The JP UP Date: Lunch & Learns

Andrew BarnesThe JP UP date


Number 283                      July 19, 2024                            St. Louis


Justine PETERSEN’s Lunch & Learns

The Value of Lunch and Learns: A Look at Our Journey

Our next Lunch & Learn with Yolanda Nelson: Join us for an insightful session with Yolanda Nelson, a dedicated associate at Justine PETERSEN, as she shares her expertise on how to “Write Your Way to Success: Publishing for Profit and Passion”!

Lunch and Learns have become a cornerstone of our community, offering invaluable opportunities to gain insights, knowledge, and inspiration from experts across various fields. Over the past years, we have hosted a series of engaging and educational sessions that have left a lasting impact on our team and community.

One memorable session featured Rochelle Bea, who shared her successful journey in obtaining grants. Her insights into navigating the complexities of grant applications and achieving success were invaluable for many in our organization. Another highlight was a session with Washington University in St. Louis as they shared the resources that the institution has to provide to diverse business owners. We also had the opportunity to dive into the significance of diversity in business ownership and its positive impacts on the community.

This year has been particularly enriching with sessions from our very own Marcus Bolden, who shared his expertise on creating value in products and services. We also had the privilege of learning from Bart Springer, an experienced insurance broker, who provided crucial insights into providing insurance for new businesses, or businesses that have been operating for a while and now have employees. Ms. Darcella Craven, the Regional Advocate for Region 7, brought her wealth of knowledge and advocacy experience, further enriching our understanding of economic research and applying it to business strategies.

These sessions are just a glimpse of the many Lunch and Learns we’ve hosted, each bringing unique and valuable information to our organization. We are committed to continuing this tradition and we as an organization are excited about the future sessions we have planned for our community. We look forward to your continued participation and enthusiasm as we learn and grow together.


Community Snapshot:

Exciting Developments at Refuge and Restoration at the North County Innovation Center!

We are thrilled to share the momentous news from Brilliant Angels Academy! Our own Franchot Cunningham and Will Jordan were honored to be present at the ribbon cutting for Brilliant Angels Academy, celebrating the completion of the first phase of the Refuge and Restoration Marketplace. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the academy and the broader community.

This new space is not only a testament to the academy’s commitment to the growth and development of the youth in our community but also a resource for various community programs. It is a true honor to share the space with this amazing organization as they look to continue to make a great impact on the community.

In line with our mission, we have launched a Homeowners Initiative and Access Home Cohort, which will be held at this location once a month starting this month. This initiative aims to empower local community residents by providing essential resources and support for homeownership.

We are eager to witness the positive impact of these initiatives and anticipate the exciting developments ahead. Stay tuned for more updates as our organization and Brilliant Angels Academy continue to bring even more greatness to North County St. Louis.

Do you want to learn more about Brilliant Angels Academy? Click here


Happy Hour Recap: Celebrating Growth and Collaboration

Justine PETERSEN’s 2023 Annual Report cover

How great was it to see the members of our board for Justine PETERSEN and Great Rivers Community Capital, as well as the investors who came together the other day for our happy hour at the Greencubator? It was amazing to share with them the great things we have been doing and the opportunities that we have to continue to grow.

Will Jordan performing “Feeling Good”

Our Master of Ceremonies, Will Jordan, kicked off the evening in a very fashionable way with a karaoke rendition of “Feeling Good.” His performance set a vibrant tone for the afternoon to get everyone in the spirit of celebration and fellowship.

Eric Osterberg discusses JP’s year so far

Eric Osterberg, our Development Manager, followed with an insightful presentation showcasing our growth and success. Eric’s update highlighted how well we are doing and outlined the exciting opportunities ahead. His enthusiasm and detailed overview reinforced the positive trajectory we are on and the potential for continued progress.

Jeff Buck of SItO discussing the mission of SItO

We were also thrilled to introduce the initiative Sanctuary In the Ordinary. Jeff Buck gave a compelling introduction, emphasizing the importance of our ongoing collaboration with this wonderful organization. His words underscored the meaningful impact we are making together and the shared commitment to our mission.

C.O.O. Sheri Flanigan-Vazquez gives her approval

Our C.O.O., Sheri Flanigan-Vazquez, completed the evening with her uplifting words. She expressed her excitement about all the initiatives discussed and shared her enthusiasm for the future. The passion and optimism that Sheri showed were truly inspiring and left everyone the way that Will started the afternoon, feeling good.

This networking and social hour was a great time for all who could attend. It was a real treat to connect with our board and investors, share our successes, and look forward to the future together. We cannot wait until next time!

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making our first Happy Hour event a memorable one. We look forward to many more gatherings where we can continue to celebrate our achievements and collaborate on the exciting journey ahead.


Art Showcase by Apprentices

Join us this Saturday, June 20th, 2024, for an incredible art showcase featuring the talented work of our apprentices! From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 5959 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO, you’ll have the opportunity to admire and purchase unique pieces created by our youth artists. Don’t miss this chance to support and celebrate their creativity. See you there!


The 3rd Annual Black Business Month Expo Registration is Open!

If you are a vendor, register today to secure your spot with Delmar Main Street!
They are looking for many volunteers! If you would like to register to be a volunteer, scan the QR code!


Are You Interested in Purchasing a Home? HomeSTL may be for You!


Choice Microenterprise Microloan Program

Our Choice Neighborhood Microenterprise Microloan Program is here to empower small businesses and turn visions into reality! If you’re a budding entrepreneur looking for financial support, look no further.  Let’s build a thriving community together!  Apply now and let your dreams take flight.


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