Historical November–December 2016 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Beautiful architecture, tree-lined streets, and a central urban location are just a few of the qualities that make historic Skinker DeBaliviere a desirable place to live.
In addition to attracting people new to St. Louis, the area boasts many long-time residents who love their neighborhood and want to continue contributing to its vibrancy.
The mission of local nonprofit STL Village is to empower older adults to do just that – stay put and stay active in their communities. STL Village is a member-driven community network that helps people 50+ age in their own homes with access to a full range of activities and support services. Founded in 2014 by a group of residents from the Central West End, the organization serves several surrounding neighborhoods in St. Louis city and county. STL Village is affiliated with the Village to Village Network, also headquartered in St. Louis, which supports aging-in-community organizations throughout the country and internationally. Skinker DeBaliviere residents Maria and Joe Koerner, who moved to the area a few years ago from the Central West End, are members of STL Village and have neighbors who are also members. “Maria and I have found a most meaningful array of activities through the Village that reach across the spectrum of our life here in our neighborhood,” Joe commented. “We have regularly enjoyed the happy hours, times just to be together and share ideas and experiences; we’ve also received help from the Village with minor repairs around the house.
We responded to an invitation to work one day a week at the food pantry at Trinity Episcopal Church on North Euclid Avenue; there we have found inspiration not only in the people served but also in the people who serve with us.” STL Village executive director Madeline Franklin notes, “Our members are an important resource not only for each other but for the whole community. Members share their talents and explore interests by participating in initiatives that are strengthening the St. Louis region.” The Village’s support of the Skinker DeBaliviere summer concert series is an example of how the organization partners with local neighborhoods.
Residents are invited to attend one of the many STL Village activities to see what we’re all about.
There are also opportunities to help our members by volunteering. Details on membership, volunteering and our monthly calendar of activities can be found at stlvillage.org or by contacting the STL Village office at 314-802-0275. Liz Backus is a communications volunteer for STL Village.
Original photograph caption
Joe Koerner.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, November–December 2016.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2016_11.pdf, printed page(s) 4; PDF page(s) 4.
