The JP UP Date: Trailblazer Honorable Mention

Number 206                      January 20, 2023                                   St. Louis

Before the close of 2022, Justine PETERSEN received an Honorable Mention for the inaugural Trailblazer Award offered by the National Disability Finance Coalition (NDFC). NDFC recognized community development financial institutions (CDFIs) across the nation that serve the capital access needs for those with disabilities. The NDFC selection committee was “thoroughly impressed by JP’s work serving people with disabilities.” The Genesis Community Loan Fund received the true Trailblazer Award for its “record of success in delivering formal products and services to people with disabilities as well as incorporating accessibility into the fund’s priorities for diversity, equity and inclusion.” The Solar Energy Loan Fund and Mobility Trust also received Honorable Mentions.

After an intensive period of studying inside and out of the office, Justine PETERSEN Housing Associate, Nour Mohamed, is thrilled to announce he’s now a HUD Certified Counselor! In addition to self-guided study, Nour also leveraged counseling webinars and courses through Neighborworks Training Institute. Through that Nour found “studying material and the real-life counseling sessions are very different as the process is very simple, but product education is very intensive.” With this certification, Nour is now looking forward to servicing more JP clients in the Missouri and Illinois communities, and continuing to develop professionally by attending conferences, as well as exploring the real estate licensing realm. To connect with Nour about housing counseling, contact him at nmohamed@justinepetersen.org. Congratulations, Nour!

Yolanda Nelson, Business Associate Assistant

On Monday, January 9th, the Justine PETERSEN Business Assistance Team (BAT) was able to attend a hopeful and historical event locally: the ribbon cutting of the Northside Economic Empowerment Center, located in the Sumner High School campus. Spirits were high with expectation for the possibilities of having an organization where the community can access resources within walking distance. Mayor Tishaura Jones gave a riveting speech of her determination to bring millions in economic relief to the neighborhoods that need it most to make our communities stronger. The NEEC focuses on business empowerment, capacity building and workforce development. Local residents can utilize the NEEC for accessing technical assistance, capital, back office support services and training opportunities for businesses and residents.

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While school districts and state governments are placing bans on public institutions to provide education and programming centered around diversity, Justine PETERSEN is proud to call organizations like Williams Academy a client. Williams Academy is a Montessori early childhood center based in North County. Learn more about how they’re serving the community here.