Hope for the Holidays Program Requirements

Mission Attempt STL’s Hope for the Holidays program is designed to provide Christmas assistance while also encouraging long-term stability for families. This year, families seeking support will need to meet the following eligibility and participation requirements. We see this as an opportunity to give a lasting gift to families beyond the presents in December.

Upon completion of one of the FREE classes below, families will receive a signup link for the December Hope for the Holidays program.

1. Required Financial Literacy Class

Before final acceptance into the Christmas assistance program, families must complete an in-person financial literacy class offered through Mission Attempt STL in partnership with Bank of Missouri. These classes are meant to be supportive, practical, and empowering – not judgmental or burdensome. 

Topics may include:

  • Budgeting basics
  • Managing debt
  • Banking and savings
  • Credit improvement
  • Holiday spending planning
  • Emergency fund preparation
  • Goal setting for families
  • Accessing community resources

Attendance Expectations

Families are expected to attend the required class respectfully, arrive on time, and participate in class activities or discussion. Sign-in verification will be required, confirmed with Bank of Missouri.

Sign up for one of the two classes below.
FREE! Each class is limited to 25 people.

Location:
M1 Bank
7 N. Bemiston Ave.
Clayton, Missouri
(Metrolink stop: Clayton)
Saturday, Sept. 26 or Saturday, Oct. 3
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Sept. 26
Oct. 3

2. Need-based Qualification

Families must demonstrate financial hardship through one or more qualifying circumstances, such as:

  • Low-income status
  • Recent job loss
  • Single-parent household
  • Medical hardship
  • Housing instability
  • Participation in assistance programs

Family Commitment Agreement

Participating families will sign a simple agreement stating that they will:

  • Attend the class respectfully
  • Arrive on time
  • Participate in activities and discussion
  • Notify organizers if they are unable to attend (Contact 

Priority Considerations

Additional priority may be given to:

  • First-time applicants
  • Families actively working toward financial goals
  • Families completing additional coaching sessions
  • Families referred by schools, churches, or social workers

Grace & Accessibility

Mission Attempt STL wants this process to remain supportive rather than punitive. Flexible scheduling and grace-based accommodations may be considered for emergencies, disabilities, or other serious barriers.

When possible, the program hopes to offer support such as transportation assistance or childcare. Donor support may be requested to help make these resources available.

Why Financial Literacy Participation Is Required

At Mission Attempt STL, the goal is not only to help families experience joy during the Christmas season, but also to provide encouragement and practical tools that can support long-term stability and hope.

By combining immediate holiday assistance with financial education, Hope for the Holidays helps families build skills in budgeting, savings, debt management, healthy financial habits, and planning for future needs.

The heart of the program is to walk alongside families with dignity, compassion, and encouragement while helping build a stronger foundation for the future.