Since July, we've successfully completed two major projects. In July we co-sponsored a summer recreation program for ages 5-15 for almost 80 kids and some days close to100 that included weekly swimming and skating events, as well as a daily lunch program. In addition to a field trip to the St Louis Zoo we provided arts & crafts along with a reading program and cooking classes & nutrition. This was all achieved by bringing together a number of agencies in the Metro area as well as our community.

Just this past weekend we enjoyed a Health Fair and Gospel Fest which was attended by well ver 300 persons. We were able to provide free food & drinks along with fantastic music. Additionally, we gave away school supplies & vouchers for food to area grocery stores.

The work continues, our safe haven after-school mentoring program is coming together and we look forward to our Grand Opening soon. There are a few things (like funding) that still need to be worked out,but we' re hopeful. Any ideas or sources for funding are welcome.

I am married,mother of two adult boys,three grandchildren and retired after 35 years with the Madison County Sheriff's Department where I worked in administration.

I also served on the Venice Park Board, an elected position and am a past member of the Venice Charter School Board. I've been active in my community for as long as I can recall. I currently serve as a member of a coalition for drug free communities in the Tri City area, and truancy board for Madison County.

I am active in church, where my husband pastors and I teach bible study classes. My faith substains me in all that I do

I spent a year in Taipai, Tiawan while my husband was in the U S Army