Q2 Report - An Update from CAC

Greetings, Friends of CAC!

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

On the afternoon of May 16, 2025, an intense and destructive tornado tracked more than 20 miles through urban areas of Greater St. Louis. The tornado produced major damage in St. Louis and comparatively minor damage in Illinois. The CAC is located approximately six miles from the damaged area and by the grace of God, was not impacted.

However, we still serve in a community that is impacted by the myriad challenges that affect the health and well-being of our children and families. The compassion that Paul spoke to the Corinthians is needed especially during these times of uncertainty where people must rebound from natural disasters, political unrest, homelessness, hunger, unemployment, and violence.

Many of our youth live in uncertainty. Nevertheless, one thing they can be certain of is the love they will receive when they walk through our doors. The mission of CAC is to “embrace kids with the love of Christ and equip them to thrive.” Our love does not change but the ways we demonstrate this love varies.

On the academic front,the cumulative proficiency rates for CAC students from 2023-2025 reflect how well they perform overall in comparison to non-CAC students in the District and State. The chart also outlines that students who attend CAC programming three or more days per week perform much better.

Under the direction of Seth Hamilton, Go! International students began sowing in hopes of reaping a harvest for the season. In the community garden they planted kale, tomatoes, spices, collards, cucumbers, pumpkins, and peppers. They also planted 10 new fruit trees in the orchard. They then partnered with East Side’s Career and Technical Education program to host a culinary class in which the students made peach pies with the peaches from the orchard and cherry slushies with their cherries in an industrial kitchen with a professional chef. They also learned about food safety! 

From a spiritual development perspective, we continue talking about “I am the vine, and you are the branches” as we prune the trees and how we must prune bad habits and bad people from our lives to bear good fruit in Christ.

Expressing our gratitude you was an ongoing theme in Q2. The CAC hosted its first“Tour & Tea” which is designed to give our supporters an opportunity to learn more about CAC and how their generosity is making an impact. It is also designed to expand our circles and introduce new friends to our work. I would also like to express appreciation to the U.S. Marshall’s Office for presenting CAC with a plaque to honor our service to the community.

We also hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon to express our gratitude to our weekly volunteers.  Our volunteers serve as mentors, bible study teachers, and listening ears to our young people. If you are interested in volunteering at the CAC, please email volunteer@cacesl.org for additional information.

The quarter ended on a high note with the 18th Annual Golf for a Brighter Future Tournament. The weather was perfect and the enthusiasm was high! A special thanks to Northwestern Mutual Fairview Heights for serving once again as our presenting sponsor, along with the other generous sponsors and golfers. Together we raised more than $61,000 to prepare youth for successful futures in East St Louis. 

Equipping our kids for a brighter future involves us wrapping our arms around them by ensuring those around them are healthy and whole. The CAC is able to provide family advocacy and partner with other organizations that work to ensure our parents have the tools they need to succeed - whether it is job placement services or helping adults obtain their high school diplomas. Through our partnership with Vincent Gray Academy, 25 adults enrolled in the online Adult High School Program during Q2. I’m thrilled to report that 19 students also completed graduation requirements, which means that 335 students having completed graduation requirements since the program’s inception in 2019.  

Our goal is to ensure our students have positive role models in their lives who can inspire them to achieve greatness. We will continue planting seeds of faith so they can make a positive difference in their communities.

Before I conclude, I would like to introduce you to Tyrone! Tyrone is a very active, polite, and at times very shy young boy.  However, he finds a way to put a smile on the faces of those he encounters. Tyrone will be going to the 4^th grade in August.  Some of his favorite activities at the CAC are swimming, basketball, and simply playing with his friends. Tyrone says “Thank you for all you do for the CAC!” 

Thank you for walking with us, talking with us, and praying with us.  Your support both spiritually and financially remains invaluable as we face the uncertain times ahead. No matter what, I will trust in the Lord!

Dr. Jeffrey A. Wiliams

Executive Director

Christian Activity Center