Ferguson Community Empowerment Center Continues to ‘Spark’ Progress, 10 Years After Michael Brown Jr.'s Death
Just northwest of downtown St. Louis lies Ferguson, Missouri – the epicenter of racial inequity and unrest in 2014 following the death of Michael Brown Jr. While much has changed since that time, much work remains, and The Salvation Army has had the privilege to come alongside the community to provide healing and restoration.
On W. Florissant Avenue, investment in the community is clear by way of several large community centers and buildings that have emerged over the past decade. In 2017, partnering with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, The Salvation Army built the Ferguson Community Empowerment Center (FCEC). The Center is on the site of the QuikTrip that was burned down – adding deeper meaning to The Salvation Army’s role as a beacon of hope.
Dr. Courtney Graves, who joined The Salvation Army just over a year ago as the Center’s Director, has already made incredible strides in serving the Ferguson community and consistently lives the mission for those in need. Having just recently recognized the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown Jr.’s death, Dr. Graves and others had the opportunity to pause and acknowledge the tremendous impact we’ve had.
Dr. Courtney Graves, LPC, The Salvation Army Ferguson Community Empowerment Center Director
As of 2022 Census records, Ferguson’s population is roughly 18,500. Since the Center opened in 2017, The Salvation Army has served nearly 14,000 clients in Ferguson, further demonstrating that the need is ever-present. And, in May 2024 alone, the FCEC served 92 families with varying needs from utilities and rent to childcare expenses.
“The mounting housing and mental health crises, and the funding shortfalls that we have all heard about nationally are impacting TSA and FCEC as well,” said Dr. Graves.
“Having worked with children and in the mental health space for over 15 years, this is a bit of a ‘perfect storm’ and being able to weather that storm will take a village. I am confident that The Salvation Army and the FCEC are a critical part of the village that Ferguson needs today and into the future.”
LaKeysha Fields, associate divisional director and St. Louis regional director of Social Services, recently sat down with NPR as the national radio outlet broadcast live from St. Louis in August to mark the anniversary. The Salvation Army participated and engaged in interviews and community discussions that provided an opportunity to reflect and look to the future, focused on Doing the Most Good.
LaKeysha Fields, The Salvation Army St. Louis Regional Social Services Director
One of the ways the FCEC supports the community is the growing Spark Academy program. In early August, the FCEC hosted a Back-to-School Fair and handed out backpacks, school supplies and offered voter registration assistance to adult attendees. The FCEC also created opportunities for the students to connect with adults in the community who have successfully charted career paths in health care, education, law, public service and more.
In addition, the Spark Academy’s Summer Immersion Program encouraged and empowered 25 area students to excel and find their spark. The program helps children discover their talents and build a solid foundation to continue their growth through education.
“Seeing representation across career fields is critical to sparking young people’s ability to see themselves in similar roles,” said Fields. “Paired with our Pathway of Hope program, our Social Services team is able to help families address their most immediate needs, and also build a strong future through personalized action plans. Everything we do goes back to that human appeal and serving the individual.”
Complementing the Center’s existing, robust program schedule, Fields and Dr. Graves hope to expand the Spark Academy program in partnership with local schools, and advance a homeschool cooperative. They also have plans to create a community of readers and engage in regular communication with constituents and clients about how to give and get help, via a newsletter.
We in the Midland Division are energized by and grateful for the continued provision of resources, educational health, community building and mission-driven spirit of the FCEC.
For additional information, contact Dr. Courtney Graves at [email protected] or (314) 439-8306 ext. 3013.