CDA Awards $544,887 to Foundation for Strengthening Families for the First All-Boys Preschool in North St. Louis

A major investment in early childhood education is coming to North St. Louis. The City of St. Louis - Community Development Administration (CDA) has awarded $544,887 to theFoundation for Strengthening Families to support the launch of the Good Shepherd Academy for Boys, a first-of-its-kind preschool designed to serve boys ages 3 to 5.

The Neighborhoods Transformation Grant funding includes $413,533 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and $131,345 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The total project cost is $1,012,481.00 with the remaining balance supported through Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits and donations. Additional financing is through a local community development financial institution.

A groundbreaking ceremony and ceremonial check presentation will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., marking a major milestone for families in the Hamilton Heights, West End, Wells-Goodfellow, and surrounding North St. Louis neighborhoods.

“This is more than a building. It is a strategic investment in the future of our community,” said Cortaiga Collins, founder and executive director of the Foundation for Strengthening Families. “We are creating a space where boys in these neighborhoods will receive the support, structure, and opportunities they need to thrive from the very beginning.”

“CDA is committed to using ARPA and other public funds in ways that create lasting growth for St. Louis residents and neighborhoods,” said Matt Moak, CDA Executive Director. “The Good Shepherd Academy for Boys shows how investing in youth can strengthen families, support neighborhoods, and create opportunity from the start.”

The Good Shepherd Academy for Boys will focus on early learning, social-emotional development, and school readiness. The academy is expected to enroll 20 boys and will be part of the broaderShow Me Family Zone, a place-based initiative that provides coordinated support for families across education, health, and economic stability.

About the Show Me Family Zone
The Show Me Family Zone is a bold, community-driven redevelopment led by the Foundation for Strengthening Families, transforming a five-block corridor in North St. Louis at Page and Hodiamont. Designed with direct community input, the initiative brings together early childhood education, housing, health, and family supports in one place.

Anchored by projects like the Good Shepherd Academy for Boys, the Zone will include an adult daycare center, expanded youth programming, and innovative care solutions - including safe, reliable care for children whose parents work non-traditional hours.

More than development, the Show Me Family Zone is a strategic investment in families - creating pathways to stability, economic mobility, and long-term community transformation.
Construction is expected to take approximately six months.

City leaders, community stakeholders, and residents are expected to attend the event.

Event Details

• What: Groundbreaking Ceremony and Check Presentation
• When: Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
• Where: Ceremony at 5990 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112
• Groundbreaking at 5957 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63112

About Foundation for Strengthening Families (FSF):
The Foundation for Strengthening Families is a St. Louis–based nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of children and families by addressing disparities across education, health, and economic stability. Through a place-based, community-driven approach, the Foundation delivers direct support to families while advancing long-term solutions that strengthen entire neighborhoods.
Its work spans early childhood education, maternal and family health, and concrete support in times of need—including access to childcare, meals, and essential resources. By meeting immediate needs and investing in sustainable change, the Foundation is helping families move from crisis to stability and from stability to success.

About the Community Development Administration (CDA):
Established in 1974, CDA invests approximately $25 million each year in affordable housing, community development, and public services across St. Louis. As the City’s housing and community development agency, CDA works in partnership with HUD, the Planning and Urban Design Agency and the St. Louis Development Corporation to ensure that funding priorities are transparent, competitive, and community-driven.