affiliate of Covenant House International, which operates 21 sites in six countries. “This last year, we reached more than 5,760 young people from Missouri and Illinois,” Wagener says. “We offer a wide range of services that focus on key determinants of stability: education, employment and life skills training, combined with developmental programs and counseling.” Services include a street outreach team, a 24/7 crisis program, ongoing case management, and literacy and GED tutoring. “Our transitional living program, which offers housing for up to 24 months, provides youth with safe, stable living arrangements while they develop the long-term skills necessary for personal and economic stability,” she says. CHMO also conducts runaway prevention presentations for at-risk youth in high schools and detention centers.
Kids end up on the street for many reasons, including abuse, neglect, abandonment, mental illness and lack of education, Wagener notes. “The most common reason by far is conflict within the family,” she says. “In those cases, our primary goal is to mend relationships and reconnect the family. But if that’s not possible, the young person has a home in our 32-bed transitional living program. We’re always here for them, with open doors and open hearts.”
Demand for services keeps growing, from 2,150 youth served in 2008 to more than 5,800 in 2011. The seventh annual Stan Musial Hall of Fame Gala, a major fundraiser, takes place Jan. 24 at The Four Seasons. VIP ticket holders are invited to a pre-party with honorary hosts Lou and Jackie Brock and other celebrities. “Stan and Lillian Musial were great advocates for Covenant House and our homeless youth,” the Brocks say. “We’re honored to support CHMO and to continue the Musials’ tradition of offering support, hope and opportunity for these youngsters.” The event is chaired by Diane Compardo and Ron Wienstroer, principals, the Compardo team at Moneta Group.
“Young people can mature and grow only when they feel safe and secure,” Wagener says. “At Covenant House, we encourage them to believe in themselves, and give them resources they need to make smart choices about their future.”
[The seventh annual Stan Musial Hall of Fame Gala, benefiting Covenant House Missouri, takes place Jan. 24 at The Four Seasons. The event includes a cocktail hour and premium open bar, live and silent auctions, a program featuring Covenant House youth, and a three-course dinner. Tickets start at $200. Sponsorships are still available. For tickets and more information, call 314.450.7674 or visit covenanthousemo.org/stanmusialgala.]
Photo courtesy of Covenant House
Pictured: Lou and Jackie Brock