Programs

St. Augustine has several programs and activities on-going and throughout the year that help meet the needs of the community.  These are:

The Thrift Store has always been an important part of our center's activities but increasingly it has become a focal point for the neighborhood.  Shoppers not only enjoy the high quality of clothing and great prices (clothes average $1.50 per item) but also the opportunity to visit with the staff and friends.  In addition, customers have expressed their appreciation that the proceeds of the store are used to buy food for the community.

We accept clothing, shoes, purses, costume jewelry, toys, books, etc.  But we are especially in need of furniture, bedding, household items and seasonal decorations.

The Thrift Store provides low-cost clothing and furniture to hundreds of families.  Also countless items of clothing have been given away to those in need.

A van is available for pick-ups on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.  Please call 314-382-7158 or send an email to mbssnd@aol.com to schedule a pick-up.

Food Baskets
For many years Wellston Center has been dedicated to providing food baskets for families in need.  Currently, we are distributing about 350 baskets a month.  This is an INCREASE of nearly one thousand baskets in the last four years!

Since many of our neighborhood residents are elderly or experience health problems, we are concerned about the kind of food we are able to provide in order to meet their nutritional needs.  Also children are of special interest since over half of all individuals we serve are under the age of 18.  Good nutrition is important for good health and productive lives.

With such a steady increase in families seeking food, we are in need of canned goods or cash to buy food.  Your help would be greatly appreciated.  Food baskets are available for families on Tuesday and Wednesday every week.

The Nurse Is In
Nurses are available to talk with Wellston Center clients on Wednesday mornings.  They are usually community health nurses, and frequently make home visits to check blood pressure, provide a health care referral or even install a smoke detector.  They use a technique called "sneak-a teach".  "You can see a teachable moment and you grab it."  The nurses are a valuable resource for the staff and clients alike.  "The Nurse is In" is sponsored by St. Jane Catholic Community Services.

Employment Counseling
A trained counselor is available at the center to assist individuals in job readiness, self-assessment, and job placement.

Tax Filing Assistance
Accounts are available during the tax season to assist people in filing their tax returns properly and receive all tax advantages available to them.

Need A Lawyer
The Catholic Legal Assistance Ministry gives free legal help to low-income people.  A lawyer is available every third Wednesday from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon.

Proud Grandparents
Grandparents who are parenting their grandchildren are invited to a special support group that meets twice a month at Wellston Center.  The group is based on Grandparents As Parents (GAP), a Catholic group.  Using grandparents' input, the staff at St. Jane Catholic Community Services organizes speakers and topics for the meeting.

Christmas Club
Our biggest community event of the year is our Christmas Club.  The Christmas Club allows the families we serve the opportunity to purchase new gifts at a fraction of the item's true cost.  Christmas Club members retain pride and self esteem by providing for their own families because all gift items are priced well within the club members' limited income.  For the Christmas Club to be successful, we need your help.  You can assist us either by providing gift items or a cash donation to buy gifts.  Planning for the Christmas Club begins September 1.  If you would like further information call 314-382-7158.