The East St. Louis Youth Development Alliance & East Side Aligned would like to celebrate & show gratitude to all afterschool professionals in honor of Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week! We recognize, appreciate, & advocate for #HeartOfAfterschool ! #ESA #APAW #APAW22

East St. Louis Youth Development Alliance & East Side Aligned would like to congratulate & spotlight Vanessa Wright of Join Hands East Saint Louis! She is a 2022 Diane Sonneman Champion for Kids Award nominee!" Thank you Vanessa for your service & dedication to our youth! #APAW22

East St. Louis Youth Development Alliance & East Side Aligned would like to congratulate & spotlight DeKale Jackson of the Griffin Center! DeKale is a 2022 Diane Sonneman Champion for Kids Award nominee! #ESA #APAW #APAW22 #YouthDevelopment #HeartOfAfterschool #OutOfSchoolTime

TAG & COMMENT AN AFTERSCHOOL PROFESSIONAL THAT DESERVES RECOGINITION FOR THEIR HARD WORK, DEDICATION, & SERVICE!! Thank you to all Afterschool Professionals for your passion for youth & their development! WE APPRECIATE YOU! Happy Afterschool Appreciation Week! #HeartOfAfterschool

HAPPY MENTAL HEALTH MONDAY! WE ARE FOCUSED ON BUILDING A TRAUMA-INFORMED COMMUNITY! The video linked above highlights how nearly a dozen organizations are working to transform how they operate to foster healing and well-being within our community. #May2022 #mentalhealth #trauma

Be Mindful Of Our Youth! Adverse childhood experiences and exposure to traumatic events have short and long term impacts on mental health. Building a community that is responsive to trauma continues to be a top priority for East Side Aligned. #mentalhealth #trauma #youth

Congratulations To All Of The 2022 Graduates!!! Please COMMENT & TAG a 2022 graduate so we can celebrate them! East Side Aligned is proud of our youth for accomplishing a monumental achievement! = #classof2022 #graduation #youth #youthleader #eaststlouis #Congratulations

We Stand Against Gun Violence!!! On June 3rd, Leaving Our Voices Everywhere (L.O.V.E.) youth & East Side Aligned staff participated in the National Wear Orange Day: Gun Violence Awareness Event. L #wearorange #gunviolenceawareness #esa #LOVE #community #youth

Just posted a photo @ East Saint Louis, Illinois instagram.com/p/CfZv0UJurBx/…

DO NOT MISS OUT THIS SATURDAY!! Calling all ESTL families: Join us for our annual Early Learning Fair! Register here (optional): tinyurl.com/rse2022 Want to be a vendor? (No cost): Sign up at tinyurl.com/rseVENDOR Have questions? Email [email protected]

MAKE SURE YOUR CHILDREN ARE PREPARED FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR! Community Resource: Calvary MB Church will be hosting a Back To School Giveaway on Saturday, August 13, 2022 from 12pm-until supplies run out. All children are welcomed to attend. #ESTL #youth #backtoschool #community

**PAID POSITION FOR YOUTH** Want to learn to use your voice to advocate for issues that matter to you and get PAID to do it? Be a part of our #YIMidWest’s fall Young Advocates Program. Applications are open to anyone 18-34. DEADLINE IS August 17th! bit.ly/ILYAPFALL2022

***COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY*** United Congregations of Metro East is providing the opportunity to award $2,500 worth of scholarships to 10 first year undergrad college students. DEADLINE is August 12, 2022. click the link below to apply. secure.everyaction.com/-Sft1Y24jUOZPw…

Do you know someone in East St. Louis that is a champion for young children and their development? Nominate them for the Brenda Crisp Early Childhood Champion Award! Nomination Form: tinyurl.com/BrendaCrispAwa… Questions? Email [email protected]

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to our Board Chair, Rev. Aaron Rogers. We are grateful who you are, the values you live out, and the human-centered leadership you gift us with. Thank you for championing equity, justice, and well-being with and for young people. We celebrate you 🥳

The Greater East St. Louis Early Learning Partnership presents Ready, Set, Kindergarten! This video shares ways families & children can get ready for Kindergarten, and help parents understand what their child will be learning for the school year. youtu.be/IcHdjwvqi2o #ESTL

***GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITY*** In 2021, this act created the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention with a vision of every community, every neighborhood, every home in Illinois being free from violence. To learn about more: dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item… #violenceprevention #Grants

***SEEKING ILLINOIS RESIDENTS AGES 15-25*** Looking for youth who live in Illinois to participate in a survey about their experiences with violence, crime, and adversity. This study will inform State of Illinois’ efforts to better support and fund services.

***ACCEPTING FOOD & HYGIENE DONATIONS*** Leaving Our Voices Everywhere (L..O.V.E.) will be accepting donations for their Food & Hygiene Drive till November 4th.All food must be non-perishable and all hygiene products must be unused. #eaststlouis #communitystrong #food #hygiene

****DEADLINE TOMORROW, FRIDAY SEPT. 30TH**** Know someone in East St. Louis that is a champion for young children and their development? Nominate them for the Brenda Crisp Early Childhood Champion Award. Nomination Form: tinyurl.com/BrendaCrispAwa…