The JP UP Date: People-Focused

Andrew BarnesSuccess Stories

Number 279                      June 21, 2024                            St. Louis


Recently, we have updated and refined our organizational value statements to ensure they reflect our ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation.

Our value statements are (J)oy for the Impact, (P)eople-Focused, (H)ard-Working, (R)esponsible,  and (C)hange-Oriented. These five values define JPHRC and represent our core identity. This week, we begin with the letter P, focusing on people in our community. We extend our gratitude to Claire Schell for her invaluable assistance with all of these initiatives.

Justine PETERSEN: A People-Focused Approach to Credit-Building

At Justine PETERSEN, one of our core values is being “people-focused.” This value is at the heart of our mission and guides our interactions with both clients and colleagues. Being people-focused means treating each other and our clients with respect and compassion, caring deeply about the experiences people have with Justine PETERSEN, meeting clients where they are, and staying responsive to their needs. We also value diverse voices and foster an inclusive, progressive culture. However, being people-focused does not mean a lack of boundaries or putting individual needs above the organization.

Respect and Compassion

Respect and compassion are fundamental to our people-focused approach. We believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity, and we strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued. This means actively listening to our clients’ stories, understanding their challenges, and celebrating their successes. It also means treating our colleagues with the same level of respect and empathy and fostering a supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.

Caring About the Experience

At Justine PETERSEN, we are deeply committed to ensuring that every interaction people have with us is positive and meaningful. We understand that the experience people have with our organization can significantly impact their lives. Therefore, we work diligently to make sure that every client feels heard, respected, and supported throughout their journey with us. Our goal is to build lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect, ensuring that clients feel confident and empowered to achieve their financial goals.

Meeting Our Community Where They Are

We recognize that every client is unique, with different backgrounds, needs, and goals. Being people-focused means meeting clients where they are and staying responsive to what they need. We take the time to understand each client’s circumstances and tailor our services accordingly. Whether a client is just starting their financial journey or is facing a complex financial challenge, we are committed to providing the support and resources they need to succeed.

Valuing Diverse Voices and an Inclusive Culture

Diversity and inclusion are integral to our people-focused approach. We believe that a diverse and inclusive culture enriches our organization and enhances our ability to serve our clients effectively. By valuing diverse voices and fostering an inclusive, progressive culture, we create a welcoming environment where all clients and employees feel respected and valued. This commitment to diversity and inclusion helps us to better understand and meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Credit Building Support

A significant aspect of our people-focused approach is our commitment to helping clients build and improve their credit. Good credit is essential for financial health and access to opportunities, yet many people struggle with credit issues. At Justine PETERSEN, we provide comprehensive credit-building support to help clients achieve financial stability and success.

Credit Education

We offer educational resources to help clients understand how credit works and the factors that affect their credit scores. By demystifying the credit system, we empower clients to make informed decisions about their financial futures.

Credit Building Loans

We provide small, low-interest credit-building loans designed to help clients establish or improve their credit scores. These loans are reported to credit bureaus, helping clients build a positive credit history with on-time payments.

Personalized Credit Counseling

Our credit counselors work one-on-one with clients to develop personalized credit improvement plans. This includes reviewing credit reports, identifying areas for improvement, and creating actionable steps to boost credit scores.

Maintaining Boundaries and Organizational Integrity

While being people-focused is central to our mission, it does not mean a lack of boundaries or putting individual needs above the organization. We believe in maintaining healthy boundaries to ensure that we can continue to serve our clients effectively and sustainably. This means balancing the needs of individual clients with the overall mission and goals of the organization. By maintaining this balance, we can ensure that Justine PETERSEN remains a strong and effective advocate for our clients and communities.

Being people-focused at Justine PETERSEN means treating everyone with respect and compassion, caring about the experiences people have with our organization, meeting clients where they are, valuing diverse voices, and fostering an inclusive culture. By staying true to these principles and providing robust credit-building support, we can continue to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients and the communities we serve.

If you want to learn more about our credit building program or My Credit Compass, contact Cameron Stuhl at cstuhl@justinepetersen.org.


Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Community Through Collaboration

Left: Tishauana Parker Right: Kalonda Cloyd
Juneteenth, known as Freedom Day, marks a significant moment in American history—the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865. Despite its profound historical roots, the commemoration of Juneteenth has been consistently inconsistent across the United States. Yet, it remains a powerful symbol of freedom and a pivotal opportunity for communities to come together, celebrate, and reflect on the journey towards equality.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Juneteenth is its ability to unify communities, fostering a spirit of togetherness and mutual support. This day serves as a platform for people to embrace their freedom and heritage, creating an atmosphere of joy and collaboration. Celebrations often include parades, music, food festivals, and educational events all aimed at honoring the legacy of those who fought for freedom and equality.

A shining example of this collaborative spirit can be seen in the relationship between Kolanda Cloyd and Tishauana Parker. Both women are deeply invested in uplifting their community and inspiring future leaders, albeit through different channels. Kolonda leverages her platform on radio and television talk shows, using her voice to address pertinent issues, share stories of resilience, and promote positive change. Her media presence allows her to reach a broad audience, spreading messages of empowerment and unity.

Meanwhile, Tishauana channels her efforts through a behind-the-scenes approach and a day camp through Gamers Island, which is a gamer’s paradise loaded with the newest consoles to equip anyone for a tournament in Madden, Fortnite, or even Tekken 8.  This initiative is dedicated to engaging the next generation. By combining a passion for gaming with a commitment to education and leadership, she creates a unique space where young people can develop critical skills, foster creativity, and build strong, supportive networks. Gamerz Island is more than just a gaming community; it’s a breeding ground for future leaders who are equipped to navigate and shape the world.

Together, Kolanda and Tishauana exemplify the power of collaboration in community building. Their efforts highlight the importance of diverse approaches to achieving a common goal—uplifting and empowering their community. By combining their strengths and passions, they create a holistic support system that addresses various aspects of personal and communal development.

Juneteenth, with its rich history and enduring significance, provides a perfect backdrop for such endeavors. It reminds us that freedom and equality are not just historical milestones but ongoing pursuits that require active participation and unity. As communities across the nation celebrate Juneteenth, the stories of individuals like Kolanda and Tishauana inspire us to continue working together, celebrating our freedoms, and striving for a more inclusive and equitable future.

In a world where divisions often overshadow unity, Juneteenth stands as a testament to the enduring power of community and collaboration. It invites us to reflect on our collective journey and to honor the progress made while recognizing the work that still lies ahead. By coming together in celebration and purpose, we can ensure that the spirit of Juneteenth continues to thrive, fostering a future where freedom and equality are truly universal.


Microloan Microphone with Proud Property Management LLC!

There is a new episode! Join Tristan Brown and his guest Justin Peacock as they sit down together and microphone up on Microloan Microphone. Click here to check it out now!


A JP Lunch and Learn with Bart Springer!

Join us on June 26, 2024, for a Lunch and Learn with Bart Springer! Get the inside scoop on securing health insurance for your new business and retaining top talent with a stellar benefits package. Discover why employee benefits are crucial at any stage of your business. Don’t miss out!

Sign up through Eventbrite today!


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