Before we welcome the new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work accomplished over the past 12 months and to thank all of our partners for their continued partnership and leadership.
A Year of Growth and Transition
This year marked an important period of transition and growth for CSF. We welcomed several new colleagues, including two members of our leadership team. In March, Tyrone D. Ford joined CSF as Deputy Director, and in November, Jenn Vorachack stepped into the role of Chief Program Officer following the retirement of Paulette Foerster in July. We are deeply grateful to Paulette for her years of service and lasting impact on the organization.
We were also pleased to see longtime team member Thomas Mennerick take on the newly created role of Senior Program Officer after eight years as a Program Officer. Additional new staff members included Maya Wedlow, who joined us as a Program Officer; Gretta Strand, who came aboard as a Data and Performance Analyst; and Jessica Combs, who strengthened our finance team as Finance Associate. Together, this talented group has brought fresh energy, expertise, and perspective to our work.
Convening, Connecting, and Celebrating
Throughout the year, we continued to bring together partners and stakeholders in meaningful ways. In February, we hosted a speed networking event to kick off our 2025–2027 Grassroots Funding Opportunity. The event connected current Grassroots partners with nonprofits interested in learning more about CSF, fostering new relationships and a strong sense of community.
In June, we celebrated the legacy of Dr. John M. Anderson at our annual Excellence in Mental Health Awards event. During a special brunch, we honored two outstanding leaders in the field of mental health. Dr. Jameca Woody Cooper received the Community Mental Health Provider Award, and Dr. Juee Phalak was named the Excellence in the Field of Mental Health Awardee. Their work exemplifies the dedication and innovation that strengthens mental and behavioral health services for children and families in our region. We look forward to opening nominations for next year’s awards in early 2026.
In July, we hosted Together for Youth Wellbeing, convening school personnel and mental and behavioral health providers for a morning focused on collaboration. The connections formed and conversations sparked at this event underscored the importance of cross-sector partnerships in supporting students and families.
Finally, we closed out our event season in September with the fourth annual RefreshED STL. More than 200 educators and school staff joined us for a day dedicated to wellness, rest, and restoration. From movement-based workshops to journaling, sound meditation, and aromatherapy, the event offered a much-needed opportunity for those who care for our region’s children to care for themselves.
Local nonprofits gather for CSF’s second speed networking event in February 2025.
From left to right, William Douthit, Dr. Juee Phalak, Dr. Jameca Woody Cooper, and Emily Koenig at the 2025 Excellence in Mental Health Awards ceremony.
Shanina Carmichael leads 2025 RefreshED STL attendees in the Morning J.A.M.M. wellness session.
Funding Opportunities and Strategic Investments
A significant focus of our work this year was centered on stewarding resources and planning thoughtfully for future investments. Planning for the 2025-2027 Grassroots Funding Opportunity began back in 2024 so we could hit the ground running this year beginning with the speed networking event and continuing through eligibility meetings, application support, and review. This work reflects our ongoing commitment to transparency, accessibility, and strong partnerships with community-based organizations. We were thrilled to invest $3.5 million into 24 Grassroots partners.
At the same time we were working through the Grassroots application process, we began internal planning for the upcoming 2026–2029 Core Funding Opportunity. This early planning helps ensure continuity, clarity, and alignment with community needs as we look ahead. Applications for this funding opportunity were due on October 30, and our team of staff members and community reviewers are finishing up their review now. We cannot wait to announce our future Core partners in summer 2026.
We also continued to grow our Special Projects portfolio, supporting innovative efforts that respond to emerging needs. This year’s investments included expanded partnership and funding for the St. Louis Area Violence Prevention Commission in St. Louis County; the launch of a CSF Youth Advisory Council in partnership with the Community Health Commission of Missouri; continued funding for social workers in St. Louis County Libraries, who supported more than 200 individuals each month; funding for Aspire Advocates to advance the development of a recovery high school in St. Louis; and investing in The Core Collective at St. Vincent and the creation of a Youth Assessment Center to redirect youth in St. Louis County away from criminal justice and child welfare systems.
Learning, Listening, and Measuring Impact
In spring 2025, Phase 2 of our collaborative Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) launched with interviews and listening sessions with parents, caregivers, youth, educators, and mental health providers across St. Louis County. This community-informed work continues to guide our priorities and investments. Last week we announced the launch of a joint online hub that shares early insights from our work with St. Louis Mental Health Board and affirms a shared commitment to community-informed mental and behavioral health and wellbeing across the St. Louis region. We look forward to continuing to share what we’ve learned in the coming months.
This year, we also began more broadly sharing our Impact Framework through blogs, animated videos, and social media. The framework provides a clear structure for how we define success and measure progress at CSF, helping all of our audiences better understand the outcomes we are working to achieve alongside others. This framework will guide our work moving forward and help clearly communicate how CSF’s investments contribute to better outcomes for children and families.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As we close out 2025, I am deeply grateful for the dedication of our staff and for the guidance and support of our Board. Their work helps ensure that CSF remains a strong, responsive, and forward-looking organization.
Thank you for your continued commitment to investing in kids and creating brighter futures. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the year ahead.
