The Crisis Within, a February 21, 2016 special report of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, describes how toxic stress and trauma endanger our children and families, particularly in communities plagued by crime and poverty. And the story offers local resources and strategies for tackling stress.

ARCHS implements 18 education and social services programs lessening the burden that adverse events and stress place on reaching our full potential in St. Louis. Whether as an individual, or part of a family or community, none of us escapes stress. Yet too many St. Louis residents encounter more than their fair share.

That's why ARCHS focuses its programming for St. Louis' most vulnerable. From before birth continuing through career, ARCHS provides trauma-informed solutions to cope with (and even prevent) toxic stress in the St. Louis area.

ARCHS convenes partnership programs that annually remediates stress for more than 90,000 people, such as:

• home visits to strengthen families with young children
• parent coaching
• support services for families with special needs children
• early childhood and after school programs
• school-based medical and mental health services
• youth mentoring/development programs
• summer food benefits
• job training programs
• prisoner reentry programs
• health literacy/health insurance
• financial literacy/retirement savings
• reliable data and research on behalf of children

ARCHS continually explores new ways to improve the lives of the children and families we serve. Let us know if you have ideas or new program opportunities.

Graphic courtesy St. Louis Post-Dispatch