Our History

Local Focus. Significant Impact.

OUR MISSION:

I Pour Life is a non-profit organization whose mission is to assist at-risk or foster care youth through its positive youth development programs by helping youth identify and apply their unique strengths in order to experience a successful, self-sufficient transition into adulthood.

OUR VISION:

I Pour Life’s vision is to ensure every youth served experiences positive growth and development through the introduction of life skills and build the social capital necessary to successfully transition into adulthood.

2010

In 2010, I Pour Life was founded to empower and equip individuals with social and economic disadvantages to become self-sufficient. I Pour Life’s first initiatives were in El Salvador and Kore, Ethiopia where it launched sustainable development and empowerment programs for youth at risk of getting lost in gang and drug activity and young mothers simply trying to survive.

2016

In 2015, I Pour Life conducted a community assessment with Missouri State University and realized that at-risk youth were underserved right here at home. Youth were often able to have their immediate needs met, but few were investing in the development of these youth to help them become independent and self-sufficient adults. Out of this assessment, LifeStrengths, I Pour Life’s foundational positive youth development program, was born in 2016.

LifeStrengths

2021

New leadership, new programs. In 2021, Ben McBride took the helm of I Pour Life as its Executive Director. In response to community needs, I Pour Life was provided an opportunity to expand its LifeStrengths services throughout Missouri, serving over 360 youth from 2021-2022. Additionally, I Pour Life launched its first ever Social Capital Club designed to provide opportunity for youth build their social capital by bonding with their peers, bridging gaps in their community, and linking arms with local experts in areas such as financial literacy, stable housing programs, educational advancement, and workforce readiness.

Social Capital Club

2026

2026 proved to be a pivotal year in the growth and development of I Pour Life as the State of Missouri has entrusted all older youth in foster care, at-risk of aging out, into its care as the new Chafee provider for northeast and southeast regions of Missouri. Administered by Missouri Department of Social Services - Children's Division, the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (Chafee program), I Pour Life will equip foster youth, ages 14-21, with the life skills, motivation, and consistent support necessary for them to thrive and walk with them as they prepare to transition out of the foster care system and into adulthood as successful, self-sufficient individuals.

Chafee

WHAT WE BELIEVE:

I Pour Life believes that if we “teach with our life,” anyone can thrive. As an organization, board, and staff, we are founded and sustained by the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe Jesus did life with all people, regardless of their background or experiences. We believe that by following Christ’s example of having unconditional love and hope for all individuals, we will create a relationship of trust allowing those we serve to experience real growth and development through our Positive Youth Development Programs. We believe that our life and our work serve as an example and, as an example, our interactions and love for all people will be blessed and multiplied.

I Pour Life embraces equality, diversity, and inclusiveness. We believe these pillars of excellence are crucial to healthy people and healthy communities. I Pour Life serves all individuals regardless of their ability, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or social economic class.