Village of Moms STL
Donate OnlineBuilding Bright Futures by Strengthening Families and Youth through Literacy Equity
2018: Laying the Foundation:
Village of Moms STL was founded by six Black mothers from Saint Louis Public Schools after completing the Neighborhood Leadership Academy, guided by Dr. Vetta Thompson and Vision for Children at Risk. Their mission: provide peer support on education-related challenges like Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and school suspensions.
The organization’s first event at Monsanto YMCA supported 150 families, partnering with 10 agencies, including Ready Readers and St. Louis Crisis Nursery. With 75 reading assessments revealing over 60% of children reading below grade level, literacy became a core focus. Summer partnerships with the North Saint Louis Arts Council and SLMPD for “Take Back the Park” served 200 children with books and enrichment activities, while an anti-bullying project at Central Library involved 120 children.
2019: Expanding Impact:
Village of Moms STL launched “The Reading Village” at O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex, reaching 500 families. This initiative, in partnership with 60 organizations such as Turn the Page STL and the Saint Louis Zoo, delivered vital literacy resources and engagement strategies.
2020: Navigating Challenges:
In partnership with Generate Health, Village of Moms STL formed the Saint Louis Home Visiting Consumer Advisory Board, engaging 20 mothers over a 3-year project. They were honored with the Alderman Gregory Carter Community Champion Award, and co-founder Alecia Deal received the Community of Change Award. During the pandemic, the organization adapted “The Reading Village” to a virtual format, engaging 50 families.
2021: Advocacy and Growth:
Village of Moms STL advocated at Missouri’s Child Advocacy Day for teacher pay raises, mental health services, and early childhood outreach. They partnered with St. Louis Crisis Nursery to serve 150 families with books and resources in “The Reading Village.”
2022: New Partnerships:
Village of Moms STL moved into Clay School, collaborating with the Black Healers Collective, and hosted “The Reading Village,” serving 200 families with books and essential resources.
2023: Literacy and Community Support:
Village of Moms STL was nominated for Turn the Page STL’s Early Childhood Literacy Champion Award and piloted “Baby Steps University,” a program designed to celebrate infant milestones and support early childhood development. They supported 150 families through “The Reading Village” and 300 families through a Back-to-School event in partnership with ARCHES. Additionally, they provided clothing to 300 families through a “Spring Shopping Spree” collaboration.
2024: Celebrating and Expanding:
In June, Village of Moms STL hosted “The Reading Village Gala,” honoring foster care providers, while the “Glam Moms Café” served 100 mothers and 150 children with pampering and essential resources. The upcoming “SpookyVille and Harvest Fest” in October will serve 500 families with food, candy, and community resources.
How You Can Support the Mission?
Your contributions can make a profound difference. Village of Moms STL relies on donors and funders to continue its life-changing work. Here’s how you can contribute:
- Direct Donations: Financial gifts help sustain ongoing programs like “The Reading Village,” “Baby Steps University,” and advocacy efforts. Your support ensures these initiatives reach more families across Saint Louis.
- Event Sponsorship: Help fund community events such as “The Reading Village,” which brings resources and joy to hundreds of families. Corporate sponsorships can also amplify your brand’s commitment to social good.
- In-Kind Donations: Village of Moms STL welcomes in-kind donations such as books, school supplies, clothing, and technology to support literacy and development programs.
- Grant Funding: Long-term support through grant funding allows Village of Moms STL to expand their footprint, develop new programs, and achieve their goal of establishing a brick-and-mortar location.
In conclusion, Village of Moms STL has been a beacon of support and empowerment since its founding in 2018 by six Black mothers from Saint Louis Public Schools. Rooted in the mission of providing peer support for education-related challenges, the organization has evolved into a key player in the community, delivering vital resources, literacy programs, and advocacy. Beginning with their first event at Monsanto YMCA, where 150 families received support, Village of Moms STL has consistently expanded its reach, partnering with agencies to serve the growing needs of Saint Louis families.
From 2018, when literacy became a central focus after identifying that over 60% of children were reading below grade level, to the launch of “The Reading Village” in 2019, which impacted 500 families, the organization has seen tremendous growth. By 2020, Village of Moms STL had adapted to challenges such as the pandemic, continuing to engage families virtually and forming a 3-year Saint Louis Home Visiting Consumer Advisory Board. Advocacy efforts in 2021 further cemented their role in pushing for mental health services and early childhood outreach.
Their partnerships flourished in 2022, as they moved into Clay School and expanded their “Reading Village” program, supporting hundreds of families with books and essential resources. By 2023, Village of Moms STL had piloted “Baby Steps University” and continued to bring literacy and community support to over 150 families. Their “Spring Shopping Spree” alone provided clothing to 300 families.
As they continue to celebrate their milestones in 2024, Village of Moms STL is preparing for more impactful events like “SpookyVille and Harvest Fest,” which will serve 500 families in October. Through it all, the organization has collected and distributed over 1,000 bags of diapers and 20,000 books, trained 500 parents, supported 200 pregnant moms, and engaged 800 babies through community events. They’ve reached over 3,000 youth, hosted 80 events, planned over 200, and attended 15 Child Advocacy Days, all with the help of 75 agency partners.
Your support is essential to continue this journey. Whether through direct donations, event sponsorships, in-kind contributions, or grant funding, every bit helps Village of Moms STL further their mission of fostering literacy, supporting families, and creating lasting change in the Saint Louis community. Together, we can ensure a brighter future for thousands of families across the region.