June 30, 2010

CLAYTON RESIDENT HONORED WITH VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD FROM EDGEWOOD CHILDREN'S CENTER

ST. LOUIS, MO (June 30, 2010) - From assisting in the classrooms to raking leaves to spending time with kids, volunteers at Edgewood Children’s Center in Webster Groves give generously of themselves and play an instrumental role in the success of the kids living on campus. The critical work that takes place on Edgewood’s campus would not be possible without the support of campus work groups and volunteers; their efforts saved Edgewood more than $40,000 in maintenance costs in 2009. Volunteers are recognized at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Reception, including a few outstanding volunteers that are honored with Circle of Caring Awards.

One such volunteer honored this year was Barry Jackson of Clayton. Jackson first came to Edgewood in 2003 as a mentor, and soon became a very special part of teacher Kim McVey’s class at Edgewood School. Edgewood School provides day treatment and education for kids with behavioral and emotional problems that prevent them from succeeding in a traditional educational setting.

“What would I do without Mr. Barry? He has been a volunteer in my class for over six years. He tutors, mentors, shares Classic Poetry and then discusses it with the students. And that is no easy feat with my boys!” said McVey. “He brings in articles on current events and then they have a discussion about them. He travels frequently and sends us postcards when he’s away, and then tells us about the places he has visited. The kids really miss him when he’s gone. He is respected by them.”

Volunteers like Jackson make a world of difference in the lives of the children at Edgewood, giving support and guidance during vulnerable times in their young lives.

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About Great Circle
Established as a result of the merger of Boys & Girls Town of Missouri and Edgewood Children’s Center, Great Circle provides treatment, education, prevention and support services to children with a history of physical, sexual or emotional abuse, neglect or abandonment. Great Circle’s mission to “reshape vulnerable lives through a community of partners, teachers and leaders, giving children and families the confidence to create bright futures” is fulfilled through campuses in St. Louis, Columbia, Springfield and St. James, Missouri. As one of the children’s non-for-profit services in Missouri, the organization annually serves approximately 7,800 children and family members and employs more than 700 staff members. For more information please visit www.great-circle.org.