Number 325 May 9, 2025 St. Louis
Thank You for Your Support This Give STL Day!
On behalf of everyone at Justine PETERSEN, thank you for your generous support during Give STL Day 2025!
Your contribution is more than a donation — it’s a powerful investment in financial opportunity and community transformation. With your help, we are able to continue our mission of connecting low- to moderate-income individuals and families with the tools they need to build credit, become homeowners, and grow small businesses.
Thanks to supporters like you, we are part of a larger movement of generosity that has raised over $30 million since Give STL Day began in 2014. This year, your support helped amplify that legacy, and we’re truly grateful for your belief in our work and our community.
Together, we’re not just meeting immediate needs — we’re creating long-term, sustainable change. Thank you for standing with us in building a stronger, more equitable St. Louis region.
Rooted in Resilience: ReTasha Smith’s Burger 809 – A Diamond in the City Garden
For years, Tasha Smith has called downtown St. Louis home. Surrounded by iconic buildings like AT&T, the Wainwright Building, and KSDK, she has deeply rooted herself in the community. While some companies have announced plans to leave the area, ReTasha is committed to staying. Her message is clear: Burger 809 isn’t going anywhere.
Tasha has a professional background as a Certified Sexual Health Counselor for several Community-Based Organizations (CBO’s). She has also worked for the Urban League as their Community Outreach Associate, which makes her journey into hospitality unique. However, her vision has always been clear. She aspires to create a meaningful space that provides hospitality, fosters community and connection, and, above all, serves delicious food.
Tasha’s dream became a reality through partnership and determination. Several years ago, she walked through the doors of Justine PETERSEN to establish her credit. Initially, she sought a line of credit, which she successfully paid off. Since then, she has taken out and repaid several loans with us, laying a strong foundation for her financial growth.
In 2024, she took over the downtown space that had been home to City Garden’s Terrace View Cafe Space and Kaldi’s Coffee. Despite facing a significant setback—her building’s window was shattered by gunfire just before her grand opening—Tasha remained undeterred. She quickly repaired the broken window and honored her commitment to the community by reopening Burger 809 in a new location on July 11, 2024.
Burger 809 has since become a flavorful staple of the city. Its menu, headlined by the Southside Salmon, Classic Deluxe, and November Baby sliders (all pictured below from left to right), has drawn attention from locals and visitors alike. Beyond the grill, Tasha has been a caterer, even serving at One Cardinal Way for Opening Day.
The space itself is a work of art—literally. Located in City View Gardens, the restaurant is surrounded by stunning public art, including a vibrant Adam and Eve piece by world-renowned artist Niki de Saint Phalle that lives inside the St. Louis shop.
As Burger 809 prepares to host private events and live music, Tasha is also looking ahead, seeking greater visibility through staffing and signage. But what sets her apart isn’t just what’s on the menu—it’s her philosophy: “Establish your credit. Use it, but use it wisely. Borrow smart and pay it back.”
With the support of Justine PETERSEN, Tasha found more than capital—she found a community. And now, through her food and tenacity, she’s giving that community something to savor.
Burger 809 isn’t just a business. It’s a beacon of resilience, flavor, and hometown pride.
Happy Mother’s Day from Justine PETERSEN
Sheri Flanigan-Vazquez Takes the Stage at Voices of Change Conference
Championing innovation and equity in financial health at this year’s Emerge gathering.
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We’re thrilled to share that Sheri Flanigan-Vazquez, Chief Operating Officer at Justine PETERSEN, has been selected as a featured speaker at EMERGE Financial Health 2025’s Voices of Change Conference, taking place June 3–5, 2025 in San Diego, CA.
Hosted by the Financial Health Network, EMERGE is the premier national event for leaders who are shaping the future of financial health and inclusion. Sheri will join a dynamic lineup of changemakers across the country to share insights rooted in community-based impact and equity.
“I’m excited to share that I’ll be speaking at #EMERGE2025, the premier conference on #FinancialHealth, hosted by @FinancialHealthNetwork in San Diego on June 3-5! We’ll immerse attendees in the stories of real people across America—those facing challenges and those working to solve them. Together, we’ll explore what it will take to achieve financial health for all. I’m honored to be part of this important conversation and hope to connect with you there!”
— Sheri Flanigan-Vazquez
Meet hundreds of senior decision-makers from financial institutions, fintechs, employers, policy, and research who are all working to move the financial health movement forward.
🎟️ Tickets are still available: https://finhealthnetwork.org/emerge2025
Let’s celebrate Sheri’s powerful voice and continued leadership—and make plans to join her in San Diego for an unforgettable experience.
Calling All Small Business Owners!
Are you ready to take your business to the next level?
Capital Connections is an Access to Capital Cohort designed to help small businesses grow and thrive. This powerful program is brought to you by Small Business Majority in partnership with the City of East St. Louis.
Whether you’re seeking funding, building your financial skills, or connecting with lenders, this cohort is your gateway to new opportunities.
Begins Wednesday, May 14th, 2025
Learn more and sign up: venturize.org/capital-connections
Don’t miss out — connect with capital and invest in your business’s future!
Happy Birthday to our JP Family Member!!!!!
Upcoming Events
May 15th, 2025 Lunch & Learn with Marlene Elliot
May 29th, 2025 Lunch & Learn with Nancy Jordan and Brandy Pendleton
Take Control of Your Credit! Join My Credit Compass Today!
Don’t wait—join My Credit Compass and gain instant access to your FICO8 credit score and real-time credit monitoring. This is your chance to stay ahead, protect your financial future, and unlock new opportunities.
Empower yourself to grow, save, and succeed.
Limited time to take charge! Start your journey now and navigate your way to financial freedom with My Credit Compass.
Sign up today! Contact Cameron Stuhl ASAP at cstuhl@justinepetersen.org
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA