Purpose
Deaconess’ strategic plan calls for engaging local United Church of Christ congregations to support the Foundation’s child advocacy ministry. In partnership with the largest child advocacy organization in the United States, the Children’s Defense Fund, Deaconess sponsors a network of CDF Freedom Schools®. CDF Freedom Schools provide meaningful engagement opportunities for congregations by placing them in proximity to the needs of children in order to inform faith-based advocacy.
History
CDF Freedom Schools are intergenerational, culturally competent summer programs, built on literacy, leadership and social advocacy. The curriculum is rooted in the Civil Rights Movement’s Freedom Summer, and was originally conceived and proposed by Charles Cobb, a UCC college student.
Future
Deaconess embraces the Freedom School intent of being a “movement building mechanism” and intends to advance it as such for area UCC congregations.
Structure
The seven-week program provides literacy building activities, empowerment, meals, snacks and activities, including field trips, at no charge to families. The CDF model also includes extensive testing and evaluation to measure academic progress.
Enrollment
The sites serve a total of 175 scholars recruited from Saint Louis Public Schools, Hazelwood and Webster Groves School Districts and the UCC congregations. Enrollment is free and open to all families.
2021 CDF Freedom Schools® Program Information
Considering the environment in light of COVID-19 and concerns regarding scholar safety, Deaconess Foundation will not sponsor a local CDF Freedom Schools program in 2021.
Please contact Deaconess Foundation with all inquiries/questions at
cdffreedomschools@deaconess.org or 314.436.8001.
Please do not contact the individual host sites.
Saint John’s Church
(The Beloved Community)
4136 North Grand Blvd.
Saint Louis, MO 63107
The next enrollment period for CDF Freedom Schools will be in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in learning more?
Email CDF Freedom Schools
Volunteer with Us
Individuals and small groups are invited to join us to lead and/or assist with engaging activities during after-care from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at each of our four CDF Freedom Schools sites.
Interested?
Call (314) 436-8001
Email