[Youth names and pictures have been changed to protect privacy.]

Lauren lived in four different housing programs before learning about Covenant House Missouri's Transitional Living Program. Lauren was given the opportunity to have stable, long-term housing while developing the skills needed to live independently.

Lauren has taken full advantage of the comprehensive services offered at CHMO. The Social Workers at CHMO helped her re-enroll in high school. While in school, Lauren joined the ROTC, which has helped her face adversity with strength and courage. Lauren was so proud when she received her high school diploma — but her accomplishments don't stop there.

Lauren also graduated from CHMO's Employment Program and worked as a Garden Ranger, which provided her with on-the-job training for six months. Lauren went on to pursue the CHMO Job Internship Program with Panera Bread Company. After completing this internship, she began working at Panera Café and continues to receive exemplary reviews from her supervisors. Lauren is now living in her own apartment and will be attending Meramec Community College this fall.

Lauren express her emotions in healthy ways, such as writing poetry. She recently received second place in a poetry contest at her school. Read an excerpt from one of her works:

1. Belief first starts in thoughts of empowerment.
2. By first looking beneath the surface.
3. Our five senses that challenge our minds to think.
4. Every single sense should be your faith in there is belief in tomorrow.
5. The blank page is there waiting to be filled.

[Youth names and pictures have been changed to protect privacy.]

His mother disappeared and has not been seen or heard from since the last day he spoke with her three years ago. With his mother's disappearance, Stephon and his siblings were displaced, not having very many housing options. Stephon, his brother, and his sister moved to CHMO so they could gain some stability and graduate from high school, pursue higher education, and obtain and sustain employment.

Although his situation was very tragic, Stephon maintained his 3.9 GPA as a senior at Roosevelt High School. After applying to several different colleges including Harvard, Stephon was accepted into University of Missouri's engineering program. When the staff speaks of him, they speak with pride and compassion, "he is respectful, cares about others, and very appreciative of the Sanctuary he lived in while at Covenant House." Stephon stated, "CHMO was a great source for building skills to get on your feet and succeed."

Stephon is currently a junior at Mizzou and although it has been a challenge, he is determined to succeed and receive his dual degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Stephon's accomplishments serve as an example for many of our struggling youth. Through the unconditional love and support provided from the staff at Covenant House Missouri, Stephon has excelled in ways that at one time seemed nearly impossible. Stephon returns to CHMO during his breaks from college to talk to youth, share his story and assist them in any way he can.

One of our youth recently graduated from the Nex-Tech program and obtained employment as a machinist, which inspired Chris to want to contribute more to the agency. As a father of two teenage boys and with extensive business experience, Chris has utilized his knowledge and expertise to improve our youths' chance of success. "It really pains me to see people who are struggling at such an early age," Chris said. "I believe that everybody needs people in their corner. Many people complain that our community is crumbling. We all get to choose ~ efforts into complaints, or efforts into contribution.

Chris comes to CHMO to conduct mock interviews with our youth who are in the Employment Program. This unique program feature affords youth the opportunity to gain valuable insight and feedback from area business leaders on how to conduct themselves during the interview process.

Additionally, Chris has provided health and fitness classes to CHMO youth. Our youth have noted that these informative classes have helped them live more healthful lives by giving them specific, manageable ways to change unhealthy behaviors.

Chris said, "CHMO has enriched my own life. It's been a fabulous addition to my experience."

Volunteers are an integral part of CHMO's past and future successes. We appreciate all that our volunteers do to further our mission!