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A
dvancing
T
he
K
ingdom
: K
ingdom
H
ouse
their own officers. It is planned to organize
a Teen Council comprised of delegates
from each group. The council will function
as a governing body for the entire teen-
age program. The athletic program, an
important phase of activity, includes
tumbling, wrestling, boxing, weight lifting,
as well as the outdoor sports.
In the day nursery, three full time
teachers led by a supervisor execute the
specialized training for the pre-schoolers.
Each employee has been educated to
work with this age and is experienced
in group work. In addition to these, a
housekeeper and a part-time cook assist in
the operation. A case worker, shared with
the Neighborhood Association and provided
by the Family and Children’s Service,
works with the children and their families.
This inter-agency co-operation is typical of
United Fund supported agencies.
The nursery operation occupies one floor
with its own separate playground adjacent.
Meals and naps are woven into the program
along with supervised recreation and crafts
for the little tots.
FAMILIES AIDED
A social and case worker serves as a
liaison with the neighborhood, assisting
families with their problems. A full
maintenance and clerical staff complete the
operation of the settlement.
The executive director, Ralph Koeppe,
is well equipped for his job. Previously
associated with the Caroline Mission,
Mr. Koeppe lived in the immediate
neighborhood for six of the 11 years he
has worked in the area. Presently he is a
Webster Groves resident.
A maximum of 27 volunteer directors serve
on the settlement house’s governing board
and are chosen largely from the Methodist
Church, because of its sponsorship of the
agency.
The board members, presided by Howard L.
May, take an active role in the settlement’s
program by serving on vital committees. It
70
is to be emphasized that the agency, though
church sponsored, is non-sectarian in regard
to both [words missing] and members.
NEW CHALLENGE
[The] new Darst project, located [directly]
across the street someday [will] house
5000 persons. Mr. Koeppe looks upon the
expanding population as a new challenge
which will open up whole areas of
development in the program. There will be
108 units in the housing
area specifically allotted
to the aged, and this group
alone will create a need for
tremendous expansion in the
Golden Age Club.
The United Fund
supports approximately
two-thirds of important
institution [programs].
In addition to the Fund
allocation, the settlement
leans heavily on church
and civic groups and
individual gifts. Graduated
fees dependent on income are charged the
members. Although a small charge is made
for day nursery care, many are unable to
meet the full amount, and no child is turned
away for lack of funds.
25
By October of 1957, an African
American child was enrolled in the
Nursery and he reportedly seemed
A
B
P
hotos
:
A:
Field trip
B:
Youth dance
M
r
. K
oeppe
looks
upon
the
expanding
population
as
a new
challenge which will
open up whole
areas
of
development
in
the
program
.