What's On My Mind: Life Skills

You are reading a brand new feature on the Ladue-Frontenac Patch. Each week, Patch will feature the views of civic leaders in our midst who shape the community and make it a better place to live. We start our new endeavor with a look at Life Skills, one of the important social services in the area.

What’s on My Mind? – Mark Darrell, Life Skills Board Member, General Counsel of The Laclede Group, Inc. and Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Laclede Gas Company

In today’s tough economic times it is often hard to find time to volunteer in the community. We work longer hours than ever before and we’re expected to do more with less. 

In spite of busy schedules, it’s important to take time to give back. I have worked hard over the years and am very blessed, so I give back to the community by serving on various non-profit boards, including the United Way of Greater Saint Louis, Grace Hill Settlement House, and the Saint Louis Public Library Foundation.

I am especially honored to serve on the Life Skills board. Life Skills helps over 1,500 adults and teens with developmental disabilities to live in their own homes and to work in their communities. Life Skills is also very dear to me, as my son has autism.

My wife Vivian and I have two children:  our 17 year-old daughter and our 15 year-old son. 

The programs Life Skills offers will help our son through future life transitions. Through Life Skills’ community living programs, employment services and community connections, Life Skills will teach him valuable tools that he needs to thrive. 

When the time is right, Life Skills will be available to help our son live on his own, secure a job, and blossom in social settings.

Life Skills recently announced a transformative merger with TouchPoint Autism. The combined organization will now offer comprehensive, lifetime services for autism clients.

I recommend that everyone serve on at least one non-profit board or volunteer in the community.

Life Skills is always looking for a “friend indeed” and event volunteers and, of course, you can also support financially. It’s time toget your hands dirty, dig into your pockets, and help your neighbor.