Helping homeless and at-risk youth discover their potential

2013 Annual Report

Dear Friends,

For more than fifteen years, Covenant House Missouri has been a place of hope and direction for homeless teens. The vast majority of our youth come to us from a past filled with abuse, neglect and poverty. Many of them are forced to flee their homes to escape unhealthy and unstable environments. Yet through all of these struggles, our youth show a tremendous resilience and are resourceful in obtaining what they need to survive. When you open these pages, you will see the enormous potential that our youth possess.

Internally, our youth seek the desire to change, but often lack the skills, tools and resources needed to make that change happen. That’s why Covenant House Missouri’s services are so critical to these young people. Our programs help youth develop character and life skills which allow them to become self-sufficient, productive and contributing members of our community.

Our continued success is made possible by the support of our donors, Board of Directors, volunteers and our many community partners. Thank you for taking the time to read about the positive impact Covenant House Missouri is making in the lives of homeless and at-risk youth in the St. Louis area.

Respectfully,

Suzanne Wagener, Executive Director

Crisis ServicesThe Crisis Program provides youth with safe, temporary shelter coupled with intensive support services to help youth regain stabilization and ultimately achieve self-sufficiency.

Transitional Living ProgramThe Transitional Living Program (TLP) provides a stable and supportive living environment for youth while they work to develop the skills and tools needed to achieve adult independence. Thirty-two (32) beds are available for youth and the length of stay is up to 24 months. Youth who are enrolled in TLP are required to work toward their educational goals, have a job and save 60% of their income, which they can utilize after discharge from the program.

Mobile Street OutreachOn a regular basis, the Outreach Team patrols identified streets and neighborhoods in an effort to identify youth in crisis and offer them supplies including food, drinks, clothing, blankets and personal care items, as well as emergency assistance, social service referrals and/or counseling. Additionally, the Team provides Safe Outreach, conducting Runaway Prevention presentations to at-risk youth at area high schools and detention centers.

The program provides 20 crisis beds, 24 hours per day with a length of stay up to 45 days.

Covenant House Missouri helped 284 homeless youth through the Crisis Program; 50% of these youth were from St Louis County.

77% of youth served through the Crisis Program were discharged to safe and stable housing.

48 youth were served through the Transitional Living Program; 90% of these youth were successfully discharged to safe and appropriate living arrangements.

87% of youth served through the Transitional Living Program established savings accounts prior to discharge; the average savings amount was $1,130.

Our Impact In 2013

Mobile Street Outreach services were provided to 3,855 street and at-risk youth.

65 runaway prevention presentations were provided to 2,048 youth.

Our Impact In 2013

SUPPORT SERVICESCHMO provides a comprehensive array of support services to both residential and community youth. Services include:

Counseling – individual, group and family counseling is offered on a regular basis and is designed to address issues of self-esteem, substance abuse, physical, sexual or emotional abuse, as well as the daily challenges that affect youth. All residential youth are expected to attend group counseling. Family and individual counseling is provided on an as needed basis.

Medical Services – CHMO offers on-site medical services including physicals, TB tests and general medical care provided by a certified nurse.

GED and Educational Services – includes adult basic education, tutoring, literacy education and GED preparation, testing and certification. Upon enrollment, youth complete an initial assessment to determine their needs and develop a customized learning plan. Services are delivered daily by the GED Instructor along with certified volunteer tutors.

GED classes and tutorial services were provided to 171 youth; 67 youth improved their grade level; 11 youth earned their GED.*

*Given the enormous challenge of obtaining a GED for our youth who test on average at a 5th grade reading, writing and math level, CHMO measures progress by increasing grade level(s).

Employment Services – are designed to prepare youth for the world of work and include an initial assessment, job readiness classes, expansive internship opportunities, career counseling and job placement. Job readiness classes are conducted on a daily basis by the Employment Counselor.

Life Skills Classes – classes are offered on a daily basis and are taught by staff and volunteers who possess particular expertise in the topics offered. The list of subject areas is continually updated and includes: assertiveness training, budgeting and banking, cleaning, health care and hygiene, home maintenance and repair, money management and personal safety.

Drop In Center – located just across the street from the Center for Youth, the Drop In Center offers attractive developmental programs open to all CHMO youth, as well as community youth. Program offerings have been significantly expanded over the past three years to include arts, health, fitness, social and cultural outings and volunteer opportunities.

Aftercare Program – As youth complete their goals and prepare to exit the program, staff complete a Discharge Summary, which measures their ability to secure safe and stable housing. This enables us to measure the long-term sustainability of youth. The agency’s Aftercare Worker focuses on helping youth use their knowledge and skills after discharge. Currently, the Aftercare Program is geared toward youth who have a history of mental health concerns. CHMO is hopeful that increased funding will allow the program to be expanded to include all youth who are exiting our services.

This past year, 111 youth started working at their first job after receiving employment services.

96 Life Skills classes were taught to youth; post-test results show that 90% of youth increased their knowledge on subjects such as budgeting, cooking and interviewing skills.

Daniel’s Story“Daniel” came to Covenant House Missouri (CHMO) after his sister successfully completed the Transitional Living Program. Daniel was living with his mother previously; however, this environment was emotionally unhealthy. When he first came to CHMO, his grades were failing and he was showing signs of low self-esteem. Daniel began receiving counseling services through the agency’s on-site comprehensive mental health program. He developed positive peer relationships and gained healthy adult role models at CHMO. Daniel began showing progress both at school and socially. His grades began to improve, and so did his outlook on life. He graduated from high school and went on to enroll at a local university - at the same school as his sister. Daniel’s major is undecided currently, but his goal is to become an educator and a basketball coach, which will give him the opportunity to help youth that may be struggling just as he once was.

Ashley’s StoryAshley discovered Covenant House Missouri when she fled from an abusive adoptive home. She had no relatives or support network to help her through this time. Ashley enrolled in CHMO’s Crisis Program, where she was able to stabilize and begin to set goals for permanent housing. She then moved to the Transitional Living Program, which gave her a long-term housing option while receiving needed support services, such as counseling, case management, tutorial services and employment assistance. This support and guidance helped Ashley to find direction in her life. Ashley is now a proud member of our military services! She has completed her AIT training and is excited about what the military has to offer her in the future. Ashley recently told one of CHMO’s counselors that joining the military was “the best decision of my life.” CHMO staff members continue to remain in contact with Ashley and recently sent her a care package for her birthday. Ashley is grateful to Covenant House Missouri for providing her with the safety and structure that she needed to succeed.

At Covenant House Missouri

CONTRIBUTIONS, REVENUES & OTHER SUPPORT Contributions From Individuals, Corporations & Private Foundations – $1,110,203

Contributed Services & Merchandise - $47,836

Government Grants - $824,003

Special Event Revenue (gross) - $399,125

Covenant House International Support - $931,000

Investment & Other Income - $36,288

TOTAL - $3,348,455

EXPENSES

Program Services - $2,609,125

Management & General - $281,075

Fundraising - $79,061

Special Events - $101,660

TOTAL - $3,070,921

We are proud to share that Covenant House Missouri recently received its fourth consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s most-utilized independent evaluator of charities. This coveted rating recognizes agencies for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. According to Charity Navigator, only 6% of the charities rated have received at least four consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that “CHMO outperforms most other charities in America”. This “exceptional” designation from Charity Navigator differentiates CHMO from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.

FY 2013 AUDITED FINANCIAL DATA

28%33%

1%

25%

12%

1%

3%

85%

3%9%

Covenant House Missouri special events offer each participant the opportunity to do more than help fund our mission – they are a fun way to connect with Covenant House Missouri youth who are discovering their potential.

Executive Sleep Out

In November each year, executives and business leaders across the nation spend one night sleeping outside on the streets to show solidarity with homeless teens. Executives in our area raised more than $217,000 this year to support the work of Covenant House Missouri – funds that will help the agency bring youth from homelessness to opportunity. Here are a few thoughts shared with us by St. Louis executives and civic leaders who slept out in support of the youth at Covenant House Missouri:

“I am humbled by the strength and bravery of the youth I’ve met tonight. Some people are dealt very different hands through no fault of their own. They face overwhelming challenges. I am remarkably blessed.”

– Colleen Raley, Edward Jones

“(I am) optimistic about the powerful impact Covenant House is having on these youth.”

– Jim Fox, SuddenLink

“We should be doing more to help these kids. They have dreams and drive. We should give them the tools to achieve (their dreams).”

– George Pace, Global Technology Practice

“These kids are tough and resilient. They are much more optimistic than I would be in their circumstances.”

– Jeff Rainford, Chief of Staff, Mayor Slay’s Office – City of St. Louis

Stan Musial Hall of Fame Gala

Stan and Lillian Musial were passionate about the plight of homeless teens. For more than two decades, the Musials dedicated their time and resources to help give these youth a voice in our community. To honor their work with Covenant House Missouri, we introduced the Stan Musial Hall of Fame Award and the Lillian Musial Beacon of Hope Award. The Stan Musial Hall of Fame Award acknowledges CHMO alums who have demonstrated the qualities that Stan was famous for – sportsmanship, self-discipline and treating people with respect and dignity. The Lillian Musial Beacon of Hope Award recognizes an individual(s) who has embodied Lillian’s spirit of selfless giving.

This year, CHMO also introduced Lou and Jackie Brock as honorary hosts of the Stan Musial Hall of Fame Gala. The Brocks have pledged to carry on Stan Musial’s tradition to help homeless and at-risk youth build a better life for themselves. Our agency is humbled by the Brock’s commitment to help those most in need in the St. Louis area.

Your financial support enables CHMO to continue to “Discover Their Potential.” Learn more and donate at www.covenanthousemo.org. You can also follow our on-line blog, “like” us on Facebook and visit our You Tube page.

Tributes and Memorials: Make a gift in recognition of a special occasion or in memory of a loved one.

Charitable Gift Annuity: Allows you to donate cash, securities or other assets and receive a secured fixed income for as long as you live.

Make a Bequest: Leaving a bequest to Covenant House Missouri creates a life-changing legacy for the future through your will.

In-Kind Donations: Help youth in need by donating new underwear, socks, sheets, towels, hygiene products (deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, soap, etc.) or gently used clothing, coats, hats, gloves and blankets.

Volunteer Opportunities: Donating your time to tutor, conduct mock interviews, teach a class, volunteer with one of our special events, or simply help out with clerical work helps CHMO keep expenses down and allows us to provide more direct resources to the youth. Both individual and group volunteers are welcome. You can sign up to volunteer at www.covenanthousemo.org.

YOP Tax Credits: The Missouri Department of Economic Development allows certain social service providers to offer 50% tax credits to donors. You will be able to eliminate a portion of your Missouri tax obligation through your donation to CHMO. Find out more by contacting Sue Wagener at swagener@covenanthousemo.org.

Special Events: Buying a ticket or sponsorship to our CHMO Stan Musial Hall of Fame Gala is a fun way to raise funds to support our youth. Visit www.stanmusialgala.org for more information. You can also support one of our executive sleepers through a tax deductible gift. More information is available at www.covenanthousemo.org.

Established in 1998, Covenant House Missouri (CHMO) exists to assist homeless, runaway and at-risk youth to enable them to become independent, productive and contributing members of society. Our mission states:

We who recognize God’s providence and fidelity to His people are dedicated to living out His covenant among ourselves and those children we serve with absolute respect and unconditional love. That commitment calls us to serve suffering children of the street and to protect and safeguard all children. Just as Christ in His humanity is the visible sign of God’s presence among His people, so our efforts together in the covenant community are a visible sign that reflects the presence of God, working through the Holy Spirit among ourselves and our kids.

Covenant House Missouri has more than 15 years of experience in providing quality services to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth. This is combined with the expertise of our parent organization, Covenant House, Inc., which is the single largest provider of food, shelter, emergency and support services in the country and has served more than one million youth since 1972.

“In order to respect and honor our donors’ anonymity, we have chosen to not include a list of our supporters’ names. We extend our sincere gratitude to our donors who make it possible for us to provide quality services to youth in need.”

Paul Kindl, Chair President, Kindl & Associates

Dave Ryan, Vice ChairArea Sales Manager, Audi of America

Diane Compardo, TreasurerPrincipal, Moneta Group

Marty Hereford, SecretaryPartner, Armstrong Teasdale LLP

Jim Klimt Vice President of Sales, Duke Manufacturing

Jon NienasUS Strategic Accounts Lead, Monsanto

Kathy PetersonNational Marketing Director, Monsanto

Colleen RaleyPartner, Marketing, Edward Jones

Rachel Keller Brown Principal, Pelopidas LLC

Dan Woods Retired, Mallinckrodt Michael DoyleVice President Mission, Mercy Clinic

Covenant House Missouri

2727 North Kingshighway Blvd. | St. Loius, MO 63113 | 314-450-7699 www.covenanthousemo.org