OUR
STORY
Not many would argue that it’s a tough world in which most young people grow up these days, and circumstances such as poverty, racism, substance abuse, absent parents or other family struggles make it significantly tougher for those experiencing any of
these or other complicating factors. Can you imagine being completely on your own at 18 and expected to independently navigate into adulthood without the support of a family or parents? Many under-resourced young folks finish high school with high hopes of success, but without the know-how or support to achieve those goals.
Founders Bob and Chrissy Stergos have four sons by birth. In 2001, an opportunity presented itself to them. They had a chance to help a young man trying to turn his life around and in need of a new place to grow. With unanimous approval from their sons and each other, the decision was made to invite the young man into their home, sharing not only shelter and food, but also a wealth of emotional and spiritual support. ...

OUR TEAM

Staff

BOB STERGOS

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Bob Stergos, along with his wife Chrissy, have raised their 4 adult sons by birth, and taken in an additional 5 young men to live with their family for periods of 3 to 10 years each.  They both have first-hand experience with welcoming, resourcing and championing at-risk and under-resourced young people into their home and family.

Bob’s experiences as a high school English teacher, coach, long-time Kids and Youth ministry volunteer, along with his subsequent sales, marketing and business networking background, have prepared him well for his role as Executive Director. 

Board of Directors

GINA BIRKEMEIER

BOArd president

Gina Birkemeier, MAC, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the greater St. Louis area. She has worked in the development and design of programs helping the under-resourced for nearly two decades. She is versed in training for individuals in need of resourcing as well as equipping those who assist under-resourced  and at risk individuals and families.

Gina has provided leadership development and coaching for the staff of organizations working with families in crisis, women exiting the criminal justice system, survivors of sexual exploitation, homeless populations and churches. She is educated in and works from a holistic approach when it comes to developing educational opportunities to help people grow and heal, recognizing the importance of addressing the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual aspects of an individual.

Carla Hayes Hill

Member At Large

Carla Hayes Hill is a versatile leader experienced in program/event management, media production and client relations. She is excited to share her expertise with A Seat at the Table, knowing first-hand the positive impact that this model of parental presence and community support has on the success of one’s life.

Most recently, Carla served as Director of Partnership for Explore St. Louis. Prior to this second term at Explore, Carla served with other organizations including FOCUS St. Louis, where she was recognized by North County Inc. as one of its "30 Leaders in their Thirties." She also served with St. Louis Healthy Families, KMOV, Mills Properties and the 1996 Summer Olympics, to name a few.

Carla holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mass communications from Middle Tennessee State University as well as a Master of Arts degree in digital and multimedia studies from Lindenwood University. She is Board Treasurer for Aspenstand, a grief support facilitator for Annie’s Hope and a “Silver Fox” with the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Additionally, she is an alum of the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative, Our Community Listens and a video production volunteer with Power of Change Christian Church. A native of Atlanta, Carla currently lives in Fairview Heights, IL with her hubby, Korre and their 100lb “puppy” Blue.

KERRY MORGAN

Secretary

Kerry Morgan is a re-purposed Software Executive in the St. Louis area where he and his wife Claire have called home for 25+ years.  Recognizing a passion to help others, in 2009 he began working to support youth, single moms, the homeless and hungry.  He left his career in 2012 to help family and further efforts in the community.  Kerry continues to lead in events to bridge racial and distance divides, mentoring teens, and leading large projects serving the community.  He holds a part-time role at The Crossing Church in St. Louis and has a MBA from Saint Louis University.

CHRISSY STERGOS

Co-Founder and Member at large

Chrissy has a broad array of experiences which have uniquely equipped her to shepherd young people in difficult situations. She has worked with under-resourced youth, teens in crisis and survivors of human trafficking (adults and minors). She teaches regularly, writes occasionally and mentors always.
 
Chrissy earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Covenant Seminary and has 20+ years of experience working with a wide variety of individuals, first as a pastor at a local church and currently as a mental health counselor with Chesterfield Counseling Associates.
 
Married 41 years, Chrissy and Bob have four biological sons and have fostered numerous other young men who’ve become family. She is astonished and grateful that God has invited her into this bigger story of His.

Kate Sickles

Treasurer

Kate Sickles is an experienced and compassionate mentor leader with a history of driving organizational growth through strategic planning and marketing, expanding fundraising participation and revenue, as well as developing operational and financial administrative procedures. Kate’s provided guidance and support to youth, young adults and families, and mentored survivors of sex-trafficking. She and her husband Jack, have spent 20+ years coaching, mentoring and encouraging teens and young adults, including four of their own.

Kate is passionate about inspiring teens and young adults to realize their God-given gifts and talents, reach beyond themselves to make a difference in the lives of every person they encounter, and develop mentoring and leadership skills used to encourage those younger who are following in their steps. She is excited to be part of an organization that believes in the unlimited potential of young adults and their ability to make a positive impact in the world.

FAQ

  • What is the mission of A Seat at the Table?
    The mission of A Seat at the Table is to help under-parented 18 to 25-year olds better transition into adulthood by providing parental presence and community support via a residential mentoring program.

  • What is unique about A Seat at the Table?
    First, it builds upon…and continues the great efforts by “partner” youth-focused organizations in our local community who all work with under-parented/under-resourced young people up to age 18.  Those partner organizations include the likes of Urban K-Life, Angels’ Arms, Lift for Life Gym and youth groups from churches such as The Tabernacle in north St. Louis and Living the Word Church in East St. Louis

    Secondly, we’re partnering with other community resource organizations to provide educational, vocational, job & life-skill training and counseling in one of two residential parenting models for selected 18 to 25-year olds:

    1.  An apartment building in which a “house mom & dad” care for up to four (4) under-parented 18 to 25-year olds who have been selected from “nominating” youth-oriented, well-vetted organizations.

    2.  An existing home in which a couple or family agrees to take in at least one qualifying under-parented 18 to 25-year old.

  • How can I contribute to the efforts of A Seat at the Table?
    There are a variety of ways you can contribute to the efforts of A Seat at the Table:
    - You can volunteer your time and talents here
    - You can donate funds and/or materials needed

  • Are my donations tax deductible?
    Yes, A Seat at the Table is a 501(c)(3) organization.  After making a donation, you will receive an acknowledgement email or letter that is can be used for a tax donation.

  • How can I apply to be a volunteer for A Seat at the Table?
    You can provide some basic availability and interest-area information here.  

  • How can my spouse and I be considered as a set of house parents for A Seat at the Table?
    First, you may contact Executive Director Bob Stergos here to discuss preliminarily and secondarily, fill out a House Parents’ application here.

  • How can I apply to be a participating 18 to 25-year old in the A Seat at the Table program?
    Upon nomination from one of our participating partner youth organizations, such as Urban K-Life, Angels’ Arms, Lift for Life Gym, The Tabernacle and Living the Word Church churches, you can fill out a Program Participant application here.

  • Where can I find your Privacy Policy?
    Our privacy policy can be found here.