ST. LOUIS, Mo. – A local nonprofit supporting teen mothers is seeking a new home after severe tornado damage left much of its donated inventory ruined.
Community of Hope, founded by Allisha Jones-Pickens, provides counseling, support services, and essential baby items to young mothers in North St. Louis. The organization has operated out of Pilgrim Congregational Church at Union and Enright for the past four years.
Jones-Pickens, who became a mother at age 14, created the nonprofit to fill the void she knows many teen moms experience. “A lot of these girls have no one,” she said. “That’s where I want to fill the void.”
Her office space housed administrative supplies, baby gear, and a “Mommy and Me” closet filled with donated baby clothes, diapers, bottles, and more. Collecting donations, she says, has always been difficult as many people choose to sell used items online or at resale shops.
Tornado Strikes
Last Friday’s tornado swept through the Academy neighborhood, causing significant damage to the church building. Jones-Pickens was unable to reach the site until Sunday due to downed trees blocking the roads.
When she arrived, she found multiple windows shattered and debris scattered inside. The roof had sustained serious damage, and weekend rain left much of the space soaked. “All of our baby bouncers will have to be thrown away because of the glass shards and the water,” she said. “It’s a huge disappointment.”
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the devastation, one room was miraculously untouched—the “Mommy and Me” closet. “When I got in this room, I cried first, I thanked God second and I thanked Him again and again,” she said. “For preserving what you called me to do.”
Church officials estimate the total damage at approximately $200,000, including repairs to the roof, water damage, and stained glass windows. Jones-Pickens has decided to relocate Community of Hope to ensure the donated baby items are not exposed to chemicals, mold, or mildew during repairs.
How to Help
As she searches for a new location, Jones-Pickens is calling on the community for support. She hopes to collect additional donations of gently used baby clothing, diapers, bottles, and other essentials.
Those interested in helping can email Allisha Jones-Pickens at [email protected].
“This is going to be the long haul,” she said. “We need help in the months ahead.”
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