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Epworth Children and Family Services

Epworth children and familiy services

A world in which every youth experiences life in all its fullness.

Epworth is a United Methodist-related community nonprofit with the mission of helping children, youth and families move toward self-sufficiency by focusing on health, housing, education and employment. Nearly 13,000 individuals turn to Epworth each year for emergency shelter, residential and intensive treatment, family reunification therapy, transition to independent living programs, foster family care, prevention services and 24-hour help.

Learn more about their mission at their main website.

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Inside Message
Bringing you the joy that is in this season and a wish for peace, love, and happiness this coming year.

Epworth Holiday Cards for Sale

Once again, the Epworth Auxiliary is selling Christmas cards to support Epworth Children & Family Services.

These Holiday cards are $15 for 12 cards. 

While they last, cards are available for purchase:

  • Monday – Thursday 9a – 4p at the Manchester UMC main office  or
  • Sunday mornings at the Information Center.
If questions, please email Liz Shuburte.

How to Serve

Have a heart for youth? Like to cook? Enjoy giving parties and providing good fellowship? Volunteers are needed for hosting parties, making meals, and providing a caring presence at both the residential facility on the Webster Groves campus and the Drop-in Center in Normandy.

To qualify, you need only to enjoy working with youth and be 21 years or older. Safe Gatherings training recommended. Participants needed for daytime and evening events. 

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Holiday Parties (Evening)

Thursday, Dec. 7 | 5 - 7p

Location:  Epworth Webster Campus

Be a part of a team to assist with this Holiday Party by serving food and supporting holiday crafts.

This Holiday Party is for youth, ages 11-18, and residing at Epworth’s Residential Dorms and Emergency Shelter.  Carpooling is available!

Thursday, Dec. 14 | 5 - 8p

Location:  Epworth Natural Bridge Drop-In Center

Be a part of a team to assist with this Holiday Party by serving food and supporting holiday activities.  A volunteer is needed with resources for making Christmas cards with youth.

This Holiday Party is for former and current foster youth, ages 14-22 (Chafee Program).  Carpooling is available!

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Lunch Outreach at Drop-In Center (Daytime)

Rotating teams of volunteers prepare and serve lunches for youth who have no secure housing. Preparation and serving occurs at Epworth Children and Family Services Drop-in Center in Normandy. Dates are typically the second Friday and fourth Wednesday of every month. Carpooling is available.

Not able to volunteer but interested in providing a meal for the Epworth youth?

This can be as easy as ordering pizza and having it delivered or Drop-In Center staff picking food up from a local restaurant. Please email ministry leader, Barb Zenser.

Do you like to help plan parties?

Season Parties at both locations (EVENINGS)

 
Manchester UMC’s Epworth Ministry hosts seasonal parties, i.e., Back-to-School barbecues, Holiday parties, Graduation party, etc., for youth residing at the Epworth Children & Family Ministry dorms and emergency shelter.  Rotating teams of volunteers plan and direct parties for the youth residing at the Webster Groves Campus and also for the youth transitioning out of foster care at the Drop-in Center in Normandy
 
Join this team by completing the form below.   If questions, please email the Epworth ministry leader, Barb Zenser.

Please complete one form per Person:

Donate

Most Needed donations

Epworth Children and Family Services are requesting the following items for the youth 11-18 who reside at the residential treatment center at Epworth’s Webster Campus.   

Supplies needed:

  • Bath Towels
  • Deodorant (travel or regular) sizes

Supplies can be dropped off at the Epworth Donation bin outside of the MUMC church office.

Epworth also accepts the following in-kind donations. Please place the following donations in the marked “Epworth” donation bin near the Main Church Office.
Clothing

Low cut socks
Men’s white undershirts (S, M, L)
Gently used clothing
Women’s underwear size 5 & 6

Toiletries

Body wash
Shampoo
Conditioner
Lotion
Deodorant

Food

Bottled water
Snack bags
Pull-top canned goods
Ramen noodles
Granola bars

Form more information on Epworth Children & Family Services, contact the Missions Director, Liz Shuburte.

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