For more than a century, Unleashing Potential has been a cornerstone of support for children and families in St. Louis. Our story began in 1913 with a simple mission: to uplift a community in need. From delivering milk on bicycles to becoming the largest provider of free after-school services in the city, our commitment to creating educational and empowering experiences has never wavered.
Our Founding: A Mission of Hope
In 1913, a group of local pastors, led by Samuel D. Press of Eden Seminary, saw a growing need in the near south side of St. Louis. The area faced deteriorating housing, poverty, and a lack of resources for families. Inspired by the “Innere Mission” movement in Germany, they conducted a neighborhood canvass to understand the community’s challenges. One of the students helping with this effort was Reinhold Niebuhr, who would later become one of America’s most influential theologians.
The results confirmed the need for action, leading to the creation of our organization with a clear and powerful objective.
The object of the City Mission…shall be, in general, the promoting of systematic evangelization, the practice of Christian charity, and the assisting and encouraging of reform and uplift movements for the special benefit of the children, the aged and adults among the poor, the sick, strangers, the unemployed, the religiously indifferent, the neglected, the fallen and prisoners.
Original Object of the City Mission
On April 6, 1913, the Good Shepherd Center opened its doors. Early efforts were a true community collaboration. Faculty and students from Eden Seminary delivered food, sisters from Deaconess Hospital tended to the sick, and volunteers led recreational classes for children. As our programs grew, so did our need for space. In 1918, thanks to a generous donation, we moved to a new building and were renamed Caroline Mission.
Looking to the Future
While our name has changed, our purpose remains the same as it was in 1913: to unleash the magnificent potential in children, families, and neighborhoods. We continue to adapt and innovate, building on a legacy of more than 100 years of service to our community.