Social Services

Youth Activities

In 2001, WUMC funded the construction of the $6 million Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, Adams Park Unit. It was established to further support positive after-school and summer programs for Forest Part Southeast youth. The state-of-the-art facility includes a computer lab, dance studio, weight room, teen center, full size gymnasium, and adjacent baseball field.

In order to further expand programming and services, in 2007 Herbert Hoover Boys and Girls Club was engaged to help direct the operations of the center. Herbert Hoover provides programming that covers five core areas: Character & Leadership Development; Education & Career Development; The Arts; Health and Life Skills; and Sports, Fitness, and Recreation. Youth members of the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, Adams Park Unit will have access to activities at the north Grand campus, including free dental services. Clarkson EyeCare has agreed to establish a free vision care program at Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, Adams Park Unit. Flint Fowler, Executive Director of Herbert Hoover, stated “The staff and board are looking forward to establishing a productive and long-term relationship with the residents of Forest Park Southeast.”

If you have questions or would like additional information please call Flint Fowler or Debra Harris at (314) 652-8300.

WUMC continues to support the operations of the center and is committed to offering FPSE youth the most expansive and innovative programming available. To date WUMCRC has contributed more than $10 million to youth programming in Forest Park Southeast.

Employment Assistance

Since 2002, Washington University Medical Center has supported MERS/Goddwill to operate a full time employment agency in FPSE, specifically for FPSE residents. Participants in the program receive three weeks of training on how to be successful on the job. During the training course MERS/Goodwill works with residents on self-esteem and self-confidence, meeting the challenges of one’s personal life, being able to deal with the complexities of interpersonal relationships with co-workers and supervisors, as well as being able to perform the actual work tasks. In addition, the program makes available GED courses and skills training in order to assist perticipants who would like to climb the career ladder.

Once participants complete the three week training course, MERS/Goddwill employment specialists assist the participants with locating quality employment. While on the job, MERS/Goodwill staff track participants’ progress and assist them in overcoming barriers. Since the inception of the program, more than 120 FPSE residents have completed the program and have located quality employment.

If you are interested in the MERS/Goodwill-Forest Park Southeast Employment Service, stop by the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club, Adams Park Unit, or contact Shakira Nasiruddin at 314-535-3252.

Home Repair

WUMC works with local community organizations such as Rebuilding together to assist home owners throughout FPSE to perform the necessary maintenance and repairs on their properties. WUMC staff is actively involved in assisting with renovation projects throughout the community. During 2010 8 families were assisted through this partnership. In the coming year WUMC will continue to identify needy home owners and connect them with this  valuable service.

In addition to assistance with the funding of the initiative, each year WUMCRC leads in recruiting new Forest Park Southeast homeowners and educating them about the application process.  In the fall and winter volunteers and contractors review applications and assess the home repairs that are needed on each home. Finally on a scheduled Saturday in April, hundreds of volunteers embark onto Forest Park Southeast to work on a one day home repair blitz. Work typically includes plumbing, electrical, interior and exterior painting, landscaping, tuck pointing, guttering and roof repair.

Holiday Outreach 2010

Thanks to the generous donations and support from various departments from the Washington University the
Washington University Medical Center Redevelopment Corporation was able to help 34 families throughout out the FPSE and Botanical Heights neighborhoods. Departments donated food, clothing, toys for children and household items. In addition employees donated over $6500 in rent and utility assistance.  The annual program provides a boost to area families during an important time of the year. The 2010  holiday program was a tremendous success.