Missouri Coalition for Children hosted a Connected Communities – Thriving Families convening in St. Louis, Missouri, on July 26, 2024. This convening was focused on the immediate incremental changes attendees could make both personally and organizationally in their communities. The group split into three groups to tackle the community’s three priority areas (Creating and Supporting Safe Spaces, Neighbors Helping Neighbors and Access to Housing). Each subgroup established goals for 2025 and the steps and resources necessary to achieve those goals. MCC will reach out periodically to check in on goal progress between now and the next convening. Below, you’ll find a few takeaways from the convening discussion.

• Action-Oriented Progress: This convening focused on actionable steps organizations can take to make immediate incremental change in their communities.
• Goals for 2024-2025: Each organization committed to taking concrete steps to address each CC-TF priority area between now and the next convening.
• Racial Disparities in Foster Care: Children of color are significantly overrepresented in the foster care system in both St. Louis City and County.

Download the full convening summary here: