our mission
Building long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth, equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community.
our history
January 2016
Elevate USA to St Louis
At Dr. Joseph Davis’ invitation, Debbi Speck visits St. Louis and hosts exploratory meetings with hopes of establishing a new Elevate affiliate in the St. Louis region.
June 2016
Founding Board
Linda Lockwood, Sam Oliver, Gene Quarells, David Fisher, Steve Hoeft Doug Pope.
July 2016
Momentum
Board invested $16,000 and begins Executive Director search.
October 2016
Denver Site Visit
Board members and a delegation from the Ferguson-Florissant School District visits Colorado Uplift and Elevate USA.
February 2017
E.D. Hired
The Board hires Frank Bell to serve as the organizations’ first Executive Director.
March – September 2017
Building an Organization
Community assessment & engagement, resource development, building board strength, and navigating challenges and resistance. $500,000 resource development goal.
September 2017
Tipping Point
Brian Bess and Shawn McLaughlin commit $150,000 to create a matching challenge grant to help raise $300,000.
February 2018
Affiliation Granted
Elevate St. Louis becomes the eight Elevate USA affiliate.
May 2018
Two Major Milestones
Charles Taylor – first Teacher-Mentor.
Ferg-Flor School Board officially welcomes Elevate St. Louis.
August 9, 2018
Launch
Elevate St. Louis begins at McCluer High School with intro to Elevate & Elevater 1. Elevate staff builds relationships with students, teachers & administrators.
November 2018
Growing our Staff
Our second Teacher-Mentor, Jennifer Williams is hired.
December 2018
First Semester Ends
Elevate St. Louis is firmly established in McCluer High School.
January 2019
Program Expansion
Cross-age mentoring and after-school activities.
our history
January 2016
Elevate USA to St Louis
At Dr. Joseph Davis’ invitation, Debbi Speck visits St. Louis and hosts exploratory meetings with hopes of establishing a new Elevate affiliate in the St. Louis region.
June 2016
Founding Board
Linda Lockwood, Sam Oliver, Gene Quarells, David Fisher, Steve Hoeft Doug Pope.
July 2016
Momentum
Board invested $16,000 and begins Executive Director search.
October 2016
Denver Site Visit
Board members and a delegation from the Ferguson-Florissant School District visits Colorado Uplift and Elevate USA.
February 2017
E.D. Hired
The Board hires Frank Bell to serve as the organizations’ first Executive Director.
March – September 2017
Building an Organization
Community assessment & engagement, resource development, building board strength, and navigating challenges and resistance. $500,000 resource development goal.
September 2017
Tipping Point
Brian Bess and Shawn McLaughlin commit $150,000 to create a matching challenge grant to help raise $300,000.
February 2018
Affiliation Granted
Elevate St. Louis becomes the eight Elevate USA affiliate.
May 2018
Two Major Milestones
Charles Taylor – first Teacher-Mentor. Ferg-Flor School Board officially welcomes Elevate St. Louis.
Aug 9, 2018
Launch!
Elevate St. Louis begins at McCluer High School with intro to Elevate & Elevater 1.
Elevate staff builds relationships with students, teachers & administrators.
November 2018
Growing our Staff
Our second Teacher-Mentor, Jennifer Williams is hired.
December 2018
First Semester Ends
Elevate St. Louis is firmly established in McCluer High School.
January 2019
Program Expansion
Cross-age mentoring and after-school activities.
help us reach more students
our staff
board members
advisory board members
- We believe that EVERY CHILD is of great worth and has the desire and potential to succeed.
- We believe that LONG-TERM, 24/7 RELATIONSHIPS with caring adults have proven positive outcomes in the lives of our urban youth.
- We believe that a HOLISTIC approach is essential for a strong and healthy future for our youth.
- We believe that FULL-TIME, SALARIED TEACHER-MENTORS WHO COME FROM SIMILAR BACKGROUNDS as the students can have a positive influence and make all the difference.
- We believe that the SERVANT LEADERSHIP, creating a culture of selflessness and service, is the foundation for leadership.
- We believe in the intrinsic DIGNITY of every person and act accordingly.
- We believe that COLLABORATION yields the best long-term results, acknowledging that the complex work in our urban centers cannot be done single handedly.