June 30, 2010

LADUE 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 Joan Langenberg of Ladue. Joan came to Edgewood in 2008 looking for volunteer opportunities. Willing to help out in any way she could, Joan began to mentor one of the girls in the residential unit. She spent time with her on a regular basis, not just taking her places but being part of her life. After the child successfully moved to a foster home, Joan then decided to volunteer in a different way and joined Friends of Edgewood.

Friends of Edgewood volunteers committed support the children and families served by Edgewood by raising funds through special events and projects, promoting and providing volunteer service and increasing community awareness of Edgewood.

In 2009, Joan co-chaired the Friends annual Christmas Store. Joan and the Friends worked tirelessly through the year collecting gifts to stock the store, giving Edgewood’s kids the opportunity to learn to give and share Christmas gifts with their loved ones.

Joan continues to make a difference through her work with the Friends of Edgewood; she co-chaired the group’s annual Spring Luncheon in 2009 and 2010, which brings in much needed funding for children’s treatment services.

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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.