On April 3, 2025, the RiverBend Growth Association Young Adults Committee partnered with Churches on the Streets to help organize clothes that were donated along with preparing hygiene bags for unhoused individuals. Churches on the Streets was co-founded by Angela Valdes and her husband in 2015. Eight years ago, they became a multi-state organization, working in Illinois, Missouri, Florida and even California. Churches on the Streets not only help individuals obtain basic needed supplies, but they also give individuals travel-sized bibles. Angela also mentioned that “they share the gospel and pray with people”. The organization definitely keeps busy. Every Monday night, they do outreach in St. Louis and they serve Alton and East Alton every Thursday night. Although they are already busy with what they do in St. Louis, Ralph stated that “It’s a little more challenging over here [in Illinois], but we continue to try and reach them.” He explains that spotting those in need is a bit more tricky in the Riverbend area, but they go out of their way to find individuals in need of assistance. Not only does Angela and Churches on the Streets assist those in need by supplying them with everyday essentials, Angela and the business is also involved with human trafficking and getting people the resources they need in order to help them through their rough situations.
The Young Adults Committee volunteered their time to help Churches on the Streets organize resources to give out to the unhoused. The group accomplished a lot during this non-profit experience; they helped put together hygiene bags in addition to sorting and organizing their donated clothes. While assisting Churches on the Streets, everybody learned the importance of a community and how influential people can be, just by volunteering a small portion of their time to those in need.
The Young Adults Committee students had the opportunity to proudly partner with Churches on the Streets for their non-profit experience this year. Though Civic Memorial had the opportunity to choose one of the other five organizations that presented to the Young Adults Committee back in September 2024, the students chose Churches on the Streets because they offer the option to connect with and pray with unhoused individuals instead of distributing supplies and leaving.
This experience has really encouraged everyone to show their support for their community. Anyone can get involved at any time. Churches on the Streets specifically is always looking for gently used clothes and is always in need of hygiene products; so if you are looking for a way to help those in need, they are always in search of items to distribute to those in need.
The Young Adults Committee is comprised of two juniors and two seniors from local high schools. Representing Civic Memorial High School are juniors Natalee Belcher and Jacob Cranford and seniors Isabella Murray and Marissa Perez.
Natalee Belcher is a Junior at Civic Memorial High School. She is a hard worker at her current job as a Firehouse Subs crew member. She volunteers to help with fundraisers to raise money for church camp kids and also the kids ministry and babysit them while also doing fun classes about the gospel. During the summer, Natalee likes to swim, go on vacations, and take float trips. Natalee plans on going to college to become a Dental Hygienist and continue to help out the community. Natalee likes to make people feel happy, whole, and loves spending time with family along with spending much time outdoors to enjoy nature.
Jacob Cranford is a Junior at Civic Memorial High School. He is a hard-working student athlete. He is currently in track season but also runs cross country where he is a co-captain on both teams. He works a lot with his grandparents at humane societies in addition to being a youth group leader. Outside of school and work, he loves hiking, fishing and especially running. Jacob plans on joining the military or attending a college to continue his running career and get his degrees in Physical therapy and athletic training. Jacob tries to inspire the younger generation to work hard on whatever they are doing, especially when it comes to running because it can be fun and rewarding.
Isabella Murray is a senior at Civic Memorial High School. She is a member of the color guard during the summer-fall season and during winter season, a member of the winter guard. In her free time, she works part-time at the McDonald’s in Bethalto. Though she juggles work, school, and activities, she maintains A’s in all her classes and is even taking Lewis and Clark College classes such as English, public speaking, psychology, and math. Isabella plans on going into the Army as a practical nurse specialist while taking classes to pursue a career in the medical field once retired from the Army. In her free time, she spends time playing with her dog, watching her brother’s hockey games, and spending time with her family.
Marissa Perez is a senior at Civic Memorial High School. She is a straight-A’s student while being enrolled in many dual credit courses and honors classes. Marissa is very active within the school, participating in many clubs and organizations like FreshMentors, FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes), and ENCO (Eagle Nation Community Outreach) just to name a few. While being involved in many clubs, Marissa also plays volleyball for Civic Memorial. In addition to school ball, she also plays club volleyball for Blue Steel out of O’Fallon, IL. Marissa plans to continue her academic and athletic career at Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL, to study elementary education or special education to one day become a teacher. In her free time, Marissa likes to attend St. Louis Cardinals games, hang out with family, and travel.