By abovethefold. St. Louis Today. – The St. Louis Aging-out program proved to have such outstanding results in serving the youth aging-out of the foster care system in St. Louis that they received a grant of $50,000 from St. Louis-based Peabody Energy.

The Executive Director for Epworth Children & Family Services, Kevin Drollinger expressed his gratitude to community leaders, volunteers and their aging-out program’s staff. Epworth's Aging Out Center is located in University City, MO, where 500 youth a year come to use computers, shower, do laundry, eat a hot meal, have counseling, and attend classes for life skills. Peabody Engery's $50,000 grant will go directly to this center.

Photo by Susana Mariscal

Greg Boyce, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated that "Without financial and personal support from family members, many foster teens in our region struggle to function in an adult world. Enabling these youth to successfully transition out of foster care is a significant focus for Epworth, and it is a cause my wife Lisa and I support. Youth participating in the Aging Out program exhibit determination, and we admire their strength on this journey."

In 2006, nine St. Louis philanthropic organizations collaborated to form the St. Louis Aging Out program with the goal of starting a youth center for foster kids that has holistic services, teach self-advocacy skills and behaviors, help kids get a GED or high school diploma, and advocate for Missouri foster care system reform. In the past three years, St. Louis Aging-out program produced very impressive positive results that have received national attention. About 91% of the youth exhibited behaviors such as finding a job, seeing health providers, and opening an account at a bank. As for getting a high school diploma or GED, 70% have either gotten one or are going to get one. (Typically only 30 – 50% of foster care youth in the Midwest achieve this goal) Also, 91% of the youth are prepared for independent adult life with their "life binders," which have important documents such as immunization records, family health history, birth certificates, and school transcripts. Advocacy has resulted in the legislative extension of coverage for medical insurance cut off age from 18 to 21, a funding increase for youth foster kid's basic necessities, and the formation of a special team to address this issue (the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force). "Ongoing support is vital for this foster care initiative. We need to ensure that the safety net for the foster youth in St. Louis remains a strong and vital resource," stated Drollinger.