Police Chief Lewis

Chief Tim Lewis of the Festus Police Department and Kevin Martin of the Regional Computer Crime Educational Office of the Sheriff's Department will be conducting an informal meeting on Thursday, May 29, 2008, at 7:00 P.M., on child pornography, sexual predators and the Internet. Parents of school-age children and anyone interested in knowing more about this timely subject are welcome to attend. Seating will be limited. For more information, call (636) 475-3030.

"Financial Cents" Seminar

Scott Holman is partnering with the Jefferson County Rescue Mission to facilitate the "Financial Cents" Seminar. The purpose of the seminar is to discuss basic, foundational financial principles that will help working class individuals understand how to live within their means, eliminate debt, and save for the future.

Scott Holman

Scott Holman, a long-time Jefferson County resident, received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Webster University. Scott is passionate about these financial principles since he watched them work effectively in his life. By following these principles, Scott and his wife live a life without any financial stress.

The first seminar will be held at the Educational Helps Center in Pevely on Thursday, June, 5, 2008, at 7:00 P.M. The room can hold a capacity of 25 individuals. Please reserve your space by contacting the Jefferson County Rescue Mission at (636) 475-3030.

Eat Right Feel Great

Topic of this seminar:

* What does it mean to eat healthy?
* Eating healthy on a budget.
* Finding the time to take care of your health.

Presented by Aaron Reinberg, MPH, RD, LD
Nutrition Education Manager
Operation Food Search

This seminar will be held at the Educational Helps Center in Pevely on Monday, June, 23, 2008, at 1:00 P.M. The room can hold a capacity of 25 individuals. Please reserve your space by contacting the Jefferson County Rescue Mission at (636) 475-3030.

Jefferson County Health Department Services and Programs

The Jefferson County Health Department will discuss current services and programs available for residents of Jefferson County. The agency's mission, hours of operation, fees and confidentiality policy will also be discussed. Participants will be able to identify Jefferson County Health Department Services and Programs and access Jefferson County Health Department for information and referrals. This will be done by the health education coordinator of Jefferson County Health Department.

Date: TBA

1. Ongoing Diabetes Class
2. Reformers Unanimous Outreach
3. Literacy Clinic - designed for someone who hasn't had the opportunity to learn to read or write
4. Military Service Opportunities For Young People
5. First Aid Made Simple
6. Holocaust Talk
7. Catholic Charities Services
8. Teen Challenge Programs
9. Services of Comtrea
10. Free Camp - for needy children presented by Rev. Harry Douma of Camp Penuel

By Patrick Martin For the Leader

The Jefferson County Rescue Mission has received a city occupancy permit for property it bought more than a year ago at 411 Old State Road in Pevely.

The mission, at 8943 Commercial Blvd., had wanted to turn the single-family residence into a daytime training center for young women who lack domestic skills. Neighbors opposed the necessary special-use permit and it was denied in February by the Pevely Board of Aldermen.

Mission founders Mike and Louise Sardo said Monday they plan to use the building for office space and a conference room, which are permitted uses under the property's current B-1 zoning.

Based on that usage, officials granted the occupancy permit on July 6.

The mission, which the Sardos founded in 1978, has been at its present location since 1993. It includes a short-term shelter for homeless men and a food pantry.

The mission also provides used appliances for needy families and offers referrals for clients who need health care, substance abuse assistance or housing.

The Sardos said Monday they have rehabbed the house.

"We have to furnish it as an office, get a conference table," Louise Sardo said.

"We're making plans to use the building as office space in the not-too-distant future," she said.

Mike Sardo said the mission's board of directors will hold its regular meetings in the building, which is almost directly behind the mission's Commercial Boulevard location.

He said neighbors don't have to worry about what happens at the house.

"All major functions of the Rescue Mission as a mission will be conducted at 8943 Commercial," he said.

Louise Sardo said she was glad the mission can now use the property, which sits on three city lots and cost $150,000.

"The use of the building is not exactly what I had envisioned," she said, "but it will definitely benefit persons we are working with and will be a benefit to the community."