GRADUATION!
Posted by Sue Wagener | Filed under Announcements, Covenant House Youth, Events
Some of our proud grads.
Today is one of those days when the success of our program is clear. This morning, we celebrated our graduates: 6 High School grads and 23 GED grads. Our keynote speaker was Maurice Raspberry, a CHMO grad as well as our first college grad – he holds a BSEd from Harris Stowe University. Seeing all those proud faces in caps and gowns and listening to words of encouragement and praise was a testament to the potential our youth each possess. Today was also a day to recognize the many volunteers who bring their time and gifts to Covenant House. We celebrated this occasion as a community — youth, staff, volunteers, board members and families — with a picnic on our parking lot. Congratulations to all our graduates and thank you to all those who made their accomplishment possible.
Tags: Covenant House Missouri, graduation, Youth Success
Prom!
Posted by Sue Wagener | Filed under Covenant House Youth, Events
Rick and Mariah - Prom 2011!
Here’s a picture of two of our youth who attended Jenning’s prom last weekend. Prom was held at the downtown Hilton and Mariah said the ballroom looked just like a formal restaurant – folded napkins and everything! The food was good, the music was cool – they had a fun night. Personally, I think it’s pretty amazing that Rick had no idea what color dress she was wearing – they look awesome together! (but just friends…)
Tags: Covenant House Youth, homeless youth, prom
Field Trip to Jeff City
Posted by Sue Wagener | Filed under Covenant House Youth, Events
Several of our youth made a trip to Jefferson City yesterday to learn more about what goes on in our capital. They visited the State Capitol and witnessed our politicians hard at work. They also had the opportunity to tour the Governor’s Mansion. Antoine, one of the youth who went said the mansion was his favorite. “I’ve always wanted to see a mansion, it was so big and there was art everywhere. It was cool.” This is the second year staff has planned the outing and taken the youth to Jefferson City. It’s an opportunity for them to leave their cares behind for a day and just enjoy being tourists of the Show-Me State.
Hanging out in Jeff City
Tags: Covenant House Youth, homeless youth, Jefferson City
“Life Behind Closed Doors”
Posted by Sue Wagener | Filed under Covenant House Youth, Events
Last night the CHMO community was treated to a theater production written and produced by some of our youth. The P.A.Y.N.E. (Positive Action, Youth New Enlightenment) theater troupe treated us to “Life Behind Closed Doors”. Organized by Becca Gluckstein and Samantha Ellis, two of our practicum students, the production was a collage of scenes conceptualized from self-exploration through various theater activities. Becca wasn’t sure what the nine week process would bring forth but she envisioned the overall goal being compromise and working as a group to create a safe environment. The youth built relationships and trust as they shared life experiences through writing and acting. An overall theme was the question of what love really looks like. The youth discovered through each other what unhealthy relationships entail and worked together to process hurtful things they’ve been through. Becca is working on scheduling a performance for the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University. Bravo one and all!
P.A.Y.N.E. Theater Troupe
Tags: Covenant House Youth
So Long Sympho!!
Posted by Sue Wagener | Filed under Covenant House Youth, Events
Sympho left CHMO today to move into his own, new apartment. He’s been living here for 2 years and has done a great job. He’s in college (and maintaining an excellent GPA), he works for a great organization and has saved enough to make it on his own. We’ll miss you Sympho, all the best!
Staff Retreat
Posted by Sue Wagener | Filed under Events
The staff of CHMO had a wonderful retreat day at Pere Marquette in Grafton, IL yesterday. We began the day learning about the Bald Eagle and then loading into vans for some muddy eagle watching. We spotted a few Bald Eagles and flocks of White Pelicans along the river banks. After a few hours in the great outdoors, we had an awesome lunch at the famous Pere Marquette Lodge. The afternoon was spent building team spirit among the staff by building donated bikes for our youth. We left feeling refreshed and renewed in our commitment to work together to help the many youth who come to us in need. Thanks to everyone who made the day possible!
CHMO’s 1st Valentine Dance
Posted by Sue Wagener | Filed under Events
Thanks to the hard work of staff like Ms. Marsha, Ms. Siri and Ms. Shonda, our youth and staff took part in CHMO’s first ever Valentine Dance on Monday night. Our training room was transformed into a Valentine’s Dance Hall complete with chocolates and other Valentine treats. Youth and staff wore their finest Valentine attire and hit the dance floor when the music started (rumor has it, Ms. Kris is the best dancer!).
Tags: Covenant House Missouri
A Day at Mary Ryder Home
Posted by Sue Wagener | Filed under Covenant House Youth, Events
Ray and Shanda playing a serious game of Uno
A group of our youth recently visited the residents at Mary Ryder home for an afternoon of Uno, Catch Phrase and Wii bowling. Mary Ryder provides a safe home, supportive care and an enriched life to frail elderly who are no longer safe living independently but, because they have little or no money, have few Assisted Living/Residential Care options.
Our youth really enjoyed the experience. Ray, one of our youth thought it would be boring but ended up having a great time and is looking forward to visiting again next month. The residents of Mary Ryder are thrilled to know that CHMO will be back.
Elderly people in need of smiles and laughter, homeless youth in need of loving acceptance… that’s the power of relationship.
Tags: Covenant House, mary ryder home, Youth Success, youth volunteers
Thank You, Dr. Cigno!
Posted by Sue Wagener | Filed under Events
The St. Louis Post Dispatch ran an article about Dr. Cigno and the “Dentistry from the Heart” services he provided to our CHMO teens. Thank you so much for your service!
Tags: dentistry from the heart, dr. dicgno
Stan Musial Gala
Posted by Sue Wagener | Filed under Events
The 2010 Stan Musial Gala was a success thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors and donors who supported the event. We are grateful for your support!
Check out the videos below for a recap of the gala:
