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- EIN 43-1630103
- info@bworks.org
- 2414 Menard Street St Louis MO 63104 USA
- http://www.bworks.org
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Nonprofit Overview
Causes: Children & Youth, Community Improvement & Capacity Building, Education, Environment, Recycling, Youth Development
Mission: HELPING ST. LOUIS CHILDREN DISCOVER THEIR POTENTIAL SINCE 1988. St. Louis BWorks was built on the idea that everyone deserves the chance to be more and to gain the skills they need to pursue their dreams. We believe that children — or any young people for that matter — can thrive when they have the opportunity to challenge their abilities in a safe, supportive environment.
Results: Our charter program, St. Louis Bicycle Works, gives kids the chance to earn a free bike while they learn about bicycle safety and maintenance from our volunteers. They learn to work independently and as a group to solve problems. About 350 kids graduate from the program every year, earning their own bike, helmet, light and lock. St. Louis Bicycle Works also features a bike shop, where anyone can purchase a fully refurbished bike. We also sell new and vintage parts that fit a wide variety of bicycles. We do not sell kids bikes or parts for kids bikes. All proceeds benefiting St. Louis BWorks programs. In 1996, we introduced St. Louis Byte Works, through which children can earn a complete desktop computer system. The six-week course gives them the technical skills they need to use and maintain it, all while seeing first-hand the true power of responsibility and commitment. St. Louis Book Works was founded in 2011 to promote verbal, visual and cultural literacy through creative expression. Young people in the program work with volunteer editors to write and and illustrate their own books. At the end of each program, our youth have a real, tangible reward for their commitment — along with skills they can use for a lifetime. Many kids who participate in the program stay involved long after graduation, working side-by-side with adult volunteers to help the young people in their community.
Target demographics: Any child between the ages of 8 and 17
Direct beneficiaries per year: 570 children through programs here in Soulard and with our 20 partner sites
Geographic areas served: The Soulard neighborhood in Saint Louis as well as schools and community centers in the Metro Area
Programs: Our free children's Earn-A-Bike, Earn-A-Computer, and Create-A-Book courses