Motion for Kids 2020: Celebrating the Holidays during COVID-19

Hallie Van Duren & Courtney Green • December 18, 2020

Each year, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis (BAMSL) and the Bar Foundation, sponsor Motion for Kids, a massive holiday party attended by thousands of children in the foster care system or affected by the criminal justice system.  The children, with their families and caregivers, look forward to attending the party to participate in a variety of games and crafts, visits with Santa, live entertainment, and refreshments.  The children leave with a gift specifically selected for them by a sponsor from the St. Louis legal community.  Fundraising for and implementing the event requires extensive planning and organization for many months in advance.  Many volunteers donate their time in the days leading up to and at the party.  This year, as with just about everything else in 2020, the annual Motion for Kids holiday party required significant improvisation and revision.  Even though an enormous indoor gathering was not feasible this year, the BAMSL staff and volunteers were determined to put together something special for these children in what has been an especially difficult year.


Attorneys Hallie Van Duren and Courtney Green were both on committee for this year's event.  The Motion for Kids committee began making plans for the party early in the fall, hoping that some type of party with safety modifications could still take place.  A venue was reserved to hold a drive-through event for the families where we could still provide the children with entertainment, food, craft kits, and of course, gifts.  As COVID rates surged and stay-at-home orders took effect, it became clear that even the modified drive-through party was not possible.  While the whole party experience seems to be memorable and enjoyable for the children, one part that seems to really bring happiness is receiving their gifts, selected and purchased for them from their wish list.  For many of these children, it may be the only gift they receive this holiday season.  Although the pandemic has prevented many events throughout this year, the committee was committed to providing gifts to these children despite the roadblocks and barriers presented by COVID-19.


After the decision was made that the drive-through event had to be cancelled, the staff and committee immediately got to work making plans.  Each volunteer worked closely with agency partners, who provided information for children recipients in order to facilitate the gift purchasing and distribution.  Sponsors in the legal community purchased gifts for the children and/or made financial contributions for the purchase of gifts. The presents were then sorted and organized by volunteers before being transported and distributed to the families. Because of logistical considerations, some children received gift cards to stores of their choosing. Funds for the purchase of gift cards were raised through donations, purchased by BAMSL, and then distributed through the agency partners. In the end, 1,543 children were able to receive gifts to brighten their holiday season.  The Center for Family Law adopted over 20 children.


It may have looked quite a bit different, as with most things this past year, but thanks to the dedicated volunteers and staff, in a year of disappointment and spoiled plans, their efforts were successful in bringing some much-needed joy to these deserving children.  The Center for Family Law is looking forward being a part of this memorable event next year, and in person!


If you are interested in making a donation to Motion for Kids or participating in next year's event, please contact the firm or BAMSL (www.bamsl.org).

By Allison Gerli April 10, 2025
We are proud to share that Ann Bauer will be honored at the 27th Annual Women's Justice Awards on April 10, 2025, as one of this year's recipients in the "Mentor" category. This award celebrates experienced legal professionals who have played an important role in guiding and supporting the next generation of attorneys. Ann’s journey in family law began with co-founding her first firm in 2009, eventually leading to the establishment of The Center for Family Law in 2013. What began as a small practice has grown into a dynamic firm with a team of attorneys and staff dedicated exclusively to family law. Ann has been the heart of this growth—leading with purpose, mentoring with compassion, and consistently advocating for positive change. Ann's unwavering commitment to transforming how families navigate legal separation has helped shift the focus from adversarial litigation to a more compassionate approach to resolution, especially within the collaborative divorce process and in mediation. Her philosophy and approach to family law continue to influence and guide a new generation of legal professionals and practitioners she has mentored throughout her career. Whether she's mentoring within the firm or taking the time to speak with a law student, Ann is always generous with her time, wisdom, and support. She also shares her expertise through active service on numerous committees dedicated to family law and domestic violence. Please join us in congratulating Ann on this well-deserved honor. We are grateful for her vision and proud to continue building on the foundation she helped establish at The Center for Family Law.
January 24, 2025
The Center for Family Law is excited to announce the start of its fourth year hosting the Second Saturday Divorce Workshops, providing valuable support and guidance to individuals navigating the divorce process.
By Allison Gerli December 20, 2024
The holiday season can be a balancing act for all parents, but it can be especially challenging for divorced parents who need to coordinate plans with a former spouse and navigate interactions with new partners. While some stress is to be expected, with careful planning, flexibility, and the right mindset, you can make the holidays smoother for everyone. Here are a few tips to help you manage. Prioritizing the Children. The holidays are a time for children, and their well-being should be the focus of the schedule. Whether it's your first holiday post-divorce or you have had a few years to adjust, there are simple steps you can take to make the season easier for them. Create a Joint Plan. Collaborate with your ex to ensure the children can spend time with both of you without feeling torn. A clear, shared plan helps avoid confusion and conflict. This might involve splitting the day between both households or longer periods of time with each parent to allow for out-of-town travel to visit relatives. It is important that parents are on the same page on what schedule will be followed and that is communicated to the children as a joint plan. Balance Traditions with Flexibility. It is natural to want to keep cherished family traditions, but flexibility is key. Discuss with your co-parent which traditions are most important and find a realistic way to divide them. This ensures that the kids do not feel pressured to choose between one tradition or family, allowing them to enjoy special moments with both sides. Create New Traditions. This is an opportunity to start fresh. Let go of old expectations and focus on what will bring joy to your current family setup. Whether changing when your holiday meal occurs or coming up with new ways to celebrate with those who matter now, these changes can redefine your holiday experience in a way that reflects your family as it is today. Remember, children care more about spending time with you and celebrating together than about the exact day. [The Right] Communication is Key. Keeping communication focused on the kids can help prevent old conflicts from resurfacing. Keep discussions brief and to the point. Set times to address important matters and confirm plans through a message or email to ensure everyone is aligned and to prevent miscommunication. Involving New Partners. Whether it is you or your ex with a new partner, you should be mindful of how this change can stir emotions and make the situation feel uncertain. If planning to include a new partner in holiday activities, having a conversation with your ex beforehand is best. Discuss your plans for the day and make sure your ex is comfortable with the arrangement. If you are nervous about being around your ex’s new partner, remember that you have the right to decide how much or how little to engage with this new person, all while keeping things positive and calm for the children. Children may also need time to adjust to a new partner, particularly if the relationship is still fresh. Monitor how they are coping and give them space to process these changes. Do not force interactions, and if possible, let the relationship evolve naturally. Spending Time with Former In-Laws. Another challenge during the holidays for separated parents is dealing with ex-in-laws. Seeing them may feel awkward, but it is often necessary for the children's sake. If spending time with your ex-in-laws feels too emotionally challenging, be honest with yourself and them. It is okay to politely decline an invitation if it being there would cause too much stress. Regardless of how you feel about your ex-in-laws, remember that ex-in laws are still important figures in your children’s lives, and it is often best for the kids if you maintain a relationship with them. Encourage your children to spend time with their grandparents or other relatives from your ex’s family when possible. Remember even when feeling frustrated, remind yourself that cooperation between parents benefits the children, making these moments more manageable.