About Us

Mission Statement

The mission of Unleashing Potential is to close the opportunity gap for children and youth by building on their strengths. We create educational and empowering experiences through early childhood education, after school programs, youth development and enrichment camps.

Vision

A St. Louis community where all children, youth and families live into their potential.

VALUES we believe in...

Respect for all

Unleashing Passion for respecting individuals while creating strong communities of inclusiveness, equity and fairness that empowers families and inspires children to their greatest potential.

Faith and Stewardship

Unleashing Power to advocate for social justice inspired by our faith-based legacy.

Quality Programs and Caring Staff

Unleashing Performance of dedicated staff to provide the highest quality of educational experiences for children and youth.

Resilience and Empowerment

Unleashing Possibilities by affirming the resiliency of the children, youth and families we serve; building upon their own strength and capacity to overcome challenges.

DEI Statement

Unleashing Potential is committed to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of our work. Building upon our mission, we believe that creating a truly inclusive environment for our children and families is essential.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive community where all children and families feel welcomed, valued, and supported. We recognize that diversity and inclusion are not only moral imperatives but also critical components to achieving educational and social equity for all.

We are dedicated to creating and sustaining a culture that values, respects, and embraces diversity among our governing board, staff, volunteers, program participants, business and community partners.

We will work tirelessly to address and eliminate all forms of discrimination, including systemic prejudice and bias, and to promote understanding, appreciation, and celebration of differences.

We will work to create an environment where every child, regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual and gender identity, faith tradition, ability, or socio-economic background, has the opportunity to thrive.

In all that we do, we will be guided by our commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We know that our success in achieving our mission depends on our ability to create a truly inclusive community, and we are committed to doing the hard work necessary to achieve that goal.

Media Policy

Only the chief executive, board president, board chair, or other individual(s) designated by the board are authorized to speak with the media. The chief executive and the board designate shall collaborate on message development and coordinate who will handle which press inquiries.

Employees, board members (other than the chair) and members acting in a capacity within a committee or a caucus shall not make statements, provide information for distribution, or provide background information unless specifically directed to do so by the chief executive and/or the board.

Provided that they have prior permission to do so from the chief executive or the board, employees, board members, and members acting in a capacity with a committee, or a caucus shall speak publicly on behalf of Unleashing Potential only in accordance with established public speaking procedures.

Fundraising Policy

Unleashing Potential values donor privacy and implements strict policies regarding the storage and destruction of confidential donor information. UP will not sell, share or trade our donors’ names or personal information with any other entity.