About Deaconess Center

Purpose

Established by Deaconess Foundation, Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being is a community action tank. Our mission is to build power to advance child well-being in the St. Louis region by strengthening alliances for child-friendly public policy, increasing citizen contact with policy makers, positioning youth and organizers to move systems and engaging faith communities in child advocacy.

Deaconess Foundation envisions a community that values the health and well-being of all children and gives priority attention to the most vulnerable. This community can only thrive if the allocation of power and distribution of resources, benefits, opportunities and burdens are not predictable by, nor predicated on race. Therefore, Deaconess pursues child well-being through public policy and racial equity.


CONVENING

Deaconess Center on average host more than 15,000 child advocates, civic leaders and community organizers per year in more than 600 gatherings focused on children's policy. Meeting space is granted at no cost to groups and convenings focused on shifting public policy for children aligned with Deaconess’ vision and values.

The 21,000 square foot facility house offices for Deaconess Foundation and long-term missional partners, Vision for Children at Risk and Unleashing PotentialDiverse, flexible meeting rooms, classrooms and community spaces can host up to 150 people in the largest setting. Space may also be leased for events aligned with the Foundation’s values.


GOVERNANCE

Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being, Inc. is a nonprofit, qualified active low-income community business with a five-member elected Board of Directors. Current directors are former President/CEO of Parents as Teachers, Dr. Susan Stepleton, President; Erica Henderson, Vice President; Deaconess Foundation President/CEO, Bethany Johnson-Javois., Corporate Secretary; Rev. Josh Privitt, Associate Pastor at St. Peter's United Church of Christ; and Audrey Ellermann, Chair of Covenant Blu Neighborhood Association. The Director of the Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being is a non-voting ex-officio member of the Board.