Non-Profits Take Center Stage

This week’s Patch Picks features our area’s non-profit organizations.  The cities of Ladue and Frontenac are home to several wonderful agencies that work to improve the lives of children, first responders, families and women.

 1.      The BackStoppers, Inc.

They are the first on the scene of disasters, crimes and emergencies and put their lives on the line to protect the rest of us.  And when they lose their life in the line of duty, The BackStoppers is there to help the grieving family.  From financial support to counseling services, the benefits and assistance offered by this organization help the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

 2.      Children’s Home Society of Missouri

This organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children in need.  It provides infant adoption and adoption of older children who are in foster care.  A large part of its services is an education and counseling program whose staff specializes in adoptions and its various issues.  In addition, CHS has a residential program for children with very significant developmental disabilities and medical needs.  One of the society’s funding sources is Clothing for a Cause, a clothing pick-up donation program.

3.      Shriners Hospitals for Children  - St. Louis

With a focus on orthopedics, the hospital in Frontenac serves 12-13,000 pediatric patients a year.  Luckily for most of the children, the average stay is only two to three days.  The five most common ailments seen by the doctors are:  club foot, scoliosis, hip problems, leg length conditions, and amputations.  While the hospital primarily serves children from a nine-state area in the Midwest, thanks to the reputation of its Washington University faculty physicians, it attracts kids from all over the country and the world.  The European Auto Show held at Plaza Frontenac each year benefits the hospital.

 4.      Sign of the Arrow

Since 1966, this needlepoint store has granted over $3.3 million to a variety of charities.  Founded by St. Louis alumnae of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity, generally the store’s proceeds have funded women’s and children’s programs.  While it has a few paid employees, the majority of the workers are volunteers who keep the store running.  In addition to selling everything related to needlepoint, the store offers classes.

 5.      The Woman’s Exchange

As one of the oldest women’s organizations in the country, The Woman’s Exchange is charged with helping people help themselves by creating income opportunities for people who are disadvantaged in some way.  Its gift shop, children’s shop and tea room sell handmade items from St. Louisans as well as from crafters all over the country.  Items are sold on consignment with 70-100 percent of the profits going to the crafters.