Youth Opportunities Program Tax Credits

Marquel grew up the youngest of three children in a single-parent home, with support only from his mother. When Marquel was younger, his family was connected to Epworth’s Family Support Network (FSN) from a referral based on one of his sibling’s behaviors. Because of the support she received through FSN years earlier, Marquel’s mother knew that when it was time for Marquel to start high school, he’d need extra encouragement to succeed. She encouraged him to go to school, surround himself with positive influences, and make good choices. However, Marquel started hanging around with the wrong people, and started lying and stealing from his mother and other people in his life. Their FSN therapist, who they’d continued receiving services from, referred Marquel to Epworth’s Residential Treatment Program. Marquel stayed in our Residential Treatment facility for six months, where he learned how to gain positive self-worth and how to establish and maintain healthy relationships, both with his peers and with Epworth staff. Unfortunately, after successfully completing his Residential Treatment and going back home to his mother and siblings, Marquel returned to his old behaviors: lying, stealing, and hanging out with the wrong people.

Then, one day, everything changed when Marquel’s older brother was brutally murdered.

This sudden and violent loss made Marquel think about his life, the way he’d been acting, and the people he hung around. Because of the skills he learned in Epworth’s Residential Treatment Program, Marquel was able to identify that he needed more assistance in becoming a better version of himself. He and his mother, through working with their FSN therapist, learned how to cope with this tragic loss of their brother and son.

We’re proud to share that now, less than two years after his brother’s death, Marquel became the first in his family to graduate high school, and recently started on a new journey in his life with a job that started on June 2nd.

Epworth provides a full continuum of care to all those in need – from free therapy to housing assistance, tutoring to matching contributions to savings accounts – we are only able to provide these services thanks to our donors.

Graduation, typically a time of new beginnings, can be a scary time for our youth as it means more change, often including aging out of the foster care system and being uncertain of what their housing will be after graduation or between college semesters. It is truly such a pleasure to see our clients grow, learn new skills, and realize their unique potential as they embark on new adventures. Can you help us create even more success stories like these? No donation is too small! Every dollar helps youth just like Marquel. 

Epworth has received Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) tax credits for contributions made between June 1, 2023 and May 31, 2024. By making a contribution to Epworth and purchasing YOP tax credits, you will earn Missouri tax credits for yourself, and your gift will provide critical mental health services and help meet the essential needs of youth all over the St. Louis region. These tax credits are available on a first come, first served basis. 

Make an eligible contribution today by using the form below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Elisabeth Condon at 314-918-3396.

Thank you for your generous support of our community. We would not be able to help people like Marquel without you.