Number 239 September 9, 2023 St. Louis
Catch Some Flavor at Taste of Black St. Louis This Weekend!
Fall weather is starting to swoop in, and with it are all the fun festivals! Join the Justine PETERSEN team and some of our small business clients for Taste of Black STL 2023 this weekend at Soldier’s Memorial Plaza in Downtown. Starting today, Friday, September 8th and going through Sunday, September 10th with hours from Noon to 9pm, the festival is sure to live up to its promise of a “multi-sensory experience.” Founded in 2018 by Aisha James (pictured here with JP’s Chief Partnerships Officer, Shawna Collier), the festival boasts a ton of food and drink purveyoyrs, live music and entertainment, artists, and a children’s area. Attendees are also encouraged to bring items for donation to Fill-A-Truck through Everybody Eats B Inc. [a 501(c)(3)]. Donation items can include non-perishable food items, personal care items, winter clothing, and bedding. Be sure to stop by JP’s booth while there to learn about our lending products and services. Admission to the festival is free so we hope to see many familiar and new faces there.
JP Supports New Mexico Youth Baseball Team
Justine PETERSEN is happy to report a successful season for the Cardinals! The Grants Cardinals that is. This season, JP had the privilege to support a youth team made up of five-to-six- year olds in Grants, New Mexico. The team is based in the middle of the Laguna-Acoma, Zuni, Apache, and Navajo Indian reservations. At the helm of the Grants Cardinals is JP client, Ira Vandever, a former multi-sport athlete who graduated from McCleur North High School, and a current resident of Grants, NM. Of his team, Ira states “most of the kids come from economically challenged homes. Some from single parent families, some being raised by grandparents. It is hard to imagine a community so poor that it is unable to get matching uniforms, or cleats and hats, not to mention the proper equipment it takes to play, but that is our situation.” Last year the team finished in last place. With a newfound confidence that comes from having a united look, after procuring new matching uniforms and gear, the team improved to a third place finish on the season. This even with being the youngest team in the league! JP is looking forward to seeing the team continue to soar next season, and further support the tribal communities.
Credit Cue: The Value of a Good Budget
Contributed by Asset Building Manager, Tatiana Gillum and Resource Development Associate Andrew Barnes
Budgeting is a valuable tool for achieving your credit-building goals by promoting financial stability. It helps you be accountable to making on-time payments, reducing debt, and improving your overall financial health. Building good credit takes time and persistent effort, and budgeting is an essential step in the process. Following the below steps can help you with a great outcome to building your credit.
- Consistent Payments: Budgeting helps you allocate funds towards monthly bills and debt payments. When you stick to your budget, you’re more likely to make on-time payments, which is a significant factor in building good cfredit. Payment history is one of the most important aspects of your credit score
- Emergency Funds: Having an emergency fund as part of your budget can help you avoid relying on credit cards or loans in case of unexpected expenses. This can prevent you from accumulating more debt and negatively impacting your credit.
- Savings Goals: While not directly related to credit building, having savings goals within your budget can provide a financial strategy net. When you have savings to fall back on, you’re less likely to rely on credit in times of financial stress, which can protect your credit score.
To discuss more about budgeting and how it can help your credit, schedule time here with Justine PETERSEN Asset Building Manager Tatiana Gillum.
Grants Available for North St. Louis Small Business and Non-Profits
Applications are now open for the North St. Louis Small Business and Non-Profit Grant Program. The program, through St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) intends to reverse the the impact of disinvestment in this particular geographic area by disbursing $37 million of Coronavirus State and Local Recovery Funds (SLFRF). Interested applicants should visit this website.
Resources Available for Missouri Tenants
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. All applications must be in by October 31st. More information can also be found here.
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA