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OUR MISSION

​To plan and establish a culturally competent/responsive and holistic approach through social, cultural, artistic, youth, economic, housing, and educational programs to develop positive and innovative changes within the family system of low income individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, disadvantaged or skill deficient.

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH | CELEBRATING OUR LEGACY: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE #WEAREBLACKHISTORY

Langston Hughes
James Mercer Langston Hughes, born February 1, 1902, in Joplin, Missouri was an American writer who gained prominence during the Harlem Renaissance and made the African American experience the subject of his writings, which ranged from poetry and plays, to novels and newspaper columns.  To kick-off Black History Month, we celebrate the legacy of Langston Hughes.

Founders of Better Family Life Malik & DeBorah Ahmed
For 38 years, Better Family Life Inc. has proudly classified itself as one of the most influential non-profit organizations in metropolitan St. Louis, committed to enriching the lives of African Americans through a range of efforts including community outreach, housing and asset development, workforce development, cultural arts and youth, family, and clinical services.  (Pictured left to right: Interim CEO Darryl Grimes, Founders DeBorah & Malik Ahmed)

In 1982, DeBorah Ahmed and her husband, Malik Ahmed, took matters into their own hands, opening the basement of their University City home for weekly discussions about how they could meet the needs of others in their community by giving back. Read the full St. Louis American article here.

Ndeye Bitaye
Ndeye Bitaye (9-years old) currently lives in St. Louis and is a participant in our 21st Century after-school program in the Normandy School District. Ndeye recently participated in and won the Viewer's Choice Award for the "Our Words, Our Cities" National Poetry Slam and was featured in the film which will be available on Amazon Prime in February 2021. Enjoy the poem above that she recently shared titled "My Black History".

Watch her National Debut poem titled "Floating"

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ONLINE PROGRAMS | #BFLYTV 

PERFORMING ARTS

AMERICA SCORES

HEALTH & WELLNESS

FINE ARTS

click here for more videos

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OUR PROGRAMS

Youth Programs

Programs are available for youth ages
​5-17 both in-school and out-of-school

Clinical Services

See what services are available for
​you or someone you may know

Upcoming Events

Stay up to date with us! Check out 
​our past, present & future events

OUR PROGRESS

We could not have done it without our amazing supporters. Thanks to everyone who has supported us through the years!

380+
YOUTH PARTICIPATE IN OUR
​AFTER-SCHOOL & PREVENTION
​PROGRAMS ON A DAILY BASIS
​

9,382
CHILDREN AND
FAMILIES SERVED
​THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

400+
YOUTH ENGAGE IN STEAM-BASED ACTIVITIES THROUGH OUR
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

43,451
HOT MEALS ARE PROVIDED FOR YOUTH DURING OUR AFTER-SCHOOL
AND SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS

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UPCOMING PROGRAMS & EVENTS

​Better Family Life is helping St. Louis County residents and families impacted financially by the pandemic. We are currently offering housing, utility and technology assistance. 

Please feel free to apply for our waiting list (by clicking the button below) and we will reach out to you in the order that you've applied!

apply for Waiting List

CALLING ALL YOUTH IN ST. LOUIS! We are looking for youth, ages 12-18, to join our Youth Leadership Council! The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) believes you have what it takes to be a future leader in this city and the world!

Join us and connect with other future leaders answering the call to make a change in their community, one day at a time!

To learn more, visit our YLC page

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​CALLING ALL PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS!

Better Family Life is partnering with The STL HBCU Alumni Association to bring you part two of the third annual HBCU Experience: Scholarship Summit, Saturday, May 1st virtually on Zoom.

If you or your student(s) have any questions, concerns or just want to learn a little bit more about what HBCUs can offer you then, be sure to sign up here!

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THANK YOU FOR VOTING!
#VOTEFORNDEYE

We are so excited to announce that Ndeye Biteye won the "Our Words Our Cities" Viewers Choice Award!

​Congratulations Ndeye!

We are pleased to announce that one of our very own America Scores BFL - St. Louis poet-athletes, Ndeye Biteye - from St. Louis, Missouri, will be featured in the upcoming film “Our Words, Our Cities” and is currently in the running for the National Poetry Slam Final. Ndeye currently won the Viewers Choice Award for the National Poetry Slam Finals! We are so proud of you Ndeye!

Head over to ourwordsourcities.com to watch Ndeye perform her poem "Floating" and learn more about the upcoming film "Our Words Our Cities" at ourwordsourcities.com

watch ndeye perform her poem "floating"

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