Foundation For Strengthening Families

MISSION

The Foundation for Strengthening Families aims to improve the lives of children and families by addressing racial and economic disparities across education, health, and wealth using a place-based, community-driven approach.

VALUES

1. EDUCATION: Knowledge is power, whether it prepares a child for kindergarten or a parent to raise a healthy baby. We believe that education – for both parents and children – is key to the future health, happiness, and success of the families we serve.

2. RESOURCES: Families can’t work toward a better future if their basic needs are not met in the present. We believe in providing families with essential needs, either directly or through connections with other organizations to allow them the space to think about the opportunities of tomorrow rather than the emergencies of today.

3. CHILDCARE: Access to high-quality childcare and early childhood education is critical to a community’s healthy future. We believe that a family’s zip code should not determine the quality of care and education that a young child receives.

4. COMMUNITY SUPPORT: Social connection builds strength within and between families. We believe in fostering communities that are committed to supporting one another through challenges.

PILLARS OF SERVICE

1. Black Maternal Health - We will reduce barriers to practicing healthy life choices and work to end racial disparities in infant and maternal mortality among Black families.

2. Early childhood education for Black boys - We will create and support a space tailored specifically to giving Black boys a strong start in life, both educationally and emotionally.

3. Concrete support for families in need - We will provide essential goods – including diapers, food distribution, and maternity and menstruation supplies – in order to reduce the financial strain on low-income families and, in turn, reduce stress levels in parents, helping them to be the empathetic leaders their children need.

We invite you to join Foundation for Strengthening Families on our journey to end racial disparities in health and education for Black families in under-resourced communities, starting in North St. Louis City. Together, we can rebuild communities one family at a time!