St. Louis non-profit goes mobile, meeting needs of the community
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - A St. Louis non-profit is working to help the underserved by meeting them exactly where they are, and it all starts with a question: “Are you okay?”
At Rock Road Library in St. Louis County, a hard-to-miss van sits in the parking lot, painted with the words “Are U Ok?”
“It’s a way to begin a conversation,” said Stephanie Reynolds, director of communications for Power 4 STL.
This is all part of an effort through the organizations Power 4 STL and The T STL.
“Our mission is to bridge the gap in care for people who are at risk of overdose, those who are unhoused, and those who have general needs to address their trauma,” said Stephanie.
Reynolds said that nearly five days a week, this van travels the roads of St. Louis County and the city, making various stops to reach those in need.
“Twheels is really just a way we can bring all the services of our program to the public and meet them where they are because the tenets of our care are that it needs to be accessible, and part of that is reaching people where they are,” she said.
For Erik Bolton, co-manager of outreach for Power 4 STL, there is no hesitation when it comes to helping people in the community.
“I do it because there are so many people who are overlooked in our community, and I don’t mind fighting for the people who need help,” he said.
In the van, you will find an assortment of items like clothing, food, Narcan, feminine products and so much more.
But outside the van, the organization’s work continues.
“We also provide Nada acupuncture. It’s auricular acupuncture that helps release trauma stored in the body,” Reynolds said.
But the mission goes even deeper.
“They are looking to make and build relationships with people,” said Reynolds. “We believe that showing up regularly with commitment, depth, and reliability is key.”
So, with three simple words— “Are you okay?” — so much change can happen.
“Understanding that trauma is the real drug, and reducing the impact of trauma in the lives of people is the most important thing,” Reynolds said. “We all need help. We are all the same. We are no different, and I think that is clear in the message and the way all of our staff interacts. We’re people, doing the best we can.”
If you would like more information on how to connect with Power 4 STL, visit their website.
On Sunday, April 5th, the organization will hold a public event at Delmar Devine that includes acudetox, aromatherapy, and brunch.
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