Self-Sufficiency with Dignity

SPRING 2017 EPWORTH.ORG

Governing BoardChris Jones, ChairBryan LeMoine, Past Chair John Lindbloom, TreasurerDean Kpere-Daibo, Secretary

Sarah Baiocchi Cathy CampbellHon. Shamed DoganKimberly Eilerts Kenneth Freeman Kimberly Gannon Kimberly Hamacher Hon. Jeanne Kirkton Eric MarquardtPrincess McDaniels Charles MiskoJulie MorrisonFrank Neuner Meg PetriRev. Sheila SledgeAndrew Waggoner Johanna Wharton

EmeritusWilliam K. BuschBarbara BushKatie CloydCarol CookeJames HillJulia Grubb

Ex-OfficioLinda Guth-StanglYvette RichardsBishop Robert FarrLondia Granger-WrightShari Scott

Chief Executive OfficerMichelle Tucker

APRIL 28, 2017Epworth Children & Family Services110 North Elm AvenueWebster Groves, MO 63119

10:00 – 11:30 Boutique and Bakery11:30 – 1:00 Luncheon and Motown Musical

TicketsBy April 20 Contact: Kim Hartmann - Events Coordinator khartmann@epworth.org314-918-3411

About the Epworth AuxiliaryThe Epworth Auxiliary was established more than 50 years ago to provide the agency with a cadre of dedicated ambassadors to assist with community outreach, legislative advocacy, program needs and fundraising. Historically, each volunteer has been associated with a United Methodist church in the St. Louis region. Today, the Auxiliary welcomes volunteers from any faith or community-based organization that shares Epworth’s vision of helping children, youth and families achieve self-sufficiency with dignity. The Auxiliary meets at Epworth’s Webster Groves campus on the first Monday of the month, from September through May. For membership information, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Margaret Mahan: mmahan@epworth.org 314-918-3330.

Spotlight on StrengthHow Support Becomes Success

Epworth Auxiliary Spring Luncheon!

Give Online!

110 N. Elm AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63119

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDSt. Louis, MO

Permit No. 537

For more information, visit Epworth.org

3/17

Ke’Ron Williams has accomplished a lot in his 21 years. Like many kids who grow up in foster care, he has faced the loss of his parents and the fear of transitioning out of the foster care program to life on his own. However, he has made the most of the resources your donations provide to him. With your support, this hardworking young man has made a successful transition to independent adulthood.

(continued on page 2)

Want to make your charitable gift stretch further?

Epworth Children & Family Services offers Missouri state tax credits for contributions of $1,000 or more. Want to know if your donation qualifies? Please email abuettner@Epworth.org or call 314.918.3382.

2017 Tax Credits are limited! Secure yours today by making a donation or completing a pledge form at www.epworth.org/donate.

*As with any gift, the amount that is tax-deductible is dependent on individual financial circumstances. The figures charted assume a 35% tax bracket. Consult your tax advisor to determine your exact savings.

Tax CreditsGift Amount

Federal Income Tax Charitable Deduction

Federal Income State Income Tax Deduction

Missouri State Income Tax Charitable Deduction

Missouri State Income Tax Credit (50%)

NET COST OF GIFT* = $265

SAMPLE GIFT:$1,000

-$350

$175

-$60

-$500

EPWORTHChildren & Family ServicesEPWORTH

Children & Family Services

Visit www.epworth.org/donate to: • Make a donation or set up a recurring contribution • Direct a tribute gift • Arrange transfer of stocks, bonds or mutual funds • Give directly from your Fidelity or Schwab Donor Advised Fund, using DAF Direct • May 11th is Give STL Day! Follow Epworth on Facebook www.facebook.com/EpworthSTL or Twitter @EpworthSTL to participate, or go directly to giveSTLday.org

Shopping? Designate Epworth through Amazon Smile!Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible Amazon Smile purchases to Epworth whenever you shop on Amazon Smile. Just log in to your Amazon account via smile.amazon.com and choose the benefiting charity – Epworth Children & Family Services in St. Louis, Missouri.

As a teenager, Williams participated in Epworth’s Chafee Foster Care Independence Program. The program, part of Epworth’s Older Youth Services (OYS) department, provides life skills education and individualized assistance to foster children ages 14-21. “Most young people acquire everyday life skills as they grow up within their families,” says Deanna Allsman, the department’s Assistant Director. “They learn practical things like cooking, cleaning, managing their finances. And they learn how to take care of themselves – how to evaluate relationships, eat properly, stay healthy. For kids aging out of foster care, many of these lessons come from the Chafee program.”

Every year, dozens of young St. Louisans exit the foster care system. The transition can be abrupt. “They reach their 21st birthday and state funding ends,” Allsman says. “They are on their own. They don’t have the benefit of family support for a gradual transition to adulthood. Thanks to our donors, we are able to help kids stay engaged in school and find employment. We help with college applications, prom expenses and senior photos, and we celebrate graduations. We also prepare youth for job interviews, assist with résumés and lease applications -- whatever they need to get ready for the transition out of foster care.”

In addition to Life Skills, Williams participated in OYS leadership opportunities like the Youth Advisory Board. The statewide Board is composed of foster youth representatives. Each year the group develops a legislative agenda to improve the lives of kids in care. They visit the state capital to advocate for their priorities with lawmakers. “We met with Governor Nixon and several legislators and advocated for a bill that gives foster kids the right to return to the system if they need to until they are 21,” Williams says. The bill passed.

Epworth also provides Youth Leadership Camp, a three-day weekend program at Camp Wyman in Eureka. Camp was Williams’ favorite activity. “I liked the zip line and the s’mores and just talking and getting to know each other -- everyone being together.” He plans to return to Camp as a counselor.

Williams graduated from high school on schedule and completed Army Basic Training in South Carolina. Allsman says OYS staff enjoyed the letters he sent while he was away. When he returned to St. Louis, he moved back in with his last foster family and joined the Army Reserves. He proudly serves one weekend a month and two weeks in summer.

About a year after he returned to St. Louis, his foster father passed away suddenly, and Williams found himself without a place to stay. He turned to Epworth for assistance. OYS staff found him a place in a youth shelter while he applied for an apartment in Epworth’s Independent Living Program (ILP) and participated in our Project Xcel Pre-Employment classes. Through an Xcel partnership, he trained as a security guard at Ballpark Village. Now employed full-time by Securitas, Williams is saving money, gradually taking over 100% of his living expenses, and preparing to exit ILP when he turns 22. For his next move, he has his sights set on attending the police academy. “I want to be a police officer because I like helping people. I’m good at calming everyone down in a tense situation,” Williams says.

“Ke’Ron is a goal-oriented young man,” Allsman says, “and he really does care about people. He often talks through his decisions with our staff and really listens to what we have to say.” Recently, Williams made a big decision. He completed financial education classes through Epworth and saved $1,000 in an Individual Development Account, with United Way matching his savings 2:1. He needed a car, not only for daily transportation, but also for traveling to his monthly Reserves drill training. Allsman was concerned. “Our kids often get taken advantage of when they make a big purchase like a car. They get talked into high interest loans and sold cars that are in poor condition.” Fortunately, Williams had the opportunity to participate in a new Epworth partnership with Frank Leta Acura. The Leta Charitable Foundation provides additional funds to match youths’ savings, and the dealership sets youth up with a used car in good condition and a service plan. Williams was the first youth to benefit from this new program. In February, he purchased a 2008 Honda Civic in excellent condition. “I don’t think he’s stopped smiling since we picked up his car,” Allsman says.

2 11

Spotlight on StrengthHow Support Becomes Success  (continued from cover)

Ke’Ron Williams saved for his first car and recently purchased a 2008 Honda Civic through Epworth’s new partnership with Frank Leta Acura

2016 Epworth Honor Roll

GROUNDBREAKER (continued) $1,000-$2,499 Paul and Patricia BrownPaul LanciaPfizer FoundationPhil DeSarnoRaymond and Barbara FlunkerReed LowRich SchilfRick and Lisa GansRobert MinklerRobert WilliamsRobin DelmerRon HamelScott and Anne SeiffertShamed and Sara DoganSirus and Kendra KarimiSt. Louis Christmas Carol AssociationSt. Louis Italian Invitational Golf Tournament for CharitiesSt. Mark’s United Methodist ChurchSteve and Barbara AdamsSteve and Julia BrncicSteve and Karen ReeseStifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc.Suburban Journals Old Newsboys- Fund for ChildrenSusan McDowellTerry and Joan KorpalTerry and Sara BuehlerTimothy LackeyTom and Amy MackowiakTom and Betsy WheelerToni MonroeWarren and Kathryn BettsWhite Stone Fund IncWilliam C. Schmidt

ADVOCATE $500-$999Amy and Eric PostAnn and William SeabaughAnne MalyszkoAnthony CancilaArnold W. and Hazel A. Donald Charitable Fund

of the St. Louis Community FoundationAT&TBenevity Community Impact FundBill BrounBob TisoneBonnie PotterBrad NowakChris and Cathleen JonesChristine and Richard EasonClayton School District Parent Teacher Organization CouncilCollege UMC UMWCommunity Christian ChurchDarcy RiegelDarren MeyerDavid and Paula FriedmanDavid and Victoria SamuelsDavid YatesDonald and Ruth CarrEBSO, INC.Ellen Doiron and John DonaghyGary MuensterGlenridge Elementary SchoolGrace UMC- Saint LouisGreater St. Louis Business Aviators AssociationGwenllian CloptonHarold and Virginia PottsHayden ParksHenry F. & Roberta H. Niemann Memorial FundIBM CorporationJames and Marilyn WelchJames and Pam KrekelerJared BaumannJeff KarpelJennifer and Paul ArendesJennifer ScharfJohn and June FlemingJohn BearJohn JudsonJohn MurphyJoseph and Marcia AmbroseJoseph and Robin McClanathanJoshua MillerKeith M. LinnenbringerKenneth and Patricia FreemanKiwanis Club of Glendale - Kirkwood AD

Larry W. NeebLeslie TemkinLisa SchepersLyndsey WatsonLynne JohnsonMelvin and Norma LindsayMercy Health Foundation Ministry St. LouisMichael and Sharon MantiaMichele Sue Shumake-KellerMid America Technology Users AssociationNathan ZelinskePaul BelferPaul JorjorianPEO Sisterhood Chapter L UPhil CooperRay SaleebyRick and Ellen StreamRobert and Onita HarperRubinBrown LLPRyan DodsonScottradeSonlight Family Center CorporationSt. Luke’s UMC UMWStacy Jurado-MillerStephanie KorpalSteve and Helen ChestnutSunnenSusie SchulteThomas and Cynthia MitchellTim and Melissa WalshTracy BerryTransformation UMCTravelers Community ConnectionTrinity UMC of Piedmont, UMWUnited Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New JerseyUS BankWebster Hills UMC UMW

*Epworth Children & Family Services regrets the misspelling of names or the omission of any gift.

Thank you!

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Volunteer SpotlightJason Main

“What’s the best thing to do with really great wine?” Jason Main, Owner and Sommelier at the Wine Merchant, answers his own question: “Share it with friends. Really share. Tell the story of the wine and how you came by the bottle.”

That’s the experience Main creates for guests each November at Epworth’s annual Wine Dinner & Auction. By volunteering his time and expertise, he has made the event the only one of its kind in Missouri – an evening that wine lovers look forward to as a chance to support Epworth while learning about rare wines and sharing them with friends over a five-course dinner at the Ritz Carlton.

“Instead of relying on a collector with a 5,000-bottle wine cellar, we use the resources of the Wine Merchant to create an equivalent experience by selecting wines for each course and using our knowledge of wine and food to create exceptional pairings,” Main says.

“Really rare wines need explanation to be fully appreciated, so we came up with the concept of having multiple sommeliers on hand to serve tableside and explain what you’re drinking and how the pairing was made.” Each year, Main recruits more than 20 sommeliers from restaurants and wine distributors throughout St. Louis. “Even though it’s a busy time of year, it’s an easy sell,” he says. “They hear about Epworth and what the agency does, and they want to help.”

Growing up in a family that appreciated good food and wine sparked Main’s professional interest. He developed his knowledge

while working in the restaurant industry, and, prior to joining the Wine Merchant, he qualified for Certification by the international Court of Master Sommeliers.

Since purchasing the business, Main has realized his vision of The Wine Merchant as a store where customers have access to thoroughly researched wines and a staff that can speak knowledgeably about every product. “Everyone on staff tastes 95% of what we put on the shelves.” The store offers classes, wine tastings, and presentations by experts from all over the world.Main also credits his family with his philanthropic focus. “When I was a kid, we always had foster children staying with us, or friends who needed a place to stay, so I understand the challenges Epworth youth face.” When Main was asked to lend his expertise to the Wine Dinner, he didn’t hesitate.

“I wanted to make The Wine Merchant a partner in Epworth’s Wine Dinner because, if you channel your resources into a cause you care passionately about, you can do something profound.”

Main continues to add new elements to the annual event. In 2016, he and his co-chair, Dr. Gregg Berdy, introduced sommelier-guided travel packages to Oregon vineyards as an auction item. They are currently working to develop travel opportunities to French and Italian vineyards. Main and Berdy will co-chair Epworth’s 15th Annual Wine Dinner & Auction on Saturday November 11, 2017.

2016 Epworth Honor RollThank you!AMBASSADOR (continued) $2,500-$4,999 Kohls Department Stores, Inc. Community Relations - AIALarry and Trudith DouglasMargaret Petri and John JokerstMary and Jeffrey GentschMissouri Department of Elementary and Secondary EducationNate LattimerPeter DulacPinnacle Imports LLCRandal and Gayla NarikeRick and Lynn HillRock and Debbie FosterSalem in Ladue UMCSign Of The Arrow/Pi Beta PhiSt. Louis BluesStifel Bank & TrustThomas and Kelley SchwartzToan- O’Brein FoundationTwo Men and a TruckWebster Groves Presbyterian ChurchWells Fargo Community Support CampaignWilliam and Trina Cotner

GROUNDBREAKER $1,000-$2,499 Aetna PAC ProgramAlan and Jamie KwiatekAndrew and Renee BellAndrew Waggoner and Steven KleekampAnn JohansonAscension Health Ministry Service CenterBetsy DowBill and Trudy LuchiniBill JenkinsBoeing CompanyBrent Becker

Brian and Donna BatemanBrian and Joan HumesBrian and Laura BehrensBrian SullivanBruce and Cecily AffleckBruce and Kathryn Dell Carl ImoChris HyamsClay and Theresa GrumkeCraig and Mary E. BartellsDale and Linda DillDamien BusoldDan HenleyDaniel ReisingDavid and Maureen JordanDavid AsmusDavid OrthweinDerek IsaakDonald and Dorothy BoekemeierDoug and Carmen MuellerEd and Ann VazquezEric LundEvelyn DonnellFirst UMC (Webster Groves)Fischer-Bauer-Knirps FoundationFrank and Madeleine NeunerGive with Liberty CampaignGraham and Tammy DayGreen Trails UMC UMWGreg RobirdsHenry & Sally Schwartz 2010 Family FoundationHertzler, J & E Permanent EndowmentHolly BensonJ.K. and Candy StallingsJack and Janet McLardJames and Karinn Granger James and Lionelle ElsesserJames and Sally WachtmanJanice MacDonaldJason and Jackie AveryJason HarroldJB and Anna NealJeffrey FieldJerry Timmermann

Jim and Alison MarischenJim and Dorothy RittsJim and Elizabeth MarchbankJoe and Dawn KinsellaJoel and Jane HylenJohn and Alice MohrJohn and Erni WoodJohn and Janet LindbloomJohn and Jennifer HeinJohn DavisJohn ScottJohnathan RootJordan ZabelJoseph and Kathy WeyhrichJoseph KramerJulie MorrisonJustin and Sarah SperryKathy WalkerKeith and Andrea LuekingKevin and Cathy McGowanKevin and Diane DrollingerKim HamacherKirksville First UMCLDI Intergrated Pharmacy ServicesLeo and Nancy HaasLisa TurveyLois CramptonLouis DeutschmannMaplewood United Methodist ChurchMargaret MahanMark and Carla WeinheimerMark BasslerMary Ellen Roth and Mark ChellevoldMichael and Bianca GuadagnoliMichael and JaiMin DierbergMichael and Laura AlberswerthMichael and Meredith SantoniMissouri Annual Conference - The United Methodist ChurchMissouri United Methodist FoundationMonsanto FundNational Order of Eastern StarNorma L. Shelp Rev Living TrustNormandy UMCPat and Joan Esserman

“If you channel your resources into a cause you care passionately about, you can do something profound.”

Jason MainOwner and Sommelier at the Wine Merchant

E P W O R T H

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2016 Epworth Honor RollThank you!INVESTMENT PARTNERS Department of Social Services - Children’s DivisionDevelopmental Disability ResourcesEpworth Ladies’ AuxiliaryEpworth Young Professionals GroupFamily and Youth Services BureauFriends of EpworthHUDProductive Living BoardSt. Louis County Children’s Service FundSt. Louis County Human ServicesSt. Louis Mental Health BoardUnited Methodist Church - MissouriUnited Methodist Church - NationalUnited Way of Greater St. LouisUSDA

VISIONARY $50,000+Betty MelbyCentene CorporationJeffrey FortThomas R. Roe Trust

GUARANTOR $25,000-$49,999 Dana Brown Charitable TrustManchester UMCRobert and Catherine Campbell

TRAILBLAZER $10,000-$24,999Catherine Manley Gaylord FoundationChuck and Cathi VaalerDavid and Donna LeMoineDeaconess FoundationE. SmithElvin and Evelyn LewisEstate of Cleo CarrExpress ScriptsFirst BankFrank and Kerith ThurmanFrank Leta

Gabriel and Sherri BockhorstGregg and Susan BerdyGroves and Carol CookeHerbert and Adrian Woods Foundation c/o Bank of AmericaHerman T. and Phenie R. Pott FoundationJeffrey and Amy CallKevin RobertsMcMahon BergerMichael and Kate KupstasMichael and Kit McCloreyMichael DimarcoNestle PurinaNorman J. Stupp FoundationPershing Charitable TrustRobert and Julia GrubbRoger and Katie WynkoopSaigh FoundationSam and Jill HamacherSpencer, Fane, Britt and Browne LLPSt. Louis Blues Alumni AssociationSt. Louis Unitarian FoundationStan and Beth McCurdySteven and Jodi McCartyU.S. Bank Foundation- Matching Gift Program

CHAMPION $5,000-$9,999 AonBank of AmericaBJC HealthcareBryan and Deb LeMoineDan and Peggy WestDaniel G. Korte and Laurie LandgrafDiane and Scott McCuaigEdward JonesEmployees Community Fund of BoeingEric Marquardt and Sharon TuckerGeneral Council on Finance and AdministrationGreater St. Louis Health FoundationGreg and Cheryl MeierJames and Donna Janning

Jason and Rebecca CornatzerJeff and Susie StuermanJesse and Linda HunterJim and Betsy FosterJoseph and Susie SivewrightKimberly GannonLauren RyffelMichael and Dina PetersenMichael PanicolaMichael RaynerMidwest BankCentreMissouri Coalition for Community Behavioral HealthcareMonarch Private CapitalNationwide Mutual Insurance CompanyPlaza MotorsRaymond and Laurie Van de RietS.M. Wilson & Co.Stefan and Sarah BaiocchiSteve and Ellen DeesUnion Pacific Foundation

AMBASSADOR $2,500-$4,999 A and O Family FundAdam and Dru CaldwellAnders CPAs and AdvisorsBancorpSouth Premier BankingChip and JoAnn MiskoConcord Trinity UMCDave and Beth MartinEllen HendricksonEric and Missi WoodG.T. CozadGenice and Larry SelfGreensfelder, Hemker & Gale, PCGregg and Mary Kate McKeeHenry SaurHwy 61 RoadhouseJason B. DeesJeffrey McCurdyJoe GiraKevin and Ann HemenwayKim EilertsKirkwood UMC

Wine Dinner & Auction Co-Chairs Jason Main and Dr. Gregg Berdy

Epworth Board Chair Bryan LeMoine and Deb LeMoine

TITLE SPONSOR

PREMIERE SPONSORS

PATRON SPONSORS

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

David and Donna LeMoine

Edward Jones, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., Kim Eilerts, Mike Panicola

Dan & Peggy West

SAVE THE DATE!Wine Dinner & AuctionSaturday, November 11, 2017The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis

$377,000Raised

Thank You!

When Daniel Reising was growing up in Webster Groves, he was aware of Epworth and the kids who lived there, but, he says, he didn’t really understand what the agency did or who the kids were. Ten years ago, he joined Epworth as Consulting Psychiatrist in the Residential and Intensive Treatment program. “Now that I know these kids personally, it’s clear that none of them would choose to be in the situation they’re in, but Epworth gives them as normal a life as possible.”

Dr. Reising visits the Webster campus every other week to manage medications for his Epworth patients. Most Residential clients are foster youth who have a significant history of trauma. Many enter the program directly from an inpatient facility. “We see youth with mood disorders, anxiety, ADD, schizophrenia occasionally, and, of course, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” he says.

“My hope is that medication can stabilize our patients so they can get the most benefit from the program. I wish medication alone could be the solution for these kids, but that’s not the case. I’m part of the team, but it’s the Epworth staff therapists who do the heavy lifting.”

“Dr. Reising is an incredible support for our kids,” says Susan Walsh, Clinical Director of the Residential program. “He’s committed to working with all members of the client treatment teams to meet the kids’ needs clinically and pharmaceutically.”

Dr. Reising also supports Epworth as a donor. “My work gives me a unique vantage point on the agency. It makes me all the more appreciative of those donors who give without having the kind of exposure I have to the kids’ immediate needs.”

He gives monthly through Epworth’s recurring donation option, whereby a donor authorizes a monthly transfer from his or her bank. “I’m glad to have the recurring donation option, because it works best with the way I manage my personal finances. I can just plan for that expense every month.”

Soon after he started consulting at Epworth, Dr. Reising noticed another opportunity to support the organization. A passionate gardener, he offered to donate plants and volunteer his time on weekends to rebuild a garden bed in front of the Social Services building where he sees his patients. Ten years later, his carefully nurtured perennial garden is a bright spot on the Webster campus.

“He is quite generous with his time and talents,” Walsh says. “We’re very grateful for the spirit he brings as well as the integral role he plays in the kids’ treatment.”

Donor SpotlightDr. Daniel Reising

8 5

David and Linda Yates, Tara and Dean Kpere-Daibo

2 0 1 6 W i n e D i n n e r

Dr. Daniel Reising

“My work makes me all the more appreciative of those donors who give without having the kind of exposure I have to the kids’ immediate needs.” Kendra and Sirus Karimi, Katie Dulac

Hon. Shamed Dogan, Michael Finley

Kevin Roberts and Michelle ThomaMark and Betsy Dow

Michael and Jiamin DierbergSarah and Stefan Baiocchi

Jason and Kassie Harrold, Linda and Jesse HunterHenry Saur, Mike Guadagnoli, Frank Thurman, Sirus Karimi

Katelyn Crawford, John Kupstas,Kate Kupstas, Todd Miltenberger,

Maribeth Miltenberger

2017 Epworth Events Calendar

“I firmly believe that parents want the best for their children,” Julia Pickup says, “but sometimes, circumstances overwhelm a parent’s best intentions, and that can put children at risk.” Pickup is Director of Epworth’s Family Support Network (FSN) program. Her staff of 14 master’s-level clinicians provides in-home therapy to families with identified risk factors for child abuse or neglect.

For parents struggling with financial, housing or mental health challenges, a child with a difficult temperament or a developmental disability may be one stress too many. “Our purpose is to intervene at a time of stress by helping families build communication, parenting, and problem solving skills to increase their resilience before stress escalates to a crisis,” Pickup says. “We work with families to build what we call protective factors — skills and resources that foster healthy family functioning and community connections to build resilience against child maltreatment.”

This research-based treatment model is highly effective. When FSN analyzes its outcomes each year, 98-100 percent of families who have completed the program have no substantiated reports of child abuse or neglect with the Missouri Children’s Division.

FSN serves nearly 500 St. Louis-area families each year, providing weekly home visits for an average of nine months and following up at intervals after therapy ends. Services are provided at no cost to the family. To qualify for services, a family must live in St. Louis City, St. Louis County or St. Charles County, have a child with behavior challenges who is age 13 or under and living in the home, and not have an open, substantiated case with Missouri Children’s Division. FSN will serve families with children older than 13 if the family includes a child diagnosed with a developmental disability.

In recent years, FSN has seen an uptick in the number of non-English speaking families referred for services. “We have always done our best to have a bilingual therapist on staff for families

whose primary language is Spanish,” Pickup says, “but now we are receiving referrals of families who speak diverse languages, who have come to St. Louis as immigrants or refugees.” FSN partners with International Institute to provide interpreters to assist with therapy.

Funders are noticing this increasing need as well. Epworth recently received two grants – one from a public funder and one from a private foundation – that will enhance therapists’ training in cultural competency and allow for the expansion of interpreter-assisted services.

Families who have recently arrived in the U.S. are not only coping with finding employment, transportation and permanent housing, they are also trying to navigate unfamiliar healthcare and school systems. Family Therapist Lisa Busalacki is bilingual and has worked with several families from Mexico and Central America. “Bridging the divide between home and school is an important part of our work,” she says. “A learning problem like dyslexia or an auditory processing disorder may be affecting a child’s behavior at school, but because parent and child speak different languages, the parent may be unaware of the problem, just as the teacher is unaware that a different language is spoken at home. We can talk to both parent and teacher and help the child get access to educational support.”

“Working with international families has made me a better therapist,” Lead Family Therapist Fawn Weber says. “I’ve become much more aware of cultural differences in child rearing. I’m also conscious of the need to explain concepts without using slang, metaphors or analogies that can be hard to translate, and I think that leads to better communication with English speaking clients, as well.”6 7

“Working with international families has made me a better therapist. I’ve become much more aware of cultural differences in child rearing. ”

Epworth’s Family Support Network Strengthening Families

FRIENDS OF EPWORTH, left to rightBack Row: Dr. Angie Randazzo, Pam Krekeler, Ann Seabaugh, Kris Warner, Kelley Schwartz, Sarah Sperry, Jessica PopeFront Row: Ellen Doiron, Karen Reese, Mary Gentsch, Margie Hermann

Horses & Hats Derby DayMay 6, 2017, 3:00 - 6:30 PMThe Upper Atrium at the Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterPresented by the Friends of Epworth

The ultimate Derby party at one of St. Louis’ loveliest venues! Don your biggest hat or purchase an original creation at the door. Enjoy Kentucky-inspired hors d’oeuvre, mint juleps and seasonal refreshments as you watch the run for the roses in spectacular high-definition on the big screen.

• Win, Place or Show Raffle• Silent Auction

• Tax-Credit Paddle Raise• Expected attendance 300

Flights for FuturesAugust 19, 2017 Jet Linx Hangar, Lambert St. Louis International AirportEvent Chairs: Jennifer Bish and Rachel Simon-Lee, Epworth Young Professionals Organization

Join Epworth’s Young Professionals for an evening of craft beer tasting, great food, music and camaraderie in Jet Linx’ ultra-cool private jet hangar.

• Silent Auctions• Convenient Parking at the Hangar

• Expected attendance 300

Wine Dinner & AuctionNovember 11, 2017 The Ritz-Carlton, St. LouisEvent Chairs: Dr. Gregg Berdy and Jason Main, Certified Sommelier and Owner, The Wine Merchant

The only paired dinner of its kind in Missouri, Epworth’s annual Wine Dinner & Auction attracts corporate leaders, connoisseurs and wine lovers who know that great wines are best enjoyed with friends. Sommeliers from St. Louis’ leading restaurants provide tableside service and share the story of each of the expertly selected wines and their pairing with the dinner’s five courses. This event is a stellar experience for everyone who appreciates rare and fine wine and amazing food.

• Cocktail hour and Silent Auction• Five-course dinner paired with exceptional vintages• Live Auction, featuring rare wines from private collectors and specialized wine tours

• Tax-Credit Paddle Raise• Live Music• Dancing• Expected attendance 400

Family Support Network Staff, left to rightBack row: Barbara Burger, Bonnie Jane Waller, Arrealle Owens, Melissa Traczyk, Katherine Dickerson, Stephanie Klopfer, Julia Pickup, Sue Rosga, Kim Kelly, and Paula Ellis Front row: Nedra Tanksley, Erin Bolte, Holly Basom, Fawn Weber, Lisa Busalacki, Jenny Stanuch

Tickets and more information at www.epworth.org/event

2017 Epworth Events Calendar

“I firmly believe that parents want the best for their children,” Julia Pickup says, “but sometimes, circumstances overwhelm a parent’s best intentions, and that can put children at risk.” Pickup is Director of Epworth’s Family Support Network (FSN) program. Her staff of 14 master’s-level clinicians provides in-home therapy to families with identified risk factors for child abuse or neglect.

For parents struggling with financial, housing or mental health challenges, a child with a difficult temperament or a developmental disability may be one stress too many. “Our purpose is to intervene at a time of stress by helping families build communication, parenting, and problem solving skills to increase their resilience before stress escalates to a crisis,” Pickup says. “We work with families to build what we call protective factors — skills and resources that foster healthy family functioning and community connections to build resilience against child maltreatment.”

This research-based treatment model is highly effective. When FSN analyzes its outcomes each year, 98-100 percent of families who have completed the program have no substantiated reports of child abuse or neglect with the Missouri Children’s Division.

FSN serves nearly 500 St. Louis-area families each year, providing weekly home visits for an average of nine months and following up at intervals after therapy ends. Services are provided at no cost to the family. To qualify for services, a family must live in St. Louis City, St. Louis County or St. Charles County, have a child with behavior challenges who is age 13 or under and living in the home, and not have an open, substantiated case with Missouri Children’s Division. FSN will serve families with children older than 13 if the family includes a child diagnosed with a developmental disability.

In recent years, FSN has seen an uptick in the number of non-English speaking families referred for services. “We have always done our best to have a bilingual therapist on staff for families

whose primary language is Spanish,” Pickup says, “but now we are receiving referrals of families who speak diverse languages, who have come to St. Louis as immigrants or refugees.” FSN partners with International Institute to provide interpreters to assist with therapy.

Funders are noticing this increasing need as well. Epworth recently received two grants – one from a public funder and one from a private foundation – that will enhance therapists’ training in cultural competency and allow for the expansion of interpreter-assisted services.

Families who have recently arrived in the U.S. are not only coping with finding employment, transportation and permanent housing, they are also trying to navigate unfamiliar healthcare and school systems. Family Therapist Lisa Busalacki is bilingual and has worked with several families from Mexico and Central America. “Bridging the divide between home and school is an important part of our work,” she says. “A learning problem like dyslexia or an auditory processing disorder may be affecting a child’s behavior at school, but because parent and child speak different languages, the parent may be unaware of the problem, just as the teacher is unaware that a different language is spoken at home. We can talk to both parent and teacher and help the child get access to educational support.”

“Working with international families has made me a better therapist,” Lead Family Therapist Fawn Weber says. “I’ve become much more aware of cultural differences in child rearing. I’m also conscious of the need to explain concepts without using slang, metaphors or analogies that can be hard to translate, and I think that leads to better communication with English speaking clients, as well.”6 7

“Working with international families has made me a better therapist. I’ve become much more aware of cultural differences in child rearing. ”

Epworth’s Family Support Network Strengthening Families

FRIENDS OF EPWORTH, left to rightBack Row: Dr. Angie Randazzo, Pam Krekeler, Ann Seabaugh, Kris Warner, Kelley Schwartz, Sarah Sperry, Jessica PopeFront Row: Ellen Doiron, Karen Reese, Mary Gentsch, Margie Hermann

Horses & Hats Derby DayMay 6, 2017, 3:00 - 6:30 PMThe Upper Atrium at the Donald Danforth Plant Science CenterPresented by the Friends of Epworth

The ultimate Derby party at one of St. Louis’ loveliest venues! Don your biggest hat or purchase an original creation at the door. Enjoy Kentucky-inspired hors d’oeuvre, mint juleps and seasonal refreshments as you watch the run for the roses in spectacular high-definition on the big screen.

• Win, Place or Show Raffle• Silent Auction

• Tax-Credit Paddle Raise• Expected attendance 300

Flights for FuturesAugust 19, 2017 Jet Linx Hangar, Lambert St. Louis International AirportEvent Chairs: Jennifer Bish and Rachel Simon-Lee, Epworth Young Professionals Organization

Join Epworth’s Young Professionals for an evening of craft beer tasting, great food, music and camaraderie in Jet Linx’ ultra-cool private jet hangar.

• Silent Auctions• Convenient Parking at the Hangar

• Expected attendance 300

Wine Dinner & AuctionNovember 11, 2017 The Ritz-Carlton, St. LouisEvent Chairs: Dr. Gregg Berdy and Jason Main, Certified Sommelier and Owner, The Wine Merchant

The only paired dinner of its kind in Missouri, Epworth’s annual Wine Dinner & Auction attracts corporate leaders, connoisseurs and wine lovers who know that great wines are best enjoyed with friends. Sommeliers from St. Louis’ leading restaurants provide tableside service and share the story of each of the expertly selected wines and their pairing with the dinner’s five courses. This event is a stellar experience for everyone who appreciates rare and fine wine and amazing food.

• Cocktail hour and Silent Auction• Five-course dinner paired with exceptional vintages• Live Auction, featuring rare wines from private collectors and specialized wine tours

• Tax-Credit Paddle Raise• Live Music• Dancing• Expected attendance 400

Family Support Network Staff, left to rightBack row: Barbara Burger, Bonnie Jane Waller, Arrealle Owens, Melissa Traczyk, Katherine Dickerson, Stephanie Klopfer, Julia Pickup, Sue Rosga, Kim Kelly, and Paula Ellis Front row: Nedra Tanksley, Erin Bolte, Holly Basom, Fawn Weber, Lisa Busalacki, Jenny Stanuch

Tickets and more information at www.epworth.org/event

When Daniel Reising was growing up in Webster Groves, he was aware of Epworth and the kids who lived there, but, he says, he didn’t really understand what the agency did or who the kids were. Ten years ago, he joined Epworth as Consulting Psychiatrist in the Residential and Intensive Treatment program. “Now that I know these kids personally, it’s clear that none of them would choose to be in the situation they’re in, but Epworth gives them as normal a life as possible.”

Dr. Reising visits the Webster campus every other week to manage medications for his Epworth patients. Most Residential clients are foster youth who have a significant history of trauma. Many enter the program directly from an inpatient facility. “We see youth with mood disorders, anxiety, ADD, schizophrenia occasionally, and, of course, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” he says.

“My hope is that medication can stabilize our patients so they can get the most benefit from the program. I wish medication alone could be the solution for these kids, but that’s not the case. I’m part of the team, but it’s the Epworth staff therapists who do the heavy lifting.”

“Dr. Reising is an incredible support for our kids,” says Susan Walsh, Clinical Director of the Residential program. “He’s committed to working with all members of the client treatment teams to meet the kids’ needs clinically and pharmaceutically.”

Dr. Reising also supports Epworth as a donor. “My work gives me a unique vantage point on the agency. It makes me all the more appreciative of those donors who give without having the kind of exposure I have to the kids’ immediate needs.”

He gives monthly through Epworth’s recurring donation option, whereby a donor authorizes a monthly transfer from his or her bank. “I’m glad to have the recurring donation option, because it works best with the way I manage my personal finances. I can just plan for that expense every month.”

Soon after he started consulting at Epworth, Dr. Reising noticed another opportunity to support the organization. A passionate gardener, he offered to donate plants and volunteer his time on weekends to rebuild a garden bed in front of the Social Services building where he sees his patients. Ten years later, his carefully nurtured perennial garden is a bright spot on the Webster campus.

“He is quite generous with his time and talents,” Walsh says. “We’re very grateful for the spirit he brings as well as the integral role he plays in the kids’ treatment.”

Donor SpotlightDr. Daniel Reising

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David and Linda Yates, Tara and Dean Kpere-Daibo

2 0 1 6 W i n e D i n n e r

Dr. Daniel Reising

“My work makes me all the more appreciative of those donors who give without having the kind of exposure I have to the kids’ immediate needs.” Kendra and Sirus Karimi, Katie Dulac

Hon. Shamed Dogan, Michael Finley

Kevin Roberts and Michelle ThomaMark and Betsy Dow

Michael and Jiamin DierbergSarah and Stefan Baiocchi

Jason and Kassie Harrold, Linda and Jesse HunterHenry Saur, Mike Guadagnoli, Frank Thurman, Sirus Karimi

Katelyn Crawford, John Kupstas,Kate Kupstas, Todd Miltenberger,

Maribeth Miltenberger

E P W O R T H

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2016 Epworth Honor RollThank you!INVESTMENT PARTNERS Department of Social Services - Children’s DivisionDevelopmental Disability ResourcesEpworth Ladies’ AuxiliaryEpworth Young Professionals GroupFamily and Youth Services BureauFriends of EpworthHUDProductive Living BoardSt. Louis County Children’s Service FundSt. Louis County Human ServicesSt. Louis Mental Health BoardUnited Methodist Church - MissouriUnited Methodist Church - NationalUnited Way of Greater St. LouisUSDA

VISIONARY $50,000+Betty MelbyCentene CorporationJeffrey FortThomas R. Roe Trust

GUARANTOR $25,000-$49,999 Dana Brown Charitable TrustManchester UMCRobert and Catherine Campbell

TRAILBLAZER $10,000-$24,999Catherine Manley Gaylord FoundationChuck and Cathi VaalerDavid and Donna LeMoineDeaconess FoundationE. SmithElvin and Evelyn LewisEstate of Cleo CarrExpress ScriptsFirst BankFrank and Kerith ThurmanFrank Leta

Gabriel and Sherri BockhorstGregg and Susan BerdyGroves and Carol CookeHerbert and Adrian Woods Foundation c/o Bank of AmericaHerman T. and Phenie R. Pott FoundationJeffrey and Amy CallKevin RobertsMcMahon BergerMichael and Kate KupstasMichael and Kit McCloreyMichael DimarcoNestle PurinaNorman J. Stupp FoundationPershing Charitable TrustRobert and Julia GrubbRoger and Katie WynkoopSaigh FoundationSam and Jill HamacherSpencer, Fane, Britt and Browne LLPSt. Louis Blues Alumni AssociationSt. Louis Unitarian FoundationStan and Beth McCurdySteven and Jodi McCartyU.S. Bank Foundation- Matching Gift Program

CHAMPION $5,000-$9,999 AonBank of AmericaBJC HealthcareBryan and Deb LeMoineDan and Peggy WestDaniel G. Korte and Laurie LandgrafDiane and Scott McCuaigEdward JonesEmployees Community Fund of BoeingEric Marquardt and Sharon TuckerGeneral Council on Finance and AdministrationGreater St. Louis Health FoundationGreg and Cheryl MeierJames and Donna Janning

Jason and Rebecca CornatzerJeff and Susie StuermanJesse and Linda HunterJim and Betsy FosterJoseph and Susie SivewrightKimberly GannonLauren RyffelMichael and Dina PetersenMichael PanicolaMichael RaynerMidwest BankCentreMissouri Coalition for Community Behavioral HealthcareMonarch Private CapitalNationwide Mutual Insurance CompanyPlaza MotorsRaymond and Laurie Van de RietS.M. Wilson & Co.Stefan and Sarah BaiocchiSteve and Ellen DeesUnion Pacific Foundation

AMBASSADOR $2,500-$4,999 A and O Family FundAdam and Dru CaldwellAnders CPAs and AdvisorsBancorpSouth Premier BankingChip and JoAnn MiskoConcord Trinity UMCDave and Beth MartinEllen HendricksonEric and Missi WoodG.T. CozadGenice and Larry SelfGreensfelder, Hemker & Gale, PCGregg and Mary Kate McKeeHenry SaurHwy 61 RoadhouseJason B. DeesJeffrey McCurdyJoe GiraKevin and Ann HemenwayKim EilertsKirkwood UMC

Wine Dinner & Auction Co-Chairs Jason Main and Dr. Gregg Berdy

Epworth Board Chair Bryan LeMoine and Deb LeMoine

TITLE SPONSOR

PREMIERE SPONSORS

PATRON SPONSORS

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

David and Donna LeMoine

Edward Jones, Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C., Kim Eilerts, Mike Panicola

Dan & Peggy West

SAVE THE DATE!Wine Dinner & AuctionSaturday, November 11, 2017The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis

$377,000Raised

Thank You!

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Volunteer SpotlightJason Main

“What’s the best thing to do with really great wine?” Jason Main, Owner and Sommelier at the Wine Merchant, answers his own question: “Share it with friends. Really share. Tell the story of the wine and how you came by the bottle.”

That’s the experience Main creates for guests each November at Epworth’s annual Wine Dinner & Auction. By volunteering his time and expertise, he has made the event the only one of its kind in Missouri – an evening that wine lovers look forward to as a chance to support Epworth while learning about rare wines and sharing them with friends over a five-course dinner at the Ritz Carlton.

“Instead of relying on a collector with a 5,000-bottle wine cellar, we use the resources of the Wine Merchant to create an equivalent experience by selecting wines for each course and using our knowledge of wine and food to create exceptional pairings,” Main says.

“Really rare wines need explanation to be fully appreciated, so we came up with the concept of having multiple sommeliers on hand to serve tableside and explain what you’re drinking and how the pairing was made.” Each year, Main recruits more than 20 sommeliers from restaurants and wine distributors throughout St. Louis. “Even though it’s a busy time of year, it’s an easy sell,” he says. “They hear about Epworth and what the agency does, and they want to help.”

Growing up in a family that appreciated good food and wine sparked Main’s professional interest. He developed his knowledge

while working in the restaurant industry, and, prior to joining the Wine Merchant, he qualified for Certification by the international Court of Master Sommeliers.

Since purchasing the business, Main has realized his vision of The Wine Merchant as a store where customers have access to thoroughly researched wines and a staff that can speak knowledgeably about every product. “Everyone on staff tastes 95% of what we put on the shelves.” The store offers classes, wine tastings, and presentations by experts from all over the world.Main also credits his family with his philanthropic focus. “When I was a kid, we always had foster children staying with us, or friends who needed a place to stay, so I understand the challenges Epworth youth face.” When Main was asked to lend his expertise to the Wine Dinner, he didn’t hesitate.

“I wanted to make The Wine Merchant a partner in Epworth’s Wine Dinner because, if you channel your resources into a cause you care passionately about, you can do something profound.”

Main continues to add new elements to the annual event. In 2016, he and his co-chair, Dr. Gregg Berdy, introduced sommelier-guided travel packages to Oregon vineyards as an auction item. They are currently working to develop travel opportunities to French and Italian vineyards. Main and Berdy will co-chair Epworth’s 15th Annual Wine Dinner & Auction on Saturday November 11, 2017.

2016 Epworth Honor RollThank you!AMBASSADOR (continued) $2,500-$4,999 Kohls Department Stores, Inc. Community Relations - AIALarry and Trudith DouglasMargaret Petri and John JokerstMary and Jeffrey GentschMissouri Department of Elementary and Secondary EducationNate LattimerPeter DulacPinnacle Imports LLCRandal and Gayla NarikeRick and Lynn HillRock and Debbie FosterSalem in Ladue UMCSign Of The Arrow/Pi Beta PhiSt. Louis BluesStifel Bank & TrustThomas and Kelley SchwartzToan- O’Brein FoundationTwo Men and a TruckWebster Groves Presbyterian ChurchWells Fargo Community Support CampaignWilliam and Trina Cotner

GROUNDBREAKER $1,000-$2,499 Aetna PAC ProgramAlan and Jamie KwiatekAndrew and Renee BellAndrew Waggoner and Steven KleekampAnn JohansonAscension Health Ministry Service CenterBetsy DowBill and Trudy LuchiniBill JenkinsBoeing CompanyBrent Becker

Brian and Donna BatemanBrian and Joan HumesBrian and Laura BehrensBrian SullivanBruce and Cecily AffleckBruce and Kathryn Dell Carl ImoChris HyamsClay and Theresa GrumkeCraig and Mary E. BartellsDale and Linda DillDamien BusoldDan HenleyDaniel ReisingDavid and Maureen JordanDavid AsmusDavid OrthweinDerek IsaakDonald and Dorothy BoekemeierDoug and Carmen MuellerEd and Ann VazquezEric LundEvelyn DonnellFirst UMC (Webster Groves)Fischer-Bauer-Knirps FoundationFrank and Madeleine NeunerGive with Liberty CampaignGraham and Tammy DayGreen Trails UMC UMWGreg RobirdsHenry & Sally Schwartz 2010 Family FoundationHertzler, J & E Permanent EndowmentHolly BensonJ.K. and Candy StallingsJack and Janet McLardJames and Karinn Granger James and Lionelle ElsesserJames and Sally WachtmanJanice MacDonaldJason and Jackie AveryJason HarroldJB and Anna NealJeffrey FieldJerry Timmermann

Jim and Alison MarischenJim and Dorothy RittsJim and Elizabeth MarchbankJoe and Dawn KinsellaJoel and Jane HylenJohn and Alice MohrJohn and Erni WoodJohn and Janet LindbloomJohn and Jennifer HeinJohn DavisJohn ScottJohnathan RootJordan ZabelJoseph and Kathy WeyhrichJoseph KramerJulie MorrisonJustin and Sarah SperryKathy WalkerKeith and Andrea LuekingKevin and Cathy McGowanKevin and Diane DrollingerKim HamacherKirksville First UMCLDI Intergrated Pharmacy ServicesLeo and Nancy HaasLisa TurveyLois CramptonLouis DeutschmannMaplewood United Methodist ChurchMargaret MahanMark and Carla WeinheimerMark BasslerMary Ellen Roth and Mark ChellevoldMichael and Bianca GuadagnoliMichael and JaiMin DierbergMichael and Laura AlberswerthMichael and Meredith SantoniMissouri Annual Conference - The United Methodist ChurchMissouri United Methodist FoundationMonsanto FundNational Order of Eastern StarNorma L. Shelp Rev Living TrustNormandy UMCPat and Joan Esserman

“If you channel your resources into a cause you care passionately about, you can do something profound.”

Jason MainOwner and Sommelier at the Wine Merchant

As a teenager, Williams participated in Epworth’s Chafee Foster Care Independence Program. The program, part of Epworth’s Older Youth Services (OYS) department, provides life skills education and individualized assistance to foster children ages 14-21. “Most young people acquire everyday life skills as they grow up within their families,” says Deanna Allsman, the department’s Assistant Director. “They learn practical things like cooking, cleaning, managing their finances. And they learn how to take care of themselves – how to evaluate relationships, eat properly, stay healthy. For kids aging out of foster care, many of these lessons come from the Chafee program.”

Every year, dozens of young St. Louisans exit the foster care system. The transition can be abrupt. “They reach their 21st birthday and state funding ends,” Allsman says. “They are on their own. They don’t have the benefit of family support for a gradual transition to adulthood. Thanks to our donors, we are able to help kids stay engaged in school and find employment. We help with college applications, prom expenses and senior photos, and we celebrate graduations. We also prepare youth for job interviews, assist with résumés and lease applications -- whatever they need to get ready for the transition out of foster care.”

In addition to Life Skills, Williams participated in OYS leadership opportunities like the Youth Advisory Board. The statewide Board is composed of foster youth representatives. Each year the group develops a legislative agenda to improve the lives of kids in care. They visit the state capital to advocate for their priorities with lawmakers. “We met with Governor Nixon and several legislators and advocated for a bill that gives foster kids the right to return to the system if they need to until they are 21,” Williams says. The bill passed.

Epworth also provides Youth Leadership Camp, a three-day weekend program at Camp Wyman in Eureka. Camp was Williams’ favorite activity. “I liked the zip line and the s’mores and just talking and getting to know each other -- everyone being together.” He plans to return to Camp as a counselor.

Williams graduated from high school on schedule and completed Army Basic Training in South Carolina. Allsman says OYS staff enjoyed the letters he sent while he was away. When he returned to St. Louis, he moved back in with his last foster family and joined the Army Reserves. He proudly serves one weekend a month and two weeks in summer.

About a year after he returned to St. Louis, his foster father passed away suddenly, and Williams found himself without a place to stay. He turned to Epworth for assistance. OYS staff found him a place in a youth shelter while he applied for an apartment in Epworth’s Independent Living Program (ILP) and participated in our Project Xcel Pre-Employment classes. Through an Xcel partnership, he trained as a security guard at Ballpark Village. Now employed full-time by Securitas, Williams is saving money, gradually taking over 100% of his living expenses, and preparing to exit ILP when he turns 22. For his next move, he has his sights set on attending the police academy. “I want to be a police officer because I like helping people. I’m good at calming everyone down in a tense situation,” Williams says.

“Ke’Ron is a goal-oriented young man,” Allsman says, “and he really does care about people. He often talks through his decisions with our staff and really listens to what we have to say.” Recently, Williams made a big decision. He completed financial education classes through Epworth and saved $1,000 in an Individual Development Account, with United Way matching his savings 2:1. He needed a car, not only for daily transportation, but also for traveling to his monthly Reserves drill training. Allsman was concerned. “Our kids often get taken advantage of when they make a big purchase like a car. They get talked into high interest loans and sold cars that are in poor condition.” Fortunately, Williams had the opportunity to participate in a new Epworth partnership with Frank Leta Acura. The Leta Charitable Foundation provides additional funds to match youths’ savings, and the dealership sets youth up with a used car in good condition and a service plan. Williams was the first youth to benefit from this new program. In February, he purchased a 2008 Honda Civic in excellent condition. “I don’t think he’s stopped smiling since we picked up his car,” Allsman says.

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Spotlight on StrengthHow Support Becomes Success  (continued from cover)

Ke’Ron Williams saved for his first car and recently purchased a 2008 Honda Civic through Epworth’s new partnership with Frank Leta Acura

2016 Epworth Honor Roll

GROUNDBREAKER (continued) $1,000-$2,499 Paul and Patricia BrownPaul LanciaPfizer FoundationPhil DeSarnoRaymond and Barbara FlunkerReed LowRich SchilfRick and Lisa GansRobert MinklerRobert WilliamsRobin DelmerRon HamelScott and Anne SeiffertShamed and Sara DoganSirus and Kendra KarimiSt. Louis Christmas Carol AssociationSt. Louis Italian Invitational Golf Tournament for CharitiesSt. Mark’s United Methodist ChurchSteve and Barbara AdamsSteve and Julia BrncicSteve and Karen ReeseStifel, Nicolaus & Company Inc.Suburban Journals Old Newsboys- Fund for ChildrenSusan McDowellTerry and Joan KorpalTerry and Sara BuehlerTimothy LackeyTom and Amy MackowiakTom and Betsy WheelerToni MonroeWarren and Kathryn BettsWhite Stone Fund IncWilliam C. Schmidt

ADVOCATE $500-$999Amy and Eric PostAnn and William SeabaughAnne MalyszkoAnthony CancilaArnold W. and Hazel A. Donald Charitable Fund

of the St. Louis Community FoundationAT&TBenevity Community Impact FundBill BrounBob TisoneBonnie PotterBrad NowakChris and Cathleen JonesChristine and Richard EasonClayton School District Parent Teacher Organization CouncilCollege UMC UMWCommunity Christian ChurchDarcy RiegelDarren MeyerDavid and Paula FriedmanDavid and Victoria SamuelsDavid YatesDonald and Ruth CarrEBSO, INC.Ellen Doiron and John DonaghyGary MuensterGlenridge Elementary SchoolGrace UMC- Saint LouisGreater St. Louis Business Aviators AssociationGwenllian CloptonHarold and Virginia PottsHayden ParksHenry F. & Roberta H. Niemann Memorial FundIBM CorporationJames and Marilyn WelchJames and Pam KrekelerJared BaumannJeff KarpelJennifer and Paul ArendesJennifer ScharfJohn and June FlemingJohn BearJohn JudsonJohn MurphyJoseph and Marcia AmbroseJoseph and Robin McClanathanJoshua MillerKeith M. LinnenbringerKenneth and Patricia FreemanKiwanis Club of Glendale - Kirkwood AD

Larry W. NeebLeslie TemkinLisa SchepersLyndsey WatsonLynne JohnsonMelvin and Norma LindsayMercy Health Foundation Ministry St. LouisMichael and Sharon MantiaMichele Sue Shumake-KellerMid America Technology Users AssociationNathan ZelinskePaul BelferPaul JorjorianPEO Sisterhood Chapter L UPhil CooperRay SaleebyRick and Ellen StreamRobert and Onita HarperRubinBrown LLPRyan DodsonScottradeSonlight Family Center CorporationSt. Luke’s UMC UMWStacy Jurado-MillerStephanie KorpalSteve and Helen ChestnutSunnenSusie SchulteThomas and Cynthia MitchellTim and Melissa WalshTracy BerryTransformation UMCTravelers Community ConnectionTrinity UMC of Piedmont, UMWUnited Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New JerseyUS BankWebster Hills UMC UMW

*Epworth Children & Family Services regrets the misspelling of names or the omission of any gift.

Thank you!

Self-Sufficiency with Dignity

SPRING 2017 EPWORTH.ORG

Governing BoardChris Jones, ChairBryan LeMoine, Past Chair John Lindbloom, TreasurerDean Kpere-Daibo, Secretary

Sarah Baiocchi Cathy CampbellHon. Shamed DoganKimberly Eilerts Kenneth Freeman Kimberly Gannon Kimberly Hamacher Hon. Jeanne Kirkton Eric MarquardtPrincess McDaniels Charles MiskoJulie MorrisonFrank Neuner Meg PetriRev. Sheila SledgeAndrew Waggoner Johanna Wharton

EmeritusWilliam K. BuschBarbara BushKatie CloydCarol CookeJames HillJulia Grubb

Ex-OfficioLinda Guth-StanglYvette RichardsBishop Robert FarrLondia Granger-WrightShari Scott

Chief Executive OfficerMichelle Tucker

APRIL 28, 2017Epworth Children & Family Services110 North Elm AvenueWebster Groves, MO 63119

10:00 – 11:30 Boutique and Bakery11:30 – 1:00 Luncheon and Motown Musical

TicketsBy April 20 Contact: Kim Hartmann - Events Coordinator khartmann@epworth.org314-918-3411

About the Epworth AuxiliaryThe Epworth Auxiliary was established more than 50 years ago to provide the agency with a cadre of dedicated ambassadors to assist with community outreach, legislative advocacy, program needs and fundraising. Historically, each volunteer has been associated with a United Methodist church in the St. Louis region. Today, the Auxiliary welcomes volunteers from any faith or community-based organization that shares Epworth’s vision of helping children, youth and families achieve self-sufficiency with dignity. The Auxiliary meets at Epworth’s Webster Groves campus on the first Monday of the month, from September through May. For membership information, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Margaret Mahan: mmahan@epworth.org 314-918-3330.

Spotlight on StrengthHow Support Becomes Success

Epworth Auxiliary Spring Luncheon!

Give Online!

110 N. Elm AvenueSt. Louis, MO 63119

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDSt. Louis, MO

Permit No. 537

For more information, visit Epworth.org

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Ke’Ron Williams has accomplished a lot in his 21 years. Like many kids who grow up in foster care, he has faced the loss of his parents and the fear of transitioning out of the foster care program to life on his own. However, he has made the most of the resources your donations provide to him. With your support, this hardworking young man has made a successful transition to independent adulthood.

(continued on page 2)

Want to make your charitable gift stretch further?

Epworth Children & Family Services offers Missouri state tax credits for contributions of $1,000 or more. Want to know if your donation qualifies? Please email abuettner@Epworth.org or call 314.918.3382.

2017 Tax Credits are limited! Secure yours today by making a donation or completing a pledge form at www.epworth.org/donate.

*As with any gift, the amount that is tax-deductible is dependent on individual financial circumstances. The figures charted assume a 35% tax bracket. Consult your tax advisor to determine your exact savings.

Tax CreditsGift Amount

Federal Income Tax Charitable Deduction

Federal Income State Income Tax Deduction

Missouri State Income Tax Charitable Deduction

Missouri State Income Tax Credit (50%)

NET COST OF GIFT* = $265

SAMPLE GIFT:$1,000

-$350

$175

-$60

-$500

EPWORTHChildren & Family ServicesEPWORTH

Children & Family Services

Visit www.epworth.org/donate to: • Make a donation or set up a recurring contribution • Direct a tribute gift • Arrange transfer of stocks, bonds or mutual funds • Give directly from your Fidelity or Schwab Donor Advised Fund, using DAF Direct • May 11th is Give STL Day! Follow Epworth on Facebook www.facebook.com/EpworthSTL or Twitter @EpworthSTL to participate, or go directly to giveSTLday.org

Shopping? Designate Epworth through Amazon Smile!Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible Amazon Smile purchases to Epworth whenever you shop on Amazon Smile. Just log in to your Amazon account via smile.amazon.com and choose the benefiting charity – Epworth Children & Family Services in St. Louis, Missouri.