Missouri Humanities Council has awarded United Services for Children a $5,000 grant to fund“Honoring 50 Years of Early Childhood Inclusion: A Humanities Reflection,” a storytelling initiative celebrating the nonprofit organization’s milestone anniversary.
The community-focused project will explore the Missouri’s inclusive early childhood evolution through a humanities lens, combining archival material, oral histories, and a permanent exhibit at United Services for Children’s St. Charles center. The initiative culminates later this year in a public storytelling event.
“Our goal is to honor the families, educators, and advocates who shaped—and were shaped by—early childhood inclusion,” said Dr. Julie Turner, President and CEO of United Services for Children. “This project is not just a reflection on our past 50 years, but a call to continue building a future where every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.”
The interpretive exhibit will feature a historical timeline, family reflections, and digital content accessible via QR codes. Community members will be invited to add their voices to a collaborative memory wall and join in facilitated storytelling sessions.
Dr. James Hutson, a humanities scholar, Lindenwood University professor, and parent of a neurodivergent child, will serve as a humanities consultant for the project. “This is a rare opportunity to frame the story of early childhood inclusion as a living cultural narrative,” Dr. Hutson said. “By sharing voices from the field—especially those of families—this exhibit highlights both the progress we’ve made and the humanity that drives it.”
United Services welcomes community members, alumni families, and those who believe in the power of inclusive education to join us in bringing this exhibit to life. To learn more or support this special initiative, contact President and CEO Julie Turner at jturner@unitedsrvcs.org.