This newsletter’s purpose is to share information about The Center’s people and activities in each department and by each employee, in order to highlight the contributions made by all in helping The Center reach its goals. 
The Center’s Internet address is: cbhc1.org

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Front Desk
(618) 482-7330

Summer Hours
8:30am – 5:00pm

Memo from Management

We were notified that we were selected for a $245,085 grant from Illinois Department of Human Services, Family and Community Services. this grant will help us provide supportive services to people already living in our supportive housing programs including employment services and benefits navigation.

Bi-State made the decision to move forward with funding our program for “loop riders” who spend their days riding public transportation. We will be able to provide help for these individuals on an ongoing basis.

The Center has applied for a license from SUPR to open the East Campus JOBE Center Recovery Home.

The 3rd annual Recovery Conference is scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025.

The Center has expanded our peer support services, placing two peer support specialists in the SMARTS/ARTS program to help those clients.

Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month 

July is designated as the Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, which focuses on the mental health challenges faced by minority communities. This observance honors Bebe Moore Campbell, a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, and highlights issues such as stigma and inadequate access to resources.

Mental health is essential for overall well-being, yet many minority groups experience significant disparities in care. Campbell’s advocacy encourages inclusive conversations about mental health, urging individuals to seek help and prompting healthcare providers to offer culturally competent care.

This month serves as an important opportunity to reflect on and address the mental health needs of minority communities, fostering open discussions and reducing stigma to improve access to care.

 

Fun Fourth of July festivities

“In the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.” – Barack Obama

As we approach the Fourth of July, a time to reflect on the freedoms we cherish, the St. Louis metropolitan area is buzzing with events to celebrate Independence Day! Gather your friends and family and check out these local happenings: 

St. Louis and East St. Louis Area Fourth of July Celebrations:

Metro East Illinois Celebrations

The Metro East region of Illinois also contributes to the Fourth of July festivities, offering community events that complement the larger St. Louis celebrations. 

Alton Fireworks Spectacular 

Description: An evening event with food trucks, activities, live entertainment, and a fireworks display over the Mississippi River. 

• Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025 

• Time: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, live entertainment 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM, fireworks at dusk (between 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM). 

• Address: Alton Amphitheater, 1 Riverfront Drive, Alton, Illinois 62002 

• Notes: Admission to the fireworks show is free. Family-friendly. 

• Website: Check the Alton Parks and Recreation or Alton Amphitheater website. 

Columbia, IL 4th of July Celebration 

Description: A festive, patriotic atmosphere with food, games, and fireworks. 

• Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 

• Time: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. 

• Address: American Legion Park, 375 East Locust Street, Columbia, IL 62236 

• Notes: No coolers, cans, bottles, or outside food permitted. No pets, rollerblades, bicycles, or skateboards allowed in the park during the celebration. 

• Website: Check the Columbia, IL American Legion or City of Columbia events. 

Edwardsville Fourth of July Fireworks 

Description: Festivities including music by the Edwardsville Municipal Band, food and beverages, entertainment, and fireworks. 

• Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025 

• Time: “All Day,” Municipal Band at 7:30 PM, fireworks at dusk. 

• Address: Edwardsville American Legion Post 199, 58 State Route 157, Edwardsville, IL 62025 

• Notes: Implied to be family-friendly. 

• Website: Check Edwardsville American Legion Post 199’s website or local Edwardsville event calendars. 

Fireworks Over O’Fallon, IL 

Description: A fireworks display. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. 

• Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025 

• Time: 7:00 PM (CDT), fireworks at dusk. 

• Address: O’Fallon Family Sports Park, 301 Obernuefemann Rd, O’Fallon, IL 62269 
• Website: Check the City of O’Fallon, IL Parks and Recreation website. 

Downtown St. Louis Events

Celebrate Saint Louis (formerly Fair St. Louis)

Description: The region’s flagship Fourth of July celebration, offering two days of unforgettable entertainment, community spirit, and patriotic pride. Features live performances by national headliners (like Neon Trees and Gavin DeGraw), local talent, family-friendly attractions, diverse food options, and lively music. A traditional fireworks display is launched from barges on the Mississippi River, creating a stunning visual against the Gateway Arch. A notable new addition for 2025 is the “Superman Drone Show” (LOOK UP!) produced by Fantasy Drone Shows, featuring 400 drones forming 11 images related to the Man of Steel, strategically aligning with the release of the DC Studios’ Superman movie. 

• Dates: Thursday, July 3rd & Friday, July 4th, 2025 

• Times: Gates open at 4:00 PM on July 3rd and 2:00 PM on July 4th. Fireworks are scheduled for both July 3rd and July 4th at approximately 9:40 PM. The Superman Drone Show is July 4th, around 9:25 PM, prior to the fireworks. 

• Location: Downtown St. Louis, within the Gateway Arch National Park. 

• Website: https://www.celebratesaintlouis.org/ 

• Notes: Free to attend. Pre-paid parking available via SpotHero app; MetroLink (Laclede’s Landing and Stadium Stations) highly recommended. Coolers and external food/beverages generally prohibited on Lenora K. Sullivan Blvd (exceptions for baby food/medically necessary items). Public safety is paramount with secure perimeters. 

Gateway Arch Fireworks Cruise 

Description: A unique vantage point for the downtown fireworks from a riverboat on the Mississippi River. Designed as a family-friendly experience with food, drinks, and fun onboard. A cash bar and concessions are available. 

• Dates: Thursday, July 3rd & Friday, July 4th, 2025 

• Time: 7:30 PM (boarding commences 15 minutes prior). 

• Location: Departs from the St. Louis riverfront. 

• Tickets: $32 for adults (16+), $26 for children (3-15). Advanced reservations required. 

• Website: Check the Gateway Arch website or riverboat cruise booking sites for direct links.

STAR SPANGLED FIREWORKS PARTY! at the 360 Rooftop Bar Downtown 

Description: An elevated viewing experience offering spectacular views of the downtown fireworks display. 

• Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 

• Time: 7:00 PM 

• Address: 360 Rooftop Bar (Exact address: 1 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102 – part of Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark) 

• Notes: VIP seating available with a food and beverage minimum of $135 per person. 

• Website: Check the 360 Rooftop Bar’s website or social media for event details and reservations. 

Electric Sky at City Museum 

Description: An all-ages celebration on the City Museum Rooftop, offering a 360º view of the St. Louis skyline fireworks. Includes access to rooftop attractions (Ferris wheel, slides, climbers), face painting, balloon artists, games, dance music by 314DJ, and an exclusive performance by Ready Go Dog Show. Food and drinks are available for purchase. 

• Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 

• Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM 

• Address: City Museum, 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103 

• Website: https://citymuseum.org/event/electric-sky/ 

• Notes: Guests welcome to bring their own chairs. Tickets are required and include General Admission for the day of the event.

St. Louis County Events

Beyond the downtown core, St. Louis County communities offer a diverse array of localized celebrations, providing accessible options for residents throughout the metropolitan area. Many South County celebrations are strategically scheduled prior to the official July 4th holiday, extending the celebratory period and allowing for greater participation. 

JB Blast: Independence Day Celebration (Jefferson Barracks Park) 

Description: South County’s largest Independence Day celebration with live music by Mirage, food trucks, and a dazzling fireworks display. Free admission and parking. 

• Date: Friday, June 27, 2025 

• Time: Gates open 5:00 PM, live music 7:00 PM, fireworks 9:00 PM. 

• Address: Jefferson Barracks Veterans Memorial Amphitheater, 345 North Rd W, St. Louis, MO 63125 

• Website: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/parks/jb-blast/ 

Arnold’s Independence Day Celebration 

Description: A family-friendly event with food vendors, photo opportunities, lawn games, live music by Joe Dirt and the Dirty Boys, and contests. Features a glow parade and fireworks. 

• Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025 

• Time: Glow parade 8:45 PM, fireworks 9:30 PM. (Activities throughout the day). 

• Address: 2400 Bradley Beach Road, Arnold, MO 

• Website: Check the City of Arnold Parks and Recreation website for details. 

First Baptist Church Arnold’s Freedom Celebration 

Description: A fireworks display synchronized with music broadcast on radio 89.9. Attendees can bring lawn chairs or watch from their cars. 

• Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025 

• Time: Fireworks begin at 9:30 PM. 

• Address: 2012 Missouri State Road, Arnold, MO 

• Website: Check First Baptist Church Arnold’s website or social media. 

Faith Church’s Night of Freedom (Sunset Hills Campus) 

Description: An evening starting with indoor worship, followed by outdoor activities including bounce houses, food trucks, and a firework show. 

• Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025 

• Time: 7:30 PM (indoor worship), outdoor activities and fireworks until 10:00 PM. 

• Address: 13001 Gravois Road, Sunset Hills, MO 

• Website: Check Faith Church’s website for their Sunset Hills campus. 

Fireworks Party at the Weber Road Library 

Description: A free event for children and families featuring firework-themed crafts. 

• Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 

• Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 

• Address: Weber Road Branch of the St. Louis County Library, 4444 Weber Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 

• Website: Check St. Louis County Library events calendar. 

9 Mile Garden’s Movie Night 

Description: An outdoor movie screening of “Captain America: Civil War.” Guests can bring chairs/blankets and purchase dinner from food trucks. 

• Date: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 

• Time: 7:00 PM 

• Address: 9375 Gravois Road, Affton, MO 

• Website: Check 9 Mile Garden’s event calendar. 

9 Mile Garden’s All-American Trivia 

Description: A free trivia night with an all-American theme. Food trucks will be available, and prizes will be awarded. 

• Date: Thursday, July 3, 2025 

• Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM 

• Address: 9375 Gravois Road, Affton, MO 

• Website: Check 9 Mile Garden’s event calendar. 

Oakland House Museum’s July 4 Barbecue 

Description: A traditional barbecue picnic at the historic Oakland House Museum. Activities include music, games, raffles, and tours of the 19th-century home. 

• Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 

• Time: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM 

• Address: 7801 Genesta Street, Affton, MO 

• Tickets: $22 for adults, $8 for children under 12; reservations required online. 

• Website: Check Oakland House Museum’s official website. 

Grant’s Farm’s Summer Nights (Drone Show) 

Description: Part of their Summer Nights series, this event features a “drone show spectacular” replacing traditional fireworks. Includes tram ride, food, drinks, and live music by Boogie Chyld. 

• Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 

• Time: Activities start 6:00 PM, drone show 9:00 PM. 

• Address: Bauernhof Courtyard, Grant’s Farm, 7385 Grant Road, St. Louis, MO 

• Tickets: $12 per person (children under 3 free); reservations required. 

• Website: Check Grant’s Farm’s website for Summer Nights details. 

Kirkwood Freedom Festival & Fireworks 

Description: An annual event emphasizing community spirit, featuring live music, food, and fireworks. 

• Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 

• Time: Festival starts 5:00 PM, live music 7:00 PM, fireworks at dusk (approx. 9:20 PM). 

• Location: Kirkwood Park, Kirkwood, MO 

• Notes: All-American festival for all ages. Rain date: Saturday, July 5, 2025. 

• Website: Check the City of Kirkwood Parks and Recreation website for details. 

Webster Groves Community Days 

Description: A multi-day celebration featuring a Children’s Pet Pageant, a grand Community Days Parade, Independence Day Fireworks, and the Lions Club Carnival and BBQ. 

• Dates: Wednesday, July 2nd to Saturday, July 5th, 2025 

• Children’s Pet Pageant: Thursday, July 3rd (time not specified, pre-registration advised) at Recreation Complex Gymnasium. 

• Community Days Parade: Friday, July 4th, 10:00 AM (starts at Lockwood and Mason, ends at Elm and Glendale/Memorial Park). 

• Independence Day Fireworks: Friday, July 4th, 9:15 PM at Memorial Field. 

• Lions Club Carnival and BBQ: July 2 (5-11 PM), July 3 (5-11 PM), July 4 (2-9 PM), July 5 (1-11 PM) at Eden Seminary grounds (Lockwood & Bompart). Features rides, food, and live music. 

• Webster Groves Community Days 5K run: Friday, July 4, 2025, 9:30 AM ($54.98, run-only due to parade). 

• Location: Various locations in Webster Groves, centered around Memorial Park. 

• Notes: Most events are free, fireworks funded by local donations. Carnival rides, games, and food incur costs (unlimited ride wristbands $35). Highly family-friendly. 

• Website: https://fun4stlkids.com/calendar/eventdetail/314453/364/webster-groves-community-days (Check Webster Groves Parks & Recreation and Lions Club websites for full details). 

St. Charles Riverfest 

Description: A multi-day festival with a parade, carnival, live music, craft and food vendors, and kids’ activities. 

• Dates: Thursday, July 3rd to Sunday, July 6th, 2025 

• Parade: Thursday, July 4th, 10:00 AM. 

• Festival Hours: Festivities begin at noon daily. 

• Fireworks: Thursday, July 4th, 9:20 PM. 

• Location: Frontier Park, St. Charles, MO 

• Notes: Admission is free. 

• Website: Check the City of St. Charles website for “Riverfest.” 

Eureka Independence Day Celebration 

Description: An evening of celebration featuring a musical performance by the Count of Monte Carlo and various vendors, culminating in a fireworks display. 

• Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 

• Time: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, fireworks 9:15 PM. 

• Address: Central Avenue Spur, 394 South Central Avenue, Eureka, MO (Fireworks launched from Drewel Park). 

• Notes: Rain date: Saturday, July 5, 2025. Coolers permitted, no glass bottles. 

• Website: Check the City of Eureka Parks & Recreation website. 

Six Flags Star-Spangled Night 

Description: A fireworks display presented by M&M’S at Six Flags amusement park. 

• Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 

• Time: 9:05 PM. 

• Location: Six Flags St. Louis, 4900 Six Flags Rd, Eureka, MO 63025 

• Website: Check the Six Flags St. Louis website for park admission and event details. 

Chesterfield Celebration and Fireworks 

Description: A free event with live music (Vote for Pedro), food trucks, inflatables, pony rides, Circus Kaput performers, a petting zoo, and a Kids Zone. 

• Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 

• Time: Activities start 6:30 PM (doors open 6:00 PM), live music 7:00 PM, fireworks 9:00 PM. 

• Address: Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex, 17925 North Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005 

• Notes: Guests can bring their own chairs, blankets, and outside food/beverages (no glass, tobacco, or firepits). 

• Website: Check the City of Chesterfield Parks and Recreation website. 

Florissant 4th of July Fireworks 

Description: Features live music, food trucks, and a fireworks display. Free FLOPAC footballs and free parking available. 

• Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 

• Time: Live music starts 7:15 PM, fireworks around 9:15 PM. 

• Address: 1 James J. Eagan Drive, Florissant, MO 63033 

• Website: Check the City of Florissant Parks and Recreation website. 

Hazelwood Fireworks Spectacular 

Description: A fireworks display. Shuttle service will be available from local schools. 

• Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 

• Time: Dusk, fireworks 9:00 PM. 

• Address: White Birch Park, 1186 Teson Road, Hazelwood, MO 63042 

• Notes: Shuttle service from Armstrong Elementary and Hazelwood West High School. 

• Website: Check the City of Hazelwood Parks and Recreation website. 

Ellisville Independence Day Festival 

Description: A celebration culminating in a fireworks display. 

• Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 

• Time: Fireworks at 9:15 PM. 

• Website: Check the City of Ellisville Parks and Recreation website. 

• Manchester 4th Of July Celebration 

• Description: A local celebration for Independence Day. 

• Date: Friday, July 4, 2025 

• Time: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. 

• Website: Check the City of Manchester Parks and Recreation website. 

O’Fallon, MO Heritage and Freedom Festival 

Description: A multi-day festival with a Family Night preview, parade, carnival rides, live entertainment by national artists (like Gabby Barrett and Neon Trees), and the NASCAR Experience. Two nights of fireworks. 

• Dates: Thursday, July 3rd to Sunday, July 6th, 2025 

• Family Night: July 3rd, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (no main stage concerts or fireworks). 

• Parade: Friday, July 4th, 9:30 AM along Main Street. 

• Main Festival Hours: July 4th (Noon-10:00 PM), July 5th (4:00 PM – 11:00 PM). 

• Fireworks: July 4th at 9:30 PM, July 5th at 10:15 PM. 

• Location: Primarily at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex, O’Fallon, MO 

• Notes: Concerts are free, carnival wristbands available for purchase. Family-friendly celebration. 

• Website: Check the City of O’Fallon, MO website for “Heritage and Freedom Festival.” 

July’s Birthdays

Rachel Ball 07/02	Tyrobia Turner 07/06	Mikeshia Moore 07/10
Aren Petrie 07/10	Daryl Rice 07/12	Michael Nichols 07/19
Dewanda Randall 07/19	Kenzie Eakin 07/26

 

 Who’s New

 

Several new members have joined our team. We would like to welcome each of our new team members.

Gage Clark ACT Team	Dr. Joseph A. DeLucia Medical Director	Aren Petrie Living Room
Ta’Lyn Rhodes Child and Adolescent	Amy Taylor Supervised Residential

 

The Summer Slide– Kids’ Academic and Mental Health

 

Summer break, a highly anticipated time for children, can paradoxically pose challenges to their mental well-being and academic progress, a phenomenon often termed “summer slide”. However, with proactive strategies and community support, it can be a period of positive growth. 

The transition from the structured school year to a less formalized summer routine can disrupt a child’s stability, leading to boredom, understimulation, and mental health issues like depression. Inconsistent sleep, common in summer, can negatively impact well-being. 

 

Screen Time and Social Media Concerns: 

• Increased screen time and social media use during summer are linked to loneliness, social comparison, and a heightened risk of digital addiction. 

• Research shows a direct link between increased social media use and rising depressive symptoms in early adolescents, with this relationship being unidirectional. 

• Studies also connect over five hours of daily social media use to a significantly higher risk of suicide in teens. 

Loss of Support Systems and Environmental Stressors: 

• Summer also means a loss of crucial school-based mental health services and social interactions. 

• For vulnerable children, this can mean prolonged exposure to unsafe environments, as school often provides a safe haven. 

• Summer crime rates often increase, which can be traumatic for students in certain communities. Depression symptoms are 61% higher and PTSD symptoms 85% higher in crime hot spots. 

• Food insecurity, due to reduced access to school meal programs, also rises. This correlates with higher rates of depression, stress, and anxiety. 

Academic Regression: 

• Academically, the “summer slide” means students may start the new year at a lower level than where they finished the previous one. 

• This learning loss, particularly severe for disadvantaged teens, directly impacts well-being, fueling emotional stress, anxiety, and reduced self-esteem. 

Empowering Summer Well-being: Parental Strategies and Local Opportunities 

Parents can mitigate these challenges by: 

• Establishing consistent routines, including regular sleep and meal schedules. 

• Managing screen time mindfully and encouraging offline activities like reading and outdoor play. 

• Fostering physical activity and social connections. 

• Recognizing signs of distress and seeking professional help if needed. 

To combat academic loss, daily reading for 30-60 minutes is fundamental. High-quality summer learning programs are highly effective in stemming learning loss and fostering social-emotional skills. 

 For families in the Metro St. Louis and East St. Louis areas, numerous resources are available: 

• Local YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs: Offer summer camps and programs. 

• Gateway Region YMCA Camps: https://gwrymca.org/camps 

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis: https://www.bgcstl.org/ 

• Public Libraries: Offer summer camps and reading programs. 

• St. Louis Public Library: https://www.slpl.org/ 

• Museums: Provide educational fun. 

• Saint Louis Science Center: https://www.slsc.org/ 

• The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum: https://www.magichouse.org/  

• Parks and Recreation: Offer opportunities for physical activity and exploration. 

• Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site: https://cahokiamounds.org/  

Check their websites for updated schedules and registration information.