After more than 18 months of being in a pandemic, local early childhood education experts developed a series of events, programs and resources to provide families with opportunities to connect, have fun and unplug. The local initiative founded by University City Children’s Center (UCCC) and LUME Institute, called BeTogetherSTL, kicks off its first free family event on October 16 with The Steve Ewing Band.

BeTogetherSTL, will include concerts, edible book programs offering meals and companion books, virtual activities and in-person events. The objective is to help parents and caregivers re-establish emotional connections with their children and with each other. 

UCCC and LUME were awarded a CARES grant from the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF) to create BeTogetherSTL. “The social distancing mandated by the pandemic resulted in emotional distancing and mental distress among many families and individuals,” said Steve Zwolak, executive director of UCCC and LUME Institute. “The CARES grant will enable us to develop and implement programming that will provide families and children with opportunities to connect, have fun and unplug. Families will also be able to access resources in support of their mental health needs to help them cope through the pandemic.” 

The events and programs will take place over a 16-month period. The first concert is Saturday, October 16 with The Steve Ewing Band, featuring Steve Ewing of the Urge, in a high energy performance combining punk, reggae, hip hop, ska and rock. The family concert is from 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Jackson Park Elementary School. Tickets are free and available at www.BeTogetherSTL.com. 

Founded in 1970, the University City Children’s Center partners with families of diverse backgrounds to nurture growth and development through inclusive, innovative and inspiring early care and education. UCCC is a welcoming community of more than 40 ethnicities that cradles children and families in a culture of trust, love, empathy, compassion and joy. For more information visit www.uccc.org. The mission of LUME Institute is to transform the way families, educators and communities inspire young children to learn, grow and thrive. For more information visit www.lumeinstitute.org. 

Stay connected with everything STL by subscribing to SL: https://www.sophisticatedstlouis.com/mag/subscribe