Number 322 April 18, 2025 St. Louis
“TOUGH AS NAILS”
Charlene Day
July 6, 1961 – April 17, 2025
Charlene Day, as featured in collateral material for EPIC, a Justine PETERSEN pilot investment vehicle.
During my 21-year tenure at Justine PETERSEN, certain phrases and particular words became part of the office lexicon. The phrase “tough as nails” was reserved for a select few. It was a badge of honor, recognizing a JP client who redefined resilience, remained steadfast regardless of the circumstance, and above all, never gave up. Never.
I had the honor and privilege to work with Charlene Day on numerous occasions. Forever goal setting and forever embracing the future, Charlene sought a microloan for her notary public service, and a LIFEloan to address a personal financial matter. JP’s work with Charlene was foundational in that it would ultimately lead to the establishment of the ABLE small-dollar loan access products, namely ABLEbiz and ABLElife, capitalized in part from the federal CDFI Fund. JP’s inaugural application to the CDFI Fund for earmarked dollars for the ABLE loan products included Charlene as a success story. Moreover, Charlene’s story was featured in marketing collateral materials for EPIC, a JP pilot investment vehicle, and via webcast, Charlene shared her knowledge, experience, and wisdom to a national audience as part of a panel discussion hosted by the National Disability Finance Coalition.
Charlene resided at Council Towers at South Grand and Forest Park Avenue. She was a fixture on the SLU campus, and locomoted via her wheelchair to the JP office, attending Lunch N Learn seminars as well as holiday parties.
Charlene Day, center, with Galen Gondolfi, at JP’s 20th Anniversary Block Party in 2017.
Charlene was an ambassador for access and an insurgent for inclusion. She lived to witness a current socio-political landscape that is unable to hear her voice and unwilling to listen. I was at her bedside in her final hour, when she was unable to audibly speak, but you could read her lips. Her voice will never be silenced. Never.
Galen Gondolfi
Board President
Great Rivers Community Capital
April is Fair Housing Month: Reflecting on Progress, Renewing Our Commitment
April marks Fair Housing Month, a time to honor the signing of the National Fair Housing Act on April 11, 1968. This landmark legislation continues today across our nation, reinforcing the essential right of every individual to fair and equal housing. At Justine PETERSEN, our passion for helping individuals secure their first homes drives our unwavering commitment to equity and inclusion. In a world where too many face rejection, we champion acceptance—fostering community, opportunity, and lasting joy.
This month, we reflect on what it truly means to build inclusive communities. Inclusivity is more than tolerance—it’s about genuine appreciation, equity, and support across all identities and backgrounds. It’s in these spaces that diversity is not only acknowledged but celebrated. By breaking down barriers and fostering belonging, we strengthen the fabric of society, laying the foundation for a more empathetic and united future
Yet, the work continues. Appraisal bias remains a stark reminder of the inequities that persist in housing. When a home’s value is influenced by the race of its occupants rather than its attributes, it perpetuates systemic discrimination. For many BIPOC individuals, this bias not only affects financial security but also undermines trust in a system that promises fairness. Organizations like the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) work tirelessly to address these injustices, advocating for equity and transparency.
NFHA’s forward-thinking approach includes its Responsible AI Lab, led by Dr. Michael Akinwumi. Recognizing that technology has become a new battleground for civil rights, the lab champions fair and responsible use of AI in housing through its pillars: Tech Equity, Privacy, Explainability, Reliability, and Controllability. These efforts underscore the importance of ethical, human-centered solutions in our increasingly automated world.
This month, we honor the trailblazers who made fair housing progress possible—and those who continue the fight today. Let us remember: fair housing is not a moment but a movement. And it’s up to all of us to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to call a safe, affordable place “home.”
Are you ready to find your dream home but do not know where to begin? Scan the QR Code below!
The 2025 Community Building Awards are happening April 23rd at Rung for Women
We are so excited to share that our very own Christina Haffer, co-chair of the St. Louis Metro Housing Collaborative, will be honored with the Collaboration + Coalition Building Award!
Let’s celebrate the power of partnership and the people making real change happen. Join us, won’t you?
Go to bit.ly/2025CBNawards to purchase tickets, or to learn more about this organization, go to https://www.communitybuildersstl.org/
Happy Birthday and Anniversary to Our JP Family Members!!!!!
Give STL Day 2025! Support Justine PETERSEN on May 8th!
Justine PETERSEN is excited to participate in Give STL Day on May 8, 2025. Give STL Day, powered by the St. Louis Community Foundation, is a remarkable opportunity to unite in generosity and make a tangible difference in our region. Since its inception in 2014, Give STL Day has raised over $30 million for more than 1,000 regional nonprofits, and this year, we aim to contribute to its success and empower our community!
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA