Number 275 May 24, 2024 St. Louis

Honoring Memorial Day and Mental Health Awareness Month

This Memorial Day, let’s honor the brave men and women who have fought and fallen for our country. Additionally, as May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we should take time to reflect on the importance of mental well-being. At first glance, these two occasions might seem unrelated—one is a national holiday dedicated to honoring fallen soldiers, and the other addresses a critical societal issue impacting millions daily. However, a closer look reveals profound similarities rooted in remembrance, resilience, and the influence of past experiences on present well-being.

Memorial Day provides a collective space for mourning, which is essential for communal healing. Mental health initiatives often focus on creating supportive communities where individuals can share their grief and healing journeys. Public acknowledgment of grief, whether for fallen soldiers or mental health challenges, validates experiences and encourages others to seek help and support.

On Memorial Day, we often highlight stories of bravery and resilience in the face of adversity. Similarly, mental health narratives frequently focus on personal resilience and the journey to recovery. These stories can serve as sources of inspiration, reminding people that recovery and healing, although challenging, are possible and can break down barriers.

Utilizing both Memorial Day and Mental Health Awareness Month for advocacy and awareness campaigns aims to increase public understanding and support for their respective causes. Advocacy efforts in both areas strive to improve policies and support systems, whether through better mental health care for veterans or more comprehensive mental health services for the general population.

While Memorial Day and mental health awareness might initially appear completely different, they intersect in their focus on remembrance, resilience, and the lasting impact of past experiences on the present. By drawing these parallels, we can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for both, ultimately promoting a more empathetic and supportive society.

For Mental Health Resources for both Veterans and families of veterans, please take a look at PBS.org where they have many different resources for this article.

A Message From Our Veteran: Marcus Bolden

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

There are plenty of things to do around St. Louis this weekend. This is one of my absolute favorites!

The St. Louis African Arts Festival in Forest Park.

This year marks the 33rd anniversary of the African Arts Festival in the St. Louis area. This annual event features a unique marketplace inspired by African culture and its vibrant social traditions. Visitors can explore a variety of artifacts, clothing, and accessories. The festival also offers delicious food and drinks from African cuisine, and a performing arts stage showcasing traditional dance and music. There’s something for everyone to see and enjoy! To learn more, visit their website here! The festival runs from 10:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. Saturday and Sunday and 10:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. on Monday.

To see more events for this weekend, go to KSDK.com.

The North County Innovation Center Will Host a Homeowners Initiative Event on June 1st, 2024!

Join us on June 1st, 2024 at 9:00 AM for an important information-gathering session for potential cohort members. During this meeting, we will collect credit and marketing release forms, verify income through W-2s or recent paychecks, and discuss the commitment required for program participation. This process ensures that we can customize the program to meet the unique needs and circumstances of each participant

In addition, you will have the opportunity to engage with our distinguished speakers, friends of the North County Innovative Center and Justine PETERSEN, as they share their insights and experiences in promoting homeownership

To register, click here. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Kitch Party Pop-Up!

If you love GREAT food, GREAT drinks, GREAT tunes, and a GREAT community, then you will not want to miss this Party Pop-Up!

Our friends at Mister Hand Pie’s, Mylk and Hummus, and Field to Fire are teaming up for an epic pop-up event this Sunday at the Greencubator St. Louis! Starting at 11:00 A.M., join us for a delicious day filled with mouth-watering hand pies, incredible hummus creations, and more delicious eats for you. Trust us, you don’t want to miss these tasty treats!

The preorder menu is open now!

Discover this weekend’s delicious offerings by clicking the link! https://bit.ly/3yG1LfF

Celebrating Our Graduates: A Heartfelt Congratulations!

Pictured Left: Victoria Barnes, daughter of Andrew and Abby Barnes. Pictured top middle: the Gandy Family with graduate Shaniya Christine Hill, daughter of LaTrisha Gandy.

Congratulations to all of you for reaching this remarkable milestone! Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have brought you to this momentous day, and it is a joy to celebrate your achievements.

To our preschool and kindergarten graduates, you are embarking on a lifetime of learning and discovery. Your curiosity and enthusiasm are truly inspiring.

To our middle school and high school graduates, this is a pivotal moment in your life. As you move forward, remember that your community is incredibly proud of you and will always support you in your endeavors.

To our university graduates, your dedication to your studies and passion for your chosen fields have prepared you to significantly contribute to our society.

A special acknowledgment to the graduates from our community. Your accomplishments are a source of pride for all of us.

Congratulations to all the graduates! May your future be bright and filled with endless possibilities!

The WeatherUP Loan is Here for You!

With our WeatherUp Loan program, you can begin transforming your home into an eco-friendly haven, contributing to a brighter future for everyone in your community. Discover more details below for a sustainable and impactful initiative.

Click here to begin your application today!

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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA