Testimonials  
“Our support services stabilize families to achieve their goals.”
- Mr. Joshura Davis, Board President

As a little girl Indira Jackson enjoyed participating in the Afterschool and Summer Residential Camp (Camp Skull-Bones) programs at the Youth and Family Center. Indira affectionately recalls how instrumental it was to her development. Today, Indira is a single mom with two teenage boys of her own. She has an Associates Degree in Early Education from St. Louis Community College and is currently enrolled at Fontbone University where she will receive a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts & Early Education this Fall. In January, she will begin the Master’s Degree program at Fontone.

Indira’s sons also participated in the Afterschool, Sports and Camp Skull-Bones programs at the Youth and Family Center. As a single mom, she recounts how significant a role the Youth and Family Center has played in helping to raise her sons. Both boys are now junior’s at Cardinal Ritter High School, the younger having been promoted a grade, and very active in sports. They are eagerly anticipating attending college.

In addition to being a single mom and full-time college student, Indira is also an Americorps member assigned to the Afterschool Program at the Youth and Family Center. She is providing other single parents of grade school youth the support she once received at the Youth and Family Center.

“I have very fond memories of my childhood at Camp Skull-bones and my boys are developing into strong, positive young men because of the services and programs we received at the Youth and Family Center”
- Indira Jackson, Mother, Student, Americorps Member

Positive Youth Development
“We help parents help their children succeed in school and life.”
- Rev. Rodney T. Francis, Executive Director


Quentin Davie is a senior at Northwestern University where he is on academic and football scholarships. In addition to leading the team in tackles, Quentin, #41, has a 3.5 grade point average. Having participated in the Afterschool Sports Program at the Youth and Family Center for a number of years while in grade and middle schools, Quentin is an example that our youth development programs work! Today, Quentin’s father is a volunteer coach with the Youth and Family Center’s basketball program. He is committed to helping other youth develop through sports as his at the Youth and Family Center. 

“Without the Youth and Family Center, I’m not sure Quentin would have been able to achieve what he has thus far.”
- Mr. Kenny Younger, Quentin’s Father, Volunteer Basketball Coach