10/27/2025
(11/11) ADRIENNE: “As a part of the Early Childhood Tornado Response Team, we were asked to get into the streets. So we divided and conquered. I was in the field taking pictures, talking to people, getting addresses, and seeing what they needed while Tina was out getting everything else. We had someone working with the Saint Louis Mental Health Board, FEMA, and the Gateway Early Childhood Alliance to purchase tarps, board up centers, and dispatch volunteers to different programs. When we weren’t helping early childhood programs, we dispatched volunteers to help out in the neighborhoods. They gave out food and moved trees out of the way.
I remember when I was out there, they only offered people hot dogs and hamburgers. We had to make sure the little ones were getting some kid-friendly food. So we pulled some money to get peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, juices, and fruit snacks, too. I remember one man said, ‘Whoever brought the PBJ sandwiches, can you bring more tomorrow? These kids are tired of eating hot dogs.’ When you’re displaced, you’ll eat whatever someone has to offer. At the same time, we wanted to give people something that they wanted. Give them a little variety, like those Uncrustables. I like those!
Before we had this building, Tina’s home daycare was used as a hub to store things, especially PPE during COVID. We grabbed items from her basement, loaded up our cars, and started dropping off resources throughout the community. People were giving out food and basic needs, and here we’d come by with a fresh load of Pampers, wipes, hand sanitizer, and more. They couldn’t believe it. It feels GOOD to be able to help.”
Tina Kennell-Mosley and Adrienne Pennington, Executive Directors, STAR Coaching
🎙️ | Kiara Fite
📷 | Lindy Drew
