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Church Leaders Invited to Learn More About Childhood Trauma in Upcoming Training

7 months 2 weeks ago
BETHALTO - Bethalto Church of God has partnered with Refuge 4 Kids to provide a training on childhood trauma. On Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, the community is invited to Bethalto Church of God at 800 E. Bethalto Boulevard for a daylong training session with a focus on faith-based communities. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees will learn about complex trauma, the effects that trauma can have on early childhood development, and how church leaders can support kids with trauma histories. “Bethalto Church of God is one of those churches that really has a heart for kids that are coming from hard places,” said Erin Bickle. “The more we can empower church leaders and people working with kids with the truth of how trauma truly impacts these children and how we can best care for them, it’s just going to strengthen those children.” Bickle, one of the trainers through Refuge, explained that Refuge provides support, counseling and community education about childhood

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Difference Makers: Newlyweds Swap Gifts for Toys in Touching Community Wedding Gesture

7 months 2 weeks ago
HOLIDAY SHORES — Ashley and Connor Maedge, a newlywed couple from Holiday Shores, exchanged vows on Dec. 14, 2024, at Pere Marquette in Grafton in a ceremony that emphasized giving back to the community. Rather than traditional wedding gifts, they asked guests to bring toys for children that were donated to The Salvation Army in Alton. The couple, both veterans — Ashley served in the Navy and Connor in the Army — met after their military service while taking an introductory law class at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. They now reside in Madison County, where Ashley works as a data warehouse analyst for U.S. Bank, and Connor serves as a police officer in Fairview Heights. Ashley and Connor are definite Difference Makers in their community. Cassy Grey, of the Salvation Army in Alton, expressed her admiration for the couple's philanthropic gesture. “In all my years of officership, I have never experienced anything quite like this,” Grey said.

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How much snow fell Friday in the St. Louis region?

7 months 2 weeks ago
Following a massive snowstorm Sunday, which dumped up to a foot of snow in some areas near the city, several more inches of snow fell on Friday. The heaviest impacts came for communities south of St. Louis.
Chris Higgins

Rotary Club of the Riverbend Alton/Godfrey Grants Over $3,400 In Awards To Local Agencies

7 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON – The Rotary Club of the Riverbend Alton/Godfrey recently awarded over $3,400 to local agencies that support children as part of 2024 grant funding from the local Rotary District 6460. Caritas Family Solutions, Oasis Women’s Center, Refuge and the Boys & Girls Club of Bethalto were the recipients, each submitting requests for financial support of special projects: Caritas Family Solutions : Providing comfort items, such as snacks, technology and sensory items, to youth being transferred from foster families to birth family visits, court dates, health evaluations, etc. Oasis Women’s Center : Providing an opportunity for the children staying at Oasis to shop for proper and safe footwear and new clothing. Refuge : Purchasing outdoor benches and supplies as part of art therapy to help foster collaboration and a sense of belonging. Boys & Girls Club of Bethalto : Securing supplies for healthy lifestyle education, focusing on good nutrition and healthy meal

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