Discover how Better Family Life in St. Louis, under the leadership of Marquette King-Connor, is shaping the future through community development and empowering youth with 40+ years of dedicated service.
Image by Linda Pritchard
At Better Family Life, the future isn’t something to wait for—it’s something to shape. With more than 40 years of history, the St. Louis-based organization continues to stand as a pillar of community development. At its core? The Youth Department, led by Marquette King-Connor, a woman whose passion for people is matched only by her dedication to purpose.
I sat down with Ms. King-Connor for an in-depth discussion about how Better Family Life is building up tomorrow’s leaders today—one program, one partnership and one purposeful moment at a time.
A Foundation Rooted in Youth
Q: Can you provide an overview of the Youth Department and its core mission?
King-Connor: Our Youth Department is truly the heartbeat of Better Family Life. We provide in-school, out-of-school, and after-school programming focused on education, empowerment, and emotional intelligence. Through initiatives like our Ready for Life program and federal funding from Teen Pregnancy Prevention grants, we reach students where they are—with evidence-based curricula like Love Notes and Making Proud Choices. It’s all about healthy relationships, informed decisions, and critical life skills.
We’re currently serving thousands of students over a three-year grant period and making real impact, led by Gerald Jones and our incredible team.
Challenges Facing Today’s Youth—and the Programs Addressing Them
Q: What challenges do youth face today and how does your team address them?
King-Connor: One of the biggest challenges is the lack of family structure and support. Many of our students wear adult hats at home—caring for siblings, working jobs—and then are expected to perform like typical kids during the day. We meet them where they are, but we don’t leave them there. Programs like our Youth Leadership Academy provide soft skills, college prep, trade awareness, and exposure to travel and history, such as visits to HBCUs and civil rights landmarks.
It’s about more than education—it’s about connection, culture and confidence.
The Safe Passage Legacy
Q: Safe Passage is a cornerstone at Better Family Life. How does that program operate?
King-Connor: Safe Passage was founded by Vivian Elaine Watson Watts over 20 years ago. What started as a focus on dance and the arts has grown into a holistic summer camp model. We now include academic enrichment, field trips, drama, swimming, tennis, and this year, martial arts and culinary arts. Thanks to funding from St. Louis ARCHS, we’re offering the camp free for 65 youth this summer.
Our licensed camp serves children ages 5–18 and is one of the most comprehensive, enriching, and affordable programs in the region.
Training and Team Development
Q: What qualifications and training do Safe Passage team members receive?
King-Connor: Most of our staff are full-time youth or wellness specialists. Before summer camp, we conduct a full week of professional development, including trauma-informed care and social-emotional learning. Our facilitators create full lesson plans and lead activities with intention. Some of our current staff actually grew up in the program—it’s truly full circle.
Year-Round Impact
Q: How do summer activities align with your year-round goals?
King-Connor: The Youth Leadership Council runs all year. We empower students with leadership roles and a voice in our programs. Our summer efforts support our mission to nurture youth who are confident, informed, and community-minded. The rally at Chaifetz Arena and leadership trips to Virginia or Alabama connect our history to our present and future.
We’re helping young people grow as leaders while giving them permission to simply be kids.
Community Engagement and Opportunities
Q: Who can apply and how can the community get involved?
King-Connor: Our programs are open to all youth. We’re honest about our scope—if we see needs beyond what we can meet, we collaborate with our clinical team. But we don’t turn youth away based on income or GPA. If you’re a STEM professional, artist, gardener, or entrepreneur—we welcome volunteers and community partners. We also have a membership program and always appreciate support.
Inspiration and Vision
Q: What inspires you most about this work?
King-Connor: I never thought I’d be in education. I wanted to go into fashion merchandising! But once I started subbing in schools, I saw how youth connected with me. I love building relationships, seeing growth, planting seeds. Even if they don’t realize it now, something we teach may blossom later—during an internship, job interview, or life moment. That’s why we’re here: to build confidence, trust, and love, and to meet kids where they are—while showing them they belong in places they haven’t even dreamed of yet.
The best way to learn more? Visit Better Family Life at 5415 Page Blvd or go to www.betterfamilylife.org. You can also call 314-367-3440 and ask for Shameika (x7017) or Melody Nelson (x7016).
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