The goal of the center is to bridge the digital divide in poor neighborhoods by offering computer education and access to modern technology to those without access. Our lessons include:

• Computers for beginners.
• Introduction to Microsoft Office.
• Resume writing.
• Computer etiquette.
• Internet safety Etc.

This program is a United Way sponsored event designed to support the neediest families in St. Louis with monetary, food, and gifts support during the holiday season. As a participating agency our staff volunteers their time to interview, record and submit stories for member families and community residents to the United Way for consideration. In 2009, our agency assisted 133 families in submitting their stories and receiving assistance from the program.
Available for community families in dire need
Service Dates: Annually August – September

This program is designed to address the need of providing one-time emergency assistance to seniors and families with minor children who are self-sustaining but have endured a temporary set-back. Assistance is limited to areas of rent and utilities assistance, food, back to school supplies and uniforms, transportation assistance, etc. The program is funded by grant and donations solicited from community. In 2008, we be-friended nearly 100 families with an average support of $100. We anticipate this program growing in need during the 2009-2010 calendar years.
Available to families participating in agency programs
Service Dates: Year Round

On the second weekend of December we partner with the Optimist Club of St. Louis, to deliver 50 baskets to support needy families with minor children in the community. The critical need of this program is to offer food support to financially struggling families with minor children. The program is fully funded and staffed by volunteers from the Optimist Club. Recipient families are participating member families of this agency.
Available to families participating in agency programs
Service Date: Annually in December

On the third weekend of December, our building is transformed to reflect Christmas across the world. Using professional props, sounds and scenes, we recreate Christmas as celebrated on all 7 continents of the world. Community residents are invited to enjoy entertainment while children received a gift, books, photo with Santa and a Christmas meal. The event is open to the entire St. Louis Region community. The cost is $10 per family of four. The 2008 event registered 875 youth and 320 parents and adults. We solicited $260,000 of in-kind donations and 175 volunteers provided well over 1,000 hours to the event.
Available to community families and residents
Service Date: Annually in December

Each tax season our staff offer’s Volunteer Income Tax Preparation Assistance (V.I.T.A) to community families whose household income is less than $35,000 a year. V.I.T.A is a joint venture with the United Way and Federal Internal Revenue Service offering free income tax preparation service to residents living in tough communities in order to return as much income as possible to that community. In the 2007 tax year, The Youth and Family Center operated a V.I.T.A super site of three consecutive Saturdays of tax preparation. We assisted in returning over $300,000 to the North St. Louis neighborhood.
Available to community families and residents
Service Date: Annually February – March