The 'Light of St. Louis' Award

Illuminating the Best of St. Louis

Each year Pathfinder Church in Ellisville recognizes the outstanding contributions of three non-profit organizations to the greater St. Louis region. Each recipient demonstrates:

  • A dedication to helping people in the St. Louis region pursue a whole life.
  • Integrity from leadership, passion in pursuit of mission, and wise stewardship of resources.
  • An impact area that is timely and relevant to the specific needs of the St. Louis region.

 

THESE NON-PROFITS ARE BRINGING LIGHT TO ST. LOUIS.

2026 Pathfinder Light of St. Louis Award Recipients

Helping Hand Me Downs

Helping Hand Me Downs is a nonprofit located in West County St. Louis whose services reach throughout St. Louis County and even neighboring counties. HHMD is dedicated to providing families in need with resources such as clothing, toys, and other necessities, with care and a focus on long-term stability. Working directly with social workers and families that have been deemed "in need" by a viable agency, HHMD meets urgent and immediate needs, then shifts focus to coaching families to empower them to pursue independence and enhanced quality of life.

Learn More ➔

Christian Friends of New Americans

The mission of CFNA is to be involved in relationships with New Americans with whom they can share the Gospel through caring words and actions. They do this by connecting immigrants and refugees to cross-cultural ministries, scholarships, and programs with local LCMS congregations, schools, and other NGOs in the St. Louis region. CFNA works to enable New Americans to resettle, thrive, and become productive members of the St. Louis community. With its varied approach to its ministry, CFNA is bringing the Gospel to the people they serve, while meeting their needs holistically and thoughtfully.

Learn More ➔

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Food Pantry

OLPH is more than just a food pantry, they instill hope, prosperity, and are referred to as the "heartbeat" of their community by meeting needs and encouraging the people they serve to get back on their feet through their services. The organization is committed to providing the essentials, like food and utility assistance, all while treating the families and individuals they serve with dignity and respect. OLPH is assisting their community through food and resources, with the light of the Gospel shining through everything they do. 

Learn More ➔

FAQs

What does this award include? + −

Public recognition of the outstanding work done by each organization through verbal promotion, video content, and proof of impact stories.

Award insignia and additional communications materials for use in newsletters and websites.

A financial award, allocated by Pathfinder Church attendees on May 17-18.

Opportunity for volunteer work to be done in coordination with the organization and Pathfinder Church.

How is Pathfinder Church planning to recognize these organizations? + −

For the month of May, Pathfinder Church leadership will share about the outstanding work of the selected non-profits with its 1600+ weekly attenders, through verbal promotion, videos, and proof of impact stories during the three church services each weekend.

Organizations’ mission and award information will be included on the Pathfinder website, a weekly e-newsletter, and social media channels.

Pathfinder Church will partner with the organizations to provide church members with an opportunity to volunteer to support the award winners.

Attendees will determine the financial award during a special We Love STL weekend. On that weekend, Pathfinder Church service attendees will play a hands-on role in determining the final award amounts for each of the three Light of St. Louis award recipients.

Physical presentation of the Award will be made the week following the We Love STL weekend.

Information about the award and the We Love STL weekend worship experience will be shared with St. Louis-area media outlets for potential media coverage.

How can we continue to support these organizations? + −

Discover MORE about the impactful work of these organizations and explore the opportunities to serve them through We ❤️ STL Projects! On the first week of each month, we'll have opportunities to get out and show our love for STL by serving non-profit partners in our region. And we hope to continue our support for all Light of St. Louis Award Winners through these projects.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT WE ❤️ STL PROJECTS

Previous Light of St. Louis Award Recipients

Adult & Teen Challenge

Adult & Teen Challenge

Adult & Teen Challenge of St. Louis offers a transformative 12-month Christian-based residential program to restore the lives of men and women facing addictions. With a holistic approach, its mission is to help individuals become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, physically well, and spiritually alive, enabling them to return to society as productive citizens. Unlike most costly, short-term programs, Adult & Teen Challenge charges only $500 for the entire program.
Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home

Home Sweet Home gives underserved families a sense of pride and improves the quality of their lives by providing basic household furnishings. By providing much-needed furnishings and other basics, Home Sweet Home helps provide a sense of ownership and a source of stability to those transitioning to new living situations at this crucial time in their lives.
LFCS | Hilltop

LFCS | Hilltop

Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) offers statewide behavioral health, foster care, parenting, and adoption services. Notably, the Hilltop Child Development Center provides a safe, loving community for North St. Louis children and families. It offers quality childcare for ages 6 weeks to 5 years with a wraparound approach to family well-being. Once Hilltop students enter elementary school, comprehensive learning and support services help them progress confidently through school.
LifeWise STL

LifeWise STL

LifeWise STL helps individuals and families achieve economic well-being by providing high-impact, relationship-based programming to address systemic barriers to their success. LifeWise STL helps those in the St. Louis region, from infants to seniors, gain access to programs, opportunities, and support to achieve economic well-being.
One Heart Family Ministries

One Heart Family Ministries

One Heart Family Ministries helps Christian families minister God’s love to kids in need by recruiting, equipping, and supporting families for children impacted by state foster care. One Heart walks them through the entire process of learning about foster care, taking the required training, and supporting them after foster children join their families.
St. Louis Area Foodbank

St. Louis Area Foodbank

For nearly 50 years, the St. Louis Area Foodbank has worked to ensure nutritional security for our community. Everyone deserves access to food and a healthy diet; thus, the St. Louis Area Foodbank is committed to providing the foods and resources our neighbors need to thrive.
Urban Harvest STL

Urban Harvest STL

From rooftop gardens to hands-on learning experiences, Urban Harvest STL empowers people to connect with their food, their neighbors, and the planet. They're proving that urban agriculture can be a powerful tool for equity and sustainability.
Southside Wellness Center

Southside Wellness Center

Southside Wellness is more than just a senior center—it’s a community hub dedicated to health equity, dignity, and access. Their team offers vital services that go above and beyond, including transportation, mental health support, and a welcoming space for the elderly and disabled, without judgment, often stepping in when no one else will.
River Roads Lutheran School

River Roads Lutheran School

For decades, River Roads has been a beacon of hope, providing quality education, nurturing values, and a loving community to families in need. They believe every child deserves a chance to thrive, and the faculty and staff work tirelessly to make that belief a reality.