Peace Economy Project Receives $10,000 Grant from Deaconess Foundation

PEP received a $10,000 grant from the St. Louis-based Deaconess Foundation today designed to support efforts in our new project: Giving Victims of St. Louis Youth Violence a Voice. 

The grant was one of several the foundation made on Saturday, July 26. Deaconess invested in a wide range of St. Louis-area organizations to achieve better outcomes for children and youth with grants totaling more than half a million dollars to 24 projects and the regional initiative entitled “Ready by 21.”

The project seeks to uncover the affects of youth violence in the city of St. Louis, and in doing so, address one aspect of the growing violence that plagues our neighborhoods and prevents us from achieving peace at home. Through interviews and podcasting, we hope to lift the voices of those impacted by violence. To be involved in this project, please contact us at peaceeconomyproject@gmail.com. 

The 2014 grant was part of Deaconess’ Community Capacity Building Initiative designed to create, strengthen, and expand the region’s capability to achieve and sustain effective action that brings about better outcomes for children and youth. The announcement was part of the foundation’s day-long “Children at the Center” event today at the O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex in north St. Louis, celebrating the 125^th Anniversary of the Deaconess’ mission.

Deaconess, established in 1889, is celebrating 125 years of service to the St. Louis area and continues its mission — pursuing health and hope for all St. Louis children. A ministry of the United Church of Christ, Deaconess has invested more than $72 million to improve the health of the St. Louis community since 1998. The Foundation believes healthy, hope-filled futures for children benefit the entire region. Deaconess Foundation invests in endeavors that improve the well-being of children, engages our region around the plight of youth, and advocates for change.

For more information about Deaconess Foundation or its funding opportunities, visit www.deaconess.org. Connect with Deaconess on Twitter @DeaconessFound and Facebook.