Originally Sent August 29, 2025
Dear Friends,
As the back-to-school season unfolds, I am reminded of the power of community when it comes together for its children.
This summer, Kerengende Foundation conducted outreach at school fairs, open houses, and community gatherings across the region.
These moments are often the first step for families in opening conversations with us—and with their children—about body safety, boundaries, and healthy relationships.
Our Kreate Space Summer Arts Camp was another reminder of what’s possible when youth are given safe, creative spaces. Watching teens explore communication, boundaries, and self-expression alongside trauma-informed mentors was deeply inspiring.
It also warmed our hearts at back-to-school events to see children run up to our table, excitedly sharing that they remembered us—and the puppets—from Safe Touches sessions last year. Prevention education sticks, and kids carry these lessons forward.
We are excited to share that YouthBridge featured us on their website!
Thank you, YouthBridge, for highlighting our work! Your partnership means so much to Kerengende and the communities we serve.
This work is fueled by the dedication of staff, the passion of volunteers, and the strength of community partners. Together, we are helping youth begin the new school year with greater awareness, stronger support, and the tools they need to thrive.
Thank you for standing with us. Because of you, prevention education and survivor support are not abstract—they are part of everyday community life, right where families need them most.
With gratitude,
Amber Clayborne
Our Impact
2024 was a year of growth, healing, and hope at Kerengende—
and it’s all thanks to the community standing with us.
Take a look at our 2024 Impact Report to see the lives you helped improve.
Kerengende In Action–Program Highlights
Celebrating the Success of Kreate Space Summer Arts Camp
We welcomed ten rising 7th–9th graders to our second annual Kreate Space Camp—two weeks of healing, creativity, and community. Campers explored healthy communication, boundaries, and self-expression through painting, storytelling, floral arrangements and poetry. They also engaged with trauma-informed guest speakers, enjoyed local field trips, and envisioned a future rooted in youth leadership and collective healing.
Campers heard from a panel of community faith leaders who shared insights on interfaith community organizing. We are deeply grateful to Mother Dolores and Reverend Chapman of Greater Liberty Church of God in Christ (East St. Louis), Chris Smith, J.D. of the Metro-East Interfaith Partnership, and Dr. Sajiya Jalil of the St. Clair Masjid & Education Center for their thoughtful leadership and contributions to this important conversation.
We’re also especially proud of and grateful for our growing partnerships. Main Street Art joined as a creative partner—alongside our amazing collaborators like Grimm and Gorly Florists, Pour322, and The Bungalow—reflecting our commitment to rooting Kerengende’s programs in the community.
Darkness to Light Training – Training our Community
At our recent Darkness to Light Training Open House, 16 community members—including Chestnut Health employees, a family law attorney, and nonprofit staff—completed training to better recognize, prevent, and respond to child sexual abuse. With this strong turnout, we plan to offer quarterly trainings—more details to come!
Back To School – Kerengende Style!
Kerengende Foundation kicked off the school year by participating in community events such as the Cahokia Back to School Fair, Wolfbranch Open House, and Maplewood Elementary Open House.
These gatherings allow us to connect directly with families, educators, and students—sharing resources and building awareness to keep kids safe. Oftentimes, these events serve as the entry point for families to begin important conversations with us—and with their children—about body safety.
As students return to classrooms, we’re continuing our partnerships with Chestnut Health Systems and Trio Upward Bound to deliver Healthy Relationships workshops to junior high youth.
These sessions build on social-emotional learning and provide practical skills in boundary-setting, consent, and communication—all critical to prevention and long-term wellbeing
In the Community
East St. Louis Community Baby Shower
We were thrilled to join the East St. Louis Community Baby Shower, where hundreds of new and expecting moms were celebrated and supported.
Kerengende distributed children’s books, educational materials, 45 handmade baby blankets from our campers and volunteers, and Clorox wipes provided by United Way of Greater St. Louis—helping little ones get a strong start and reminding families they are surrounded by care.
In the Community
East St. Louis Community Baby Shower
We were thrilled to join the East St. Louis Community Baby Shower, where hundreds of new and expecting moms were celebrated and supported.
Kerengende distributed children’s books, educational materials, 45 handmade baby blankets from our campers and volunteers, and Clorox wipes provided by United Way of Greater St. Louis—helping little ones get a strong start and reminding families they are surrounded by care.
Need Support?
Non-Offending Caregiver Support Group
Our spring session of the Non-Offending Caregiver (NOC) Support Group wrapped up, offering a safe, trauma-informed space for caregivers of child survivors. A new session begins in October—details to come!
Therapy and Support for Survivors
We continue to provide therapy and case management for youth survivors of child sexual abuse. Services are tailored to each child’s needs and focus on safety, healing and processing trauma, and building resilience.
If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, please reach out to Hannah at via our contact form for more information.
Behind the Mission
Meet Hannah
Hannah R., LCSW, has been part of the Kerengende family since 2022, bringing her passion for social justice and healing to both program development and direct services.
As our Youth and Family Clinical Coordinator, Hannah provides therapeutic support for child survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking, while working closely with community partners to strengthen families.
With a wealth of experience in schools and community organizations, Hannah combines clinical care with advocacy for systemic change. We’re so grateful for her heart, expertise, and the incredible impact she brings to our team!
Thank you, Brooklynne!
We are so grateful to have had Brooklynne on our team this summer as an intern! She brought energy and compassion to every part of her work—from helping with community education events to strengthening our online presence. Her creativity and commitment to advocacy not only supported our team but also helped amplify our mission throughout the community. We’re grateful for her contributions and excited to see the impact she’ll continue to make in the future.
Celebrating our Supporters and Partners
We are deeply grateful for the partners who help us bring prevention education and healing-centered spaces to life. This summer, our collaboration with Trio Upward Bound allowed us to deliver healthy relationships training to youth participants—empowering them with tools for safety and self-worth.
We are also thankful to the Memorial Foundation Inc., whose generosity supports Healthy Relationships workshops, child sexual abuse prevention programs, and other youth initiatives—equipping students with confidence, safety skills, and resilience.
Help Us Keep Kids Safe
Prevention starts with education—and your support makes it possible. To sponsor a Safe Touches workshop, fund a teen’s spot in next year’s summer camp, or help us train a new community educator, please consider making a gift today.