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Here at the Empowerment Center, we serve a diverse population with many different types of needs. We are always grateful for donations of all many types, from non-perishable food items, to clothing, to books, to… well lets be honest, cash!

Donations can be dropped off during our hours of operation, 9:00am to 3:00pm, everyday. All donations are, of course, tax deductible! As always, thank you so much for your valuable time and consideration.

GIVING

CASH/CHECK DONATIONS

Cash donations may be mailed to:

DBSA St. Louis Empowerment Center, 907 Dock Street, St. Louis MO 63147

Please make checks and money orders payable to DBSA St. Louis Empowerment Center.

CREDIT CARD OR PAYPAL

St. Louis Empowerment Center (STLEC) is proud to be partnered with Network for Good to be able to receive donations via: American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover and also Pay Pal. Please click HERE to place a donation with them or click on the “DONATE” tab at the top of each page. For more information on Network for Good go to: https://www.networkforgood.com/fundraising-software-tools-for-nonprofits/

DONATING GOODS

St. Louis Empowerment Center has numerous on‐going needs that are often met by our supporters.  Here is a simple list of items that would help us eliminate our out of pocket costs for miscellaneous needs:

  • Creamer Packets
  • Sugar Packets
  • Sweetener Packets
  • Coffee
  • Bunn Coffee Filters
  • Paper Towels and Napkins
  • Plastic ware
  • Paper Plates and Bowls
  • Dessert Plates
  • Toilet Tissue
  • Copy Paper
  • Postage Stamps
  • Envelopes
  • Hanging File Folders
  • File Folders
  • Cleaning Products
  • Disinfecting Wipes

SPECIFIC NEEDS

Donations will go into a general revenue account and be used where the need is greatest. If, however, you feel you would like to specifically sponsor or donate to a specific area – here are some of the larger needs we face.

NEW COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Donations in this area will help us to maintain updated computer systems for our offices and the Center’s Computer Lab.  STLEC needs approximately $3000 to purchase new computers for our Offices, which would allow us to move older computers to our computer lab and resource room for our participants to use.

UTILITY COSTS

Donations in this area will help us reduce our monthly costs.  With utilities being a large cost per month for our facility, coverage will benefit our bottom line greatly.

TELEPHONE

Donations in this area will help us reduce our monthly costs.  By using a VOIP system we are able to cover the cost of our telephone system with no long distance charges.  Our participants have access to a phone so they may be able to make and receive calls to medical providers, friends, and family.  Without such service those with family outside the local area are often left without a way to communicate with them.

WEBSITE

Donations in this area will allow us to reduce our annual cost by approximately $70 per year. Also donations of time and expertise in the maintenance and upkeep of our website and Computer Lab would be greatly appreciated.

MARKETING

Donations in this area will allow us to cover the cost of marketing our programs to those within the community who may be unaware of our free programs.  Items such as rack cards, brochures, posters, and flyers help get the message out at hospitals, medical provider offices, libraries; while advertising dollars would allow us to purchase ad space at local venues or in newsletters.  There is no limit to the need in this area as it is on‐going.

OUTREACH

Our costs include wages, travel, brochures, schedules, posters, and flyers. There is no limit to the need in this area.

STAFFING

Donations in this area would support cost associated with staffing our center.  As a private 501(c)(3) non‐profit we currently operate 7 days a week from 9am-3pm.  Staffing financial support would allow us to one day expand services to include evening and further weekend hours.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPORTS

Donations in this area would help us to provide education to those who serve, receive services, or those who would benefit from additional services through community efforts.  Specifics such as:

  • Social Reintegration Programming — Funding in this area would support monthly social activities including family‐style meals, holiday celebrations, day trips, and event attendance that supports helping with social interactions to improve the well-being of our participants’ lives.  There is no limit to this funding need.
  • Support Group Enhancements — Funding in this area support purchase of materials needed for our support groups and may include books, workbooks, copies, notebooks, pens, etc.  There is no limit to this funding need.
  • Real Voices Real Choices Participation — Annual educational conference attendance by our participants and staff.  Provided by the Missouri Department of Mental Health and Missouri Mental Health Foundation, this 3 day event brings education to those living with symptoms or who have lived recovery experience and includes sessions for those with mental illness, addictions, and developmental disabilities and their supporters.  Funds would support transportation costs and meals not covered by the registration fee. 
  • Depression Bipolar Support Alliance — Participation at this national conference by DBSA Facilitators would provide continuing education to the benefit of those served.  Funds would support transportation, hotel, food, and registration for our staff/volunteers who facilitate our DBSA support groups.  Costs vary depending on where the event is held.