Maryville University partners with St. Patrick Center on Public Service Speakers Series

ST. LOUIS, MO (11/03/2011)(readMedia)-- Maryville University's Center for Civic Engagement and Democracy has started a partnership with St. Patrick Center, the St. Louis agency that helps people struggling with homelessness and poverty. University representatives will support center staff by presenting to them on topics ranging from yoga skills to leadership techniques.

The talks during the 2011-12 academic year are called the Maryville University Public Speaker Series. Maryville Associate Professor Michael Kiener, who directs Rehabilitation Services and Counseling Programs in the School of Health Professions, said the series will help St. Patrick Center staff with "self care," or providing ways they can look after themselves as they work in professions requiring a high degree of empathy. Staff may use some of skills discussed, like meditation or breathing exercises, with St. Patrick Center clients as well.

Kiener and a speaker in the series _ Assistant Professor Soo-Jin Kwoun, who will present about how music therapy could be used by staff and clients at the center _ are available for interviews about this innovative new program. It would make for an interesting social services story, or possibly an "evergreen" piece in advance of the holidays.

Kwoun presents about music therapy on Wednesday, Nov. 30; Elizabeth Buck will discuss leadership on Friday, Feb. 24; Julie Bergfeld teaches yoga on Wednesday, March 21, and Carrie Ellis-Kalton talks about ways to care for people who have experienced trauma on Wednesday, April 18. The talks are at 3 p.m. for St. Patrick Center staff at 800 North Tucker Blvd. Members of the media who want to attend Kwoun's presentation are welcome, but asked to notify one of the contacts below prior to the event.

Maryville's Center for Civic Engagement involves students, faculty and staff in programs promoting an understanding that citizens must be actively engaged in strengthening their communities and assisting those less fortunate. St. Patrick Center is the largest provider of homeless services in Missouri, with more than 20 housing, employment and health programs that assist more than 9,000 individuals and their families each year.

For more information about the Public Service Speaker Series, please contact: Maryville University Communications Director Laura Josehart at 314-330-4087 or ljosehart@maryville.edu or St. Patrick Center Senior Director of Communications Kelly Peach at 314-802-0687 or kpeach@stpatrickcenter.org.