St. Louis Oasis

05/29/2026

Access to quality public education creates opportunity, strengthens communities, and helps ensure every child has the chance to thrive regardless of their background or zip code. Oasis Chief Purpose Officer, Stephanie McCreary, recently shared a heartfelt and timely perspective in an open letter featured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch on the importance of supporting public education, uplifting educators, and expanding opportunity for future generations.

At Oasis, we see the impact of public education every day through our nationally recognized tutoring program. This work would not be possible without strong public schools and dedicated educators. Across the nation, Oasis tutoring volunteers help students build confidence, strengthen critical reading and math skills, and feel supported, encouraged, and connected. These relationships not only support academic growth, but also create meaningful intergenerational bonds that enrich entire communities.

We invite you to read and reflect on this important message here: lnkd.in/gpRBD3J2

As a child growing up in South St. Louis City, my parents sent me to the local Catholic school because, at the time, that was simply what many families did if they lived in the city.

05/26/2026

Get outdoors and stay active with us this summer through guided walks and scenic bike rides across some of the St. Louis area’s most beautiful greenways and parks!

Upcoming sessions include opportunities to explore the iconic Chain of Rocks Bridge along the Mississippi Greenway, enjoy a peaceful walk through Longview Farm Park, or hop on your bike for group rides along the Fee Fee Greenway and the Monarch Chesterfield Levee and Katy Trail to historic Defiance. These outings are a wonderful way to connect with others while enjoying fresh air, movement, and beautiful local scenery.

View our classes at stloasis.org/class

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor the heroes who gave everything for our country.

Their bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering service will forever be remembered with gratitude. This Memorial Day, we stand together in remembrance of those who never made it home and the families who continue to honor their memory with strength and love. ❤️🤍💙

05/18/2026

We’re grateful to partner with Parkway School District and Lindbergh Schools in celebrating the incredible individuals who give their time and heart to others. These end-of-the-year tutor celebrations remind us of the power of service and the impact one caring person can make.

“Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Thank you to everyone who has served as a tutor in these schools, we are thankful for you!

05/15/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Arts Jubilee, our annual celebration of creativity!

It was wonderful to see participants come together to enjoy hands-on workshops, live music performances, and a book fair featuring local authors. Whether you explored a new artistic passion, connected with a local author, or simply enjoyed spending time with friends old and new, we’re so grateful you were part of this special event.

Arts Jubilee is made possible through the support of our generous donors and the dedication of our incredible instructors, volunteers, staff, and community members who help bring programs like this to life. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year!

05/14/2026

Did you know that you can make a difference for older adults and potentially receive a tax credit for doing it? If you have Missouri tax liability, you may qualify for state tax credits when you support Oasis!

A limited number of credits are available for gifts of $1,000+ made by June 30, so acting early matters. Your support helps older adults stay active and connected, while potentially reducing your tax burden.

Eligibility requirements apply. Consult your tax advisor. For more information contact Sean McCaffrey at [email protected] or 314-687-1121.

05/14/2026

Thanks to your incredible support on Give STL Day, Oasis has raised $66,169 and counting, with over 140 gifts!

Your support helps Oasis continue offering high quality, affordable, and accessible programs that provide learning and connection for older adults and students across our region. We are so grateful for everyone who gave, shared, and cheered us on throughout the day.

It’s not too late to make an impact — matching funds are still available at stloasis.org/donate!

05/11/2026

It's Older Americans Month! Join us this summer for classes that promote healthy aging and wellness, including classes about brain health and memory, balance, and nutrition. View upcoming sessions at st-louis.oasiseverywhere.org/?_classtypename=Health

Did you know? Many chronic conditions once thought to be a natural part of aging can be prevented or managed through healthy habits like regular checkups, good nutrition, and physical activity.

At Oasis, we champion these foundational aspects of healthy aging through classes and programs focused on exercise, nutrition, and brain health. Join us this month — and throughout the year — to support your health, stay engaged, and connect with a community of like-minded adults. View our centers and classes at oasisnet.org

05/08/2026

Geoff Morrison has been sharing his passion for history with Oasis participants since 2013, bringing decades of teaching experience from Saint Louis University and the Clayton School District. After retiring, he was invited by Oasis founder Marylen Mann to teach classes, and he has been inspiring curious minds ever since.

For Geoff, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching at Oasis is the dynamic exchange of ideas with participants. “One of the great advantages of working with adults is that they have so much knowledge themselves,” he says. “It becomes an interactive, conversational experience.”

That sense of connection often leads to meaningful moments that stay with participants, and Geoff long after class ends. After one lecture, a participant told him, “You have talked to me about my whole life,” reflecting on his experience as a Vietnam veteran. In another class, while discussing his family's personal immigration to St. Louis and their work for a prominent family, Geoff recalls someone in the audience exclaiming, “Wait a minute! That’s my uncle!”

These experiences are what make teaching especially meaningful for Geoff, as history becomes personal and shared in powerful ways.

Join Geoff's next series, Gateway to the West, focusing on St. Louis' key role as a trading hub and launching point for explorers in the early 1800s. Learn more and register: https://st-louis.oasiseverywhere.org/product/gateway-to-the-west-2/

05/08/2026

There's still time to join in the Give STL Day fun - and your gift goes 3X as far!

Support K-3 students and older adults right here in St. Louis by sharing, giving, and getting involved! Oasis is one of the only organizations in St. Louis offering high quality, accessible, and low-or-no cost programs tailored specifically for older adults. Without generosity from our community, we couldn't make the magic happen.

So, stand with us today! Link to our Give STL Day page here: stloasis.org/GiveSTL