In the USA, 1.6 million teens are homeless on any given night... They were among that number until they found a home called... Joe's Place
Tickets are now available for the world premiere screening of the Anna Stasis Film, "Joe's Place: The Documentary."
The documentary, created by filmmaker Matt Sielback and narrated by David Oyelowo ("The Last King of Scotland"), tells the amazing story of a community and a school district coming together to address the issue of homeless youth. The solution is Joe's Place, a home unlike any other.
The film will be presented Saturday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the MRH High School theatre (7539 Manchester Road, Maplewood). An optional wine reception following the screening will take place at Sunnen (7910 Manchester). The cost for the film only is $10; a combined film and reception ticket is $35. Funds go to support Joe’s Place.
“This story is something people need to hear about,” said Seilback. “Key area leaders took a chance on this program, and these kids, and it has been such a success.”
Seilback began work on the film in the fall of 2008. The project shows the reflection of change and renewal that started in the house and has spread through community. “Joe’s Place” is Seilback’s first documentary, and as he began to navigate the world of film, he found warm welcome from the residents of the house. “The boys have such a love for people and a respect for others,” said Seilback. “Given the hardness that they have already encountered in this world, it is a testament to the relationships they have developed together and with the house parents, Dan and Alyssa Reeve.”
Compassion for these boys has also touched hearts as far out as Hollywood. When Seilback searched for a narrator, he was quick to find David Oyelowo, best known for his role in “The Last King of Scotland.” Oyelowo, an active advocate for helping people in need, did not hesitate to volunteer his time and talent.
“I think it’s easy for people to focus on the hurt they see in the world. Sometimes it is difficult to know how to take steps to address that hurt,” said Seilback. “By watching what is happening at Joe’s Place people can be encouraged. I hope that they find themselves opening up to new possibilities and that they are amazed by what changes in themselves and in our world.”
Tickets are available at the MRH School District’s central office (7539 Manchester) or by calling (314) 644-4400.
For more information, contact MRH School District at (314) 644-4400.
Thank You Auction Supporters! A great big thank you to all those who helped support the Joe’s Place auction in June. The event was a great success, raising over $23,000! These funds help us continue the work of supporting and leading the young men in the MRH School District to a positive future. We could not do it without you!
Joe's Place Annual Charity Auction Lights! Camera! Auction! On June 26, Joe’s Place will roll out the red carpet as we host our annual charity auction, themed “Hooray for Maplewood.” Guests will be treated like stars as they mix and mingle under the bright lights of Maplewood at this Hollywood style extravaganza.
Guests will also get a sneak peak at “Joe’s Place the Movie,” a soon to premier documentary about Joe’s Place.
Joe’s Place, now in its fourth year serving students, relies heavily on community support through donations from caring citizens like you.
If you would like to donate an item to auction, please contact Joe Pieber at joseph.pieber@nationalcity.com. All contributors to the Joe's Place auction will be listed in our auction catalog.
Hooray for Maplewood will be held at Sense Corp., in Maplewood, on June 26, 2010, at 6pm. Advanced reservations can be placed by calling Kat Norton at 314-574-0774, or by email at joesplacestl@gmail.com.
All proceeds go to benefit Joe’s Place.
FALL 2008 NEWSLETTER Updates at Joe's Place The newsletter has updates on life at Joe’s Place, as well as a great recap of the first annual Wine Tasting Event. Oh, and check out who won lots of medals at the state track meet.
FALL 2007 NEWSLETTER Life at Joe's Place is in Full Swing Daily life at Joe’s Place is busy these days, with high schoolers completing homework assignments, house parents and young men cooking and doing household chores to keep the place running smoothly and a one-year-old running around keeping them all on their toes.
Fund Raising Drive Critical
to the Future of Joe's Place Joe’s Place is in the midst of a donation drive with the goal of raising enough money to ensure the successful operation of the program for the next five years.
MRH Wins Achievement Award for Joe's Place The MRH School District has been awarded an Outstanding Local Government Achievement Award from the East-West Gateway Council of Governments for the creation and implementation of Joe’s Place.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2007 NEWSLETTER Joe’s Place Residents and House Parents
Get the Program Kicked off Right Dan and Alyssa Reeve spent the last part of 2006 excited about turning Joe’s Place from their house into a caring home for young men in need.
Along with their six-month-old son, Carter, Dan and Alyssa moved into Joe’s Place in December. They were chosen as the Joe’s Place house parents earlier in the fall and began eagerly anticipating helping young men in need.
