Lifewise STL

Lifewise early childhood center provides high quality childcare and preschool education for nearly 100 children, ages 6 weeks - 5 years. Center is open year-round and primarily benefits low-income families who need childcare because they are employed, in school or in training. Families pay the fee for service through their childcare subsidies, while others pay according to a sliding scale fee structure. Center is a head start and early head start program provider through ywca. Center is accredited under the Missouri accreditation of programs for children and youth, is a member of united 4 children, which provides technical support and in-service training. Health screenings and developmental evaluations are done throughout the year. Extra resources are provided as needed. The center participates in the usda child nutrition program.

Lifewise is committed to promoting the wellness of all adult participants in every area of their life, including economic wellness services, emotional and physical wellness services. Through the support of certified financial social workers, economic wellness participants receive coaching around budgeting, building credit, and participating in match savings programs to purchase a home, auto, attend school or start a business. Lifewise employs a team of mental health professionals who bring a variety of expertise to both groups and individual therapy including internal family systems, dialectical behavioral therapy, play therapy, parent child interaction therapy, trauma informed cognitive behavioral therapy, perinatal mood and anxiety disorder expertise, and more. Approximately 1,400 individuals served yearly. 35% of participants identify as hispanic/latino and 45% identify as african american/black. Many adult participants have children engaged in Lifewise programs for children and youth.

Lifewise youth programs include after school program, 6-week literacy-focused summer camp and Lifewise academy, a program helping teens graduate from high school and advance into college or vocation. After school program serves 60 children ages 6-14 providing a safe and academically focused environment conducive to homework help, supplemental educational curriculum and activities. Lifewise partners with the st. louis learning disabilities association for a specialized tutoring program. Lifewise is an official cdf freedom school program partner. Over 140 children ages 6-15 years are served through freedom school camp. Program plays a needed role in helping curb summer learning loss and close achievement gaps. Lifewise academy provides academic enrichment, social-emotional support, life skills and job readiness activities to teens to better prepare them for a post-secondary institution and/or the workforce. 100 teens served year-round, approximately 25 per grade.

The americorps senior companion program provides meaningful volunteer opportunities for people 55+ to combat social isolation and loneliness by providing companionship and encouragement to other older adults living in the community as well as respite for their family caregivers. Volunteers who are income-qualified receive a tax-free stipend and mileage reimbursement for their time so there is no cost to volunteering and clients and caregivers always receive the service free-of-charge.the senior resiliency fund is a 6-month program that combines life-stage specific classes; individual coaching with a certified financial social worker; a benefits checkup/economic case management; and 2:1 savings match (up to $400 for $200 saved) for funds saved in a savings account. Our goal is to increase capability, connection, and community for older adults in the st. louis region. To do so, we will promote healthy financial behaviors and increase financial capability when 100% of participants will utilize savings accounts.