This week St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF) officially kicked off the 2018-2019 Core funding cycle and welcomed new partner agencies at Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park. As the largest children’s service fund in the state, St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund has given out over $300 million since its first funding cycle in 2010.
“As we continue to see cuts to mental health funding, St. Louis County is fortunate to have a local funding source to address our community’s most pressing needs,” St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger said.
St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund Board of Directors met in September to award nearly $85 million to 62 local nonprofits and governmental agencies to provide behavioral health services for children and youth in St. Louis County through the Core funding cycle.
“The board’s funding decisions are an extension of our history of seeking the most effective and innovative ways to improve the health and well-being of children and youth in our community,” Board Chair Terry Crow said.
Last spring, CSF held community meetings for local providers to present the findings from the 2017 Needs Assessment which was used to assess the current health status of St. Louis County in order to identify behavioral health trends and service gaps.
“Stewardship is at the core of CSF’s philosophy,” CSF’s Executive Director Connie J. Cunningham said. “In all that we do, we focus on achieving impact as a constructive partner by investing in agencies that are able to deliver high-quality services that are responsive to the needs of the community. In addition to addressing current needs, these programs will also promote long-term health.”
CSF is funding behavioral health services throughout the county including programming in all 22 school districts.
“School-based behavioral health services are integral to student success,” Director of Programs Paulette Foerster said. “CSF is making this investment into schools to increase access, reduce stigma, and improve outcomes for all.”
