Area citizens were recognized for outstanding community leadership and volunteer support at the Call for Help Annual Celebration & Pillar of Hope Awards on June 15 at St. Clair Country Club. Richard Mark, chairman, CEO and president of Ameren Illinois, received the Outstanding Community Leader award. The Peters family of Belleville and six fraternities and sororities were honored for volunteer support.
Pictured with their awards are, front row, from left, Call for Help Board President Melinda Nicholson, honorees Caroljean Peters; Denise Merritt, Sigma Gamma Rho; Denise Hilliard, National Council of Negro Women; Nakia Daniels, Alpha Kappa Alpha; Richard Mark, Ameren Illinois. Second row, honorees Doug Peters; Arthur Peters; Carmella Hardnett, Delta Sigma Theta; Jason Ford, Omega Psi Phi; James Daniels, Kappa Alpha Psi; Call for Help Executive Director Cheryl Compton.
A member of the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Call for Help delivers support and relief to enable people to overcome such personal crises as homelessness, mental illness, personal distress and sexual assault. Programs include Suicide and Crisis Services, Sexual Assault Victims Care, Transitional Living Center for homeless young women, Community Stabilization residential program for homeless mentally ill, and Information & Referral. Call for Help is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and is a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity. People needing assistance can call 618-397-0963, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
