RELEASE: Innovative new resources available for North St. Louis County residents

Clayton, MO., April 5, 2018—Family and Workforce Centers of America (FWCA) this week begins operation of a neighborhood resource center designed to strengthen families at its new North County location, 26 North Oaks Plaza in Northwoods. A variety of social and workforces services for St. Louis County residents will be available at the site.

“FWCA is a long-time partner of St. Louis County in providing workforce development and social services,” said St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger. “This new neighborhood resource center’s mission is to strengthen families through a range of programs that include meeting the needs of disconnected youth, improving access to employment opportunities and promoting community stability.”

County Executive Stenger said the use of the North Oaks space is an excellent example of making wise use of available County resources. “It is important for County government to have operations in North County,” he said. “We have planned carefully to make sure that area residents have the services they deserve with convenient access. This is the best site for the services that will be provided there.”

The County-leased office space at 26 North Oaks formerly housed a Missouri Jobs Center. The property, on which the County has a 20-year lease signed in 2004, lacked adequate space to meet the needs of the Jobs Center. Those functions were moved to appropriate, updated space at the Crossings at Northwest.

St. Louis County Public Works is renovating the North Oaks office areas. FWCA will use a portion of the space to provide a variety of social services and workforce programs.

In coming weeks, Fathers’ Support Center will begin offering services at the new location. Also, HOSCO Foods, a multi-faceted non-profit cooperative that grows and sells microgreens while teaching farming skills to co-op members, will be on-site in the near future.

“Expanding the programs we offer means we can have a greater impact on the community and this is a perfect location to increase program participation,” said FWCA President and Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Seward.

In addition to the Fathers’ Support Center and HOSCO, FWCA will offer new programs including bioscience training and a healthy marriage program as well as resources for youth and young adult workforce apparel.

The remainder of the space is being renovated for use by the St. Louis County Police Special Operations Division. The Division will include a new unit, made possible by funding from Proposition P, aimed at engaging citizens, enhancing community relations and providing a positive police presence. The new unit is currently engaged in planning for its programs.

“These resources will be agile, consisting of consummate professionals that will be used a variety of ways to help address the complex needs our community has,” said Col. Jon M. Belmar, St. Louis County Chief of Police. “I also believe this location will help make the area around this office safer.” Board of Police Commissioners Chairman Roland J. Corvington also sees great value in the new location.

“The Board of Police Commissioners welcomes the strategic opportunity to have County Police resources working from this central location,” said Corvington. “The presence of these resources will contribute to improving the quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods. This also demonstrates the effective and efficient use of County-leased property and personnel, as our police officers serve the citizens of St. Louis County.”