In 2008, Provident served almost 600 children in the 63115 and 63147 zip codes, one of the most violent crime ridden communities in the City of St. Louis and non of them were charged with a crime last year. The youth ages 6-21 years of age were involved in a wide range of neighborhood based programs that include: after school programs at the Shreve Neighborhood Center, Ashland Elementary, Herzog Elementary, a program for youth that dropped out of high school called Transitions to Work for Youth and a community development program call the Self-Reliant Communities Initiative.

Youth received services that include tutoring, gang abatement services, character education, counseling, case management, mentoring, life skills education, job readiness training programs, job placement, enrichment and recreational activities.

Provident has made a commitment to reducing crime in the Penrose and O'Fallon communities in north St. Louis City (part of 63115 zip codes adjacent to 63147 zip codes). We also want to improve mental and physical health, education, housing and employment in this community. This effort is called the Self-Reliant Communities Initiative.

600 youth from the target community did not get charged with a crime last year because of intervention by Provident and partner agencies. Why isn't that noticed? In fact these youth improved school attendance; improved reading and math scores, obtained employment, those that were out of school went back to school or enrolled in a GED program. Truly notable achievements from youth that are exposed to violence and crime in their community on a daily basis.

Post-Dispatch Columnist Sylvester Brown challenged political leaders in a column dated March 17, 2009 to hold community forums with non-profit agencies and partner with non-profit agencies to go after funding to solve community problems. Provident is ready and willing to partner and host forums and pursue funding to continue our efforts of crime prevention and improving outcomes for children in the Penrose and O'Fallon Communities.