Safety Net is a team of citizens that work with non-profit organizations to bring attention to homelessness and to support homeless children and youth in the Meramec Valley R-III School District. Recently the team met to accept a $1,250 donation for the Meramec Valley R-III School District Homeless Fund; Safety Net. Dan McClain with the Pacific Eagles presented a $1,000 check to benefit the students and a $250 check was presented by Mary-Beth Schmidt and Kathleen Gloekler. Dr. Stephanie Bechard, MVR-III Homeless Coordinator, was grateful for the donation, "This community is extremely supportive to families in need and the help to our children and families is invaluable." Bechard and a team of counselors recently wrote a homeless grant to support the hire of the district’s first ever social worker for homeless children and youth. Rachel George was hired as the MVR-III social worker and will work closely with Safety Net to ensure community support is accessible to these students.
The Pacific Eagles held a benefit BBQ to raise the $1,000 donation for their annual contribution to the Safety Net. Whereas, Gloekler and Schmidt began cycling during the spring to raise awareness for childhood homelessness with over 900 miles ridden since the start of the year. How can you help Safety Net combat homelessness in the area? Donations may be made to the MVR-III School District, support the Pacific Agape House, and the Franklin County United Way. Online donations may be made at https://mvr3.revtrak.net/#/home.
Safety Net Committee members include Dan McClain, Mary Beth Schmidt, Carol Johnson, Stephanie Bechard, Rachel George, Ketina Armstrong, and Pauline Masson. The group meets quarterly to address current issues surrounding homelessness in the area.
Pictured from top left to top right: Dan McClain, Mary Beth Schmidt, Stephanie Bechard, Rachel George, and Kathlene Gloekler. Ketina Armstrong, Carol Johnson, and Pauline Masson are not pictured.