Number 333 July 4th, 2025 St. Louis
From Vision to Impact: Our 2024 Annual Update Is Here!
At Justine PETERSEN, we understand that true impact is reflected in the lives we change and the businesses we help grow. This year, our commitment was focused on supporting rural enterprises.
Thanks to your partnership, we are proud to have assisted over 54 rural small businesses during 2024, each representing a unique story of perseverance, innovation, and growth.
Katrina Walters of Elegance Made Simple has brought beauty and grace to her rural community by expanding her event planning business and creating local job opportunities.
Dan Latham-Smith of Pulse Medical Staffing, LLC has addressed the growing healthcare needs in rural Missouri by building a reliable, community-focused staffing agency.
Dami Odunewu of Dami, LLC has turned her vision into a thriving business that provides specialty products and services with heart and purpose, right where they are needed most.
These stories, which we are proud to share in our 2024 Annual Report, are just a snapshot of the impact we have made together. We also continued our advocacy for rural economic growth, ensuring that communities outside urban centers are not left behind.
You can see the full stories, plus much more, by going to www.justinepetersen.org/about-us
Happy 4th of July! We Will Be Closed Until Monday!
Enjoy the long three-day weekend!
The Garden Exchange: Cultivating Community, Coffee, and Connection
What began as a leap of faith in April 2020 has grown into a cornerstone of downtown Aurora. Hannah and Kelby Rader launched The Garden Exchange during the early days of the pandemic, transforming a shared dream into a thriving coffee shop and urban farm rooted in community connection.
Originally conceived as a garden-focused business, The Garden Exchange has transformed into a cherished community gathering space. It offers coffee, fresh flowers, and seasonal events, such as the Tulip Project, which supports local scholarships and attracts visitors from across southwest Missouri. Additionally, the business collaborates with high school programs such as JAG and FFA to inspire future entrepreneurs.
Beyond their shop, the Raders helped launch the Aurora Downtown Project and created a now-annual community Christmas tree event. Their team has grown alongside their mission: to provide an experience, not just products, that brings people together.
“We want people to know there’s always a seat at the table,” says Hannah.
From coffee to connection, The Garden Exchange continues to bloom.
Upcoming Events
July 17th, 2025 – Lunch & Learn with Maranda Witherspoon!
July 31st, 2025 – Lunch and Learn with Denale Powell
Justine PETERSEN Has Secured $4 million from Woodforest National Bank®
These funds are to provide affordable small business loans throughout Champaign County.
The low-cost funds are ideal for starting or expanding your business.
Learn more and apply at justinepetersen.org.
Woodforest National Bank® | Member FDIC
Save2Build Savings Account at Justine PETERSEN!
We’re excited to help you on your savings journey!
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA