This summer, SLHA continued its commitment to creating meaningful experiences for LaSalle Park youth through two initiatives: the LaSalle Park Summer Hub (The Hub) and the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).
Held weekly, The Hub provided youth with opportunities to learn, explore, build relationships and enjoy engaging activities alongside their neighbors. Led by ROSS Service Coordinator Camille Shoals, the program offered a variety of educational, recreational and enrichment experiences designed to keep young residents active, engaged and connected throughout the summer.
“It was wonderful to be of service to our youth at LaSalle Park once again this summer,” Shoals shared. “A very special thank you goes out to our partners, as we cannot do this work alone. My favorite part of my job every summer is having the opportunity to learn from and engage with our youth about what they want, what they need and what they hope to be when they grow up.”
The Hub was made possible through the support of SLHA’s community partners, including CAM STL, St. Louis Public Library, Healthy Hair 2Day Foundation, Mobile Y, Ready Readers, Community Development Institute Head Start, BJC School Outreach and Youth Development, and the Pediatric Injury Prevention Program at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Each partner shared their time, talents and resources to help create fun and meaningful experiences for LaSalle Park youth.
Fueling Fun and Futures All Summer Long
When school lets out for the summer, keeping young people active, engaged and connected is important—but making sure they have access to nutritious meals is just as essential.
Led by ROSS Service Coordinator Justin Mosely, SLHA’s Summer Food Service Program complemented the weekly activities offered through The Hub by providing daily nutritious meals and snacks to LaSalle Park youth throughout the summer. The program helped ensure young residents had the nourishment they needed to learn, play and enjoy their summer days.
The SFSP is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
A Summer Made Possible Through Community
The Hub and SFSP demonstrated what is possible when SLHA staff, families and community partners come together to support young people. From educational activities and recreation to field trips, meaningful conversations and daily nutritious meals and snacks, the two programs created opportunities for LaSalle Park youth to learn, grow, connect and make lasting summer memories.
SLHA extends its sincere appreciation to the staff, families and community partners who helped make the summer meaningful and memorable for LaSalle Park youth. Through their time, talents and support, they helped create a summer filled with learning, exploration, connection and fun.
