By Wendell E. Kimbrough, ARCHS' Chief Executive Officer

Area Resources for Community and Human Services (ARCHS) continues its investment across the St. Louis region in Fiscal Year 2015 (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015), focusing more than $6 million in intensive, on-the-ground strategies designed to improve educational and economic growth opportunities for more than 90,000 vulnerable children, youth, and parents.  A network of 200 organizations works with ARCHS in close collaboration to leverage programming, resources, and expertise that impact the region’s complex and interrelated challenges.

For 250 years, St. Louisans have fostered a spirit of self-improvement and community betterment.  Since 1997 ARCHS has promoted innovation in local education and social services programs. This year we are building on ARCHS’ existing program design, management, and evaluation efforts that improve people’s lives every day.  ARCHS has a well-earned reputation among its 10 funding sources for strengthening the rungs on the ladder of opportunity.

Here are highlights from ARCHS' Fiscal Year 2014 (July 1, 2013-June 30, 2014) programs:

•     94,350 people’s lives positively impacted (adults, children, and their immediate family members)
•     $5.9 million invested in the community through 10 funding partners
•     $9.6 million in additional funding/resources provided in partnership with 200 program partner
•     274 program site locations that included early childhood care, parent support, before & after school activities, youth development services, comprehensive vision care, life skills building, mentoring, job training, career exploration, physical fitness, and so much more
•     14 programs managed through 141 performance-based contracts
•     More than 130 distinct output and outcome measures tracked
•     16,640 technical assistance and training hours dedicated to improving program quality
•     23,447 miles traveled throughout the St. Louis region by ARCHS’ staff to provide real-time program enhancement support services and expertise
•     7,254 clock hours awarded at more than 200 professional staff training sessions
•     6,200+ training participants served; at least 95% reported ARCHS’ trainings were a good use of their time, they learned something new, and will apply what they learned
•     202 external jobs supported in the region
•     15,616 volunteer hours donated at ARCHS’ program sites
•     ARCHS’ Kids Vision for Life (KVLF) Partnership was recognized with a “What's Right with the Region!” award -- the fourth ARCHS-supported program since 2005 to receive this honor
•     Through its relationship with the Missouri Family and Community Trust (FACT), ARCHS serves as the Annie E. Casey's Kids Count representative for the St. Louis region.

As we celebrate this season of Thanksgiving, ARCHS wishes to further acknowledge the important work of our board, staff, funders/donors, program partners, and volunteers.