By: Kya Nilges
On the south side of St. Joseph, Interfaith Community Services, Inc., commonly known as InterServ, has been a cornerstone of the community for children and families for over 40 years. Thanks to the introduction of the Missouri Comprehensive Afterschool Learning (MOCAL) grant, InterServ’s afterschool programming can continue serving the community.
MOCAL grants are academic enrichment grants through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) with the same criteria as 21st Century Community Learning Center grants. Typically, only half of high-scoring 21st CCLC applications are funded due to limited federal funds. Thanks to MOCAL funding from the state legislature, additional high-scoring grant applicants were able to operate. This grant cycle was particularly competitive, if not for the MOCAL grant, Interserv would have lost funding.
“MOCAL is like 21st Century 2.0 for us,” said Lea Parker, director of programming at InterServ. “We had the 21st Century grant for the past five years. We’ve had afterschool programming on the South Side in some capacity for 40-plus years, but when we reapplied for this round, that changed how the program looked.”
Terri Foulkes, executive director of the Missouri AfterSchool Network, explained “It takes a while for new grantees to build and refine comprehensive afterschool programs impact both academic and other youth outcomes. By the time they finish the first grant cycle, they’re ready to go. The second grant cycle gives them the capacity to truly expand, tailor their programs, and maximize their impact on the community–like magic.”
InterServ’s afterschool programs provide safe, supportive environments for children during out-of-school time. In Missouri, afterschool programs serve just 14% of the state’s students–about 131,301 young people-according to America After 3PM. Yet the unmet demand for these programs is striking. Approximately 370,003 students lack access to programs their families want and need. Notably, 66% of Missouri parents not currently utilizing afterschool programs say they would enroll their child if a program were available. This emphasizes the importance of programs like InterServ, which support local children and families.
Afterschool programs are critical in underserved communities, serving as a lifeline for children. For Parker and her team, the MOCAL grant is more than a funding stream—it’s an opportunity to bridge gaps, foster connections, and inspire futures.
Funding Provides Stability
In 2023, the state of Missouri made a pivotal investment of $7.4 million in the MOCAL grant program. This funding ensures high-quality academic enrichment programs across the state reach their potential.
Previously, InterServ’s Southside program was primarily funded through local sources including the United Way and a Community Development Block Grant. However, Parker described operating on a “shoestring budget” before receiving grant funding.
“Once we got the grant, it changed how we did things,” Parker said. “It took time to get into the new processes, but we were able to hire more staff. Supervision was improved, and now the kids have a structured program.”
Parker explained, “I wrote our new grant for just under $400,000 each year for the next five years. Having a steady budget is the biggest help.”
Transforming Spaces for Middle Schoolers
One of the most 
transformative outcomes of the MOCAL grant has been the addition of a dedicated space for middle school students–whose needs are quite different from those of younger children. Middle school is a critical time in a child’s development, and the risks of falling behind are particularly high without structured support.
The Afterschool Alliance reports that afterschool programs are vital for reducing risky behaviors such as drug use, violence, and other negative influences, particularly during the middle school years. InterServ’s new middle school programming helps mitigate these risks by providing a safe, supportive space where students can academically and socially thrive.
“This is the first year we’ve been able to separate our middle schoolers. That’s the biggest thing MOCAL has allowed us to do,” Parker said.
Middle school students now gather in a dedicated space, which allows them to engage in activities tailored to their age group. “They have their own space, their own lesson plan, and their own activities,” Parker said. “They’re doing service learning and impactful stuff for middle schoolers. Middle schoolers and kindergarteners aren’t the greatest mix. Now, the younger kids also have something to look forward to when they get to sixth grade.”
The middle school program emphasizes life skills, critical thinking, interpersonal skills development, and service projects. Students also participate in practical activities like cooking, which are valuable skills, especially for those who help care for younger siblings.
“They love cooking projects,” Parker said. “We have a fully equipped kitchen so they can learn some basic stuff. Some of them have little siblings they take care of in the evenings, so it’ll give them some of those skills.”
Program Manager Kaitlin Bullmaster added that they have enhanced the connection between staff and students. “It’s amazing to see how having a space just for middle schoolers has an impact,” she said. “They feel safe and valued, and that builds trust.”
Caring Mentors
Strong, supportive relationships between staff and students are at the heart of InterServ’s success. These connections make the program a true lifeline for many.
“We’ve had so many kids that had trauma, drug addiction issues, or connections to violence,” Parker said. “The mentors are here to support them, and they want to be here.”
Even middle schoolers involved in sports return after their seasons end. “As soon as those sports are over, they’re back here,” Parker said. “That’s a testament to our staff connecting with them and wanting to work with them. If we didn’t have those relationships, they wouldn’t come back.”
Bullmaster emphasized the lasting impact of these relationships. “When kids feel safe, they won’t want to leave,” she said. “When they get to high school, they want to keep coming back to help and be part of the community.”
The Lasting Impact of InterServ
InterServ’s approach to afterschool programming involves more than keeping students engaged for a few hours a day. By offering a carefully designed curriculum, mentorship opportunities, and a focus on academic and job skills, they aim to create lasting change in the lives of the students they serve.
Another significant impact of the MOCAL grant is the ability to provide individualized support for students, particularly middle schoolers. Parker explained, “Having middle schoolers where they can do their own thing is so important. We’re ensuring our program is a good space for them. We aren’t just giving them somewhere to go, they are getting steady support in afterschool.”
Research from America After 3PM highlights the importance of afterschool programs in reducing risky behaviors and improving academic outcomes for middle schoolers. The Afterschool Alliance further reports that 73% of parents believe afterschool programs help children develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, and critical thinking, which are crucial for success in school and later in life.
InterServ’s focus on long-term growth is evident in its efforts to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment among students. Offering a safe and supportive environment, they help students build self-esteem, develop positive relationships, and gain resilience to overcome adversity.
Parker shared, “Providing the tools to succeed isn’t always easy, and to see that carried out is everything. We’ve created a home-like space for our middle schoolers. They have a mentor and receive more individualized time. Instead of folding tables, they have a dining table and chairs. We’re setting them up for success”
The Future of InterServ
As InterServ moves forward, Parker is optimistic about the continued impact of the MOCAL grant.
“It takes manpower to support kids and give them individualized or small-group attention,” she said. “The MOCAL grant allows us to do that. It’s amazing to see how it’s helping us–one day at a time.”
With its focus on academic support and providing a broad array of enriching experiences, InterServ exemplifies the transformative power of afterschool programs. Through consistent funding, innovative programming, and strong relationships, InterServ is creating a brighter future for St. Joseph’s children and families.
Reference: America After 3PM
