Number 215 March 24, 2023 St. Louis
JP Believes That Credit Is an Asset
At Justine PETERSEN we believe that credit building is the key driver of personal and entrepreneurial success. More than a number, credit gives a person or business just that – credibility. We take a clinical approach in meeting with clients by assessing their credit history and diagnosing areas that need support through positive habit formation, such as ensuring regular on-time payments. This is then used to inform us in creating a balanced budget with the client in order to reach a credit score of 680+. By making incremental improvements like an on-time payment plan, clients build their score to access lower-risk financial products, such as credit cards, and affordable rental housing. Retaining the habits started in partnership with JP, clients continue to build their good credit history, as well as relationships that can eventually vouch for character testimony when looking to become home and business owners.
March is National Credit Education Month. We encourage those interested to schedule time here to connect with JP’s Asset Building Manager, Tatiana Gillum. Tatiana will be presenting and offering credit building sessions this weekend, Saturday March 25th in partnership with Criminal Justice Ministry and WashU Prison Education Project. Earlier this month, Tatiana and her team did the same at Better Family Life (pictured here).
JP Female Owned Business Client Spotlight: Essentially Me Beauty Supply
For 10 years now, Lakisha Wright (pictured with Justine PETERSEN’s Business Assistance Associate, Kelvin Melton) has been helping to make others feel their most beautiful by working in the beauty supply industry. Four years ago she came to JP looking to open her own business, Essentially Me Beauty Supply. Lakisha saw an opportunity to offer beauty products that specifically catered to Black women. She attributes not losing sight of that focus to her success. In addition to her retail store, Lakisha also partners with a number of local salons and events in selling her products. In honor of Women’s History Month, Lakisha is offering an exclusive discount of 20% from now until Sunday, April 2nd when customers mention “Justine PETERSEN.” Make sure to head over and stock up! | Essentially Me Beauty Supply: 12321 Old Halls Ferry Road
Florissant, MO 63033
Justine PETERSEN Young Friends President and alum client, Devon Moody-Graham was recently profiled by the St. Louis Business Journal for her entrepreneurial successes. Devon is currently running two organizations she founded – consulting business CEOMom Empire and valet laundry service BubbleMate – but she’s had the entrepreneurial mindset since age 10. Devon’s own experiences of being around her parents and grandparents who were business owners, as well as being a Black female founder are what continue to drive, not only her work, but advocacy by serving in the community. In addition to being the president of JP’s Young Friends board, Devon serves on the NAACP – East St. Louis Chapter’s Economic Development Committee, and is a frequently sought after speaker for organizations’ conferences and panels. We always look forward to seeing what Devon will be up to next!
*If you’re interested in learning more about JP Young Friends, reach out to Suzanne.
Join JP’s Housing Team + Gateway Neighborhood Fund at Upcoming Events
As Spring and Summer approach, Justine PETERSEN’s Housing Team and the Gateway Neighborhood Fund invites interested prospective homebuyers to join them for several different events coming up. Learn how the Gateway Neighborhood Fund can help you purchase, refinance, or rehab a house.
March 29th – Rehabber Roundtable
Taking place from 5:30pm -7:30pm at JP’s Greencubator (1124 Lumiere Place Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63102 – north of the casino), this presentation will be most informative for developers and rehabbers.
April 5th – Homebuying Seminar
Hosted at the Delmar Divine (5501 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112) from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, home buyers can learn about the process and available funding options.
JP Welcomes Ramadan
Contributed by Justine PETERSEN Housing Associate, Noureldin Mohammed
Thursday, March 23rd brought the first day of Ramadan, an Islamic holy month that is marked by a period of 30/31 days fasting from food and water (during the times from sunrise to sunset). This holy month is practiced by more than 1.8 billion Muslims around the world. It encourages mindfulness, self-control, kindness, and generosity most of all. The holy month concludes with a major three-day holiday, Eid al-Fitr. To further learn about the holiday, check out this article about what Muslims wish their peers knew about the holiday, as well as this one about how Ramadan begins in Mideast amid high costs, hopes for peace.
Mortgage Assistance for Illinois Homeowners
As a HUD certified counseling agency, Justine PETERSEN is here to support. We encourage anyone interested in learning more about mortgage assistance and the application process to contact us by emailing JPHomeTeam@justinepetersen.org. More information can also be found here.