Imagine gearing up for school without common supplies. Not having a backpack, uniform or even deodorant and other hygienic items are realities of many in St. Louis. Tameka Brown and Provident are out to help.

Brown is the Director of Community Services at Provident and has been working there for the past 14 years. Brown oversees the after school programs among other things within Provident.

“The job I do is very self-rewarding,” Brown said. “It’s a hard job, but to help out kids who don’t have much, it’s worth it.”

According to their website, Provident was created in 1860 by James Yeatman in order to “help the sick and the poor in the city of St. Louis.”  Provident is composed of three main sections according to Julie McDowell, Director of Resource Development. First is counseling, provided to both adults and children. Second, crisis intervention and prevention, which operates a 24-hour crisis hotline as well as suicide prevention and community outreach programs. Third is community service, Brown’s area, which operates nine different after school programs at various schools, as well as a ‘safe-haven’ center.

“Helping others, in whatever capacity that may be, is what it’s about,” McDowell said.

Provident’s after school programs run from 3-6 p.m. and provide food, tutoring, mentoring and activities such as karate and musical training to kids. Their website, estimates Provident is able to reach around 550 kids through the after school programs they utilize.

“We use the after school programs so kids have a secure place to come after school before parents get home,” Brown said. “We teach kids how to say no to drugs and teach them to handle problems without aggression, and teach everyday life skills as well.”

Provident put the money from the Old Newsboys Day grant,  towards their community services branch. The money was used to help fund the Back to School Bash which is an annual event that provides supplies to students heading back to school. Supplies range from school uniforms and backpacks to personal hygiene utilities. The grant Provident received from Old Newsboys has been directed towards this event for the past two years.

“We decided to use the money given by Old Newsboys with the Back to School Bash because we saw it was a need in our community,” Brown said. “[Newsboys Grant] was a great resource, that went to great use as well.”

Charity means something different to everyone and McDowell has her reasons for joining Provident.

“I love and believe in the mission,” McDowell said. “Getting to serve the under-served in our community is what we work for.”

For more information about Provident contact the administration office  314-371-6500 or visit their website at providentstl.org