Number 344 September 26th, 2025 St. Louis
Serving Community, Rebuilding Hope
Our Client Fallin Artis of Lanett Good Eats
Fallin Artis, owner of Lanett Good Eats, is known not only for her talent as a chef but also for her resilience and dedication to her community. She grew up in the O’Fallon Park neighborhood, the same area where her restaurant stood before it was damaged by the May 16 tornado that devastated families and businesses across St. Louis City. Even as she faced loss herself, Fallin chose to cook barbecue meals for her neighbors so they would have food during the power outages.
After losing her mother to violence, Fallin founded the Big Homie Foundation, a nonprofit that supports children who have also lost parents to violence. She turned to Justine PETERSEN for assistance after being denied by other institutions, already having built a positive relationship with our team. Fallin shared that her first priority was caring for her community rather than focusing solely on her restaurant and noted how the disaster brought together parts of the city that rarely connected.
Her actions caught the attention of reporter Elliot Davis, who highlighted her efforts to unite the community during a time of crisis. With funding secured to rebuild, Fallin looks forward to the reopening of Lanett Good Eats. The building housing her restaurant was gifted to her, and she hopes to continue honoring her mother’s legacy and sharing her food with others for many years to come.
Ignite Illinois is More Than Just a Webinar
It’s a 20-week journey of learning, planning, and building that helps Southern Illinois entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into thriving businesses.
Upcoming Events
The Ignite Illinois Webinar Series is going strong!
There are only a few more sessions left for the first round. Contact Yolanda Nelson if you need to catch up at ynelson@justinepetersen.org!
To register, go to bit.ly/46n1w8i. All are welcome!
Our next Lunch & Learn with Michelle L. Perkins will be on October 30th, 2025
Scan the QR code or go to Eventbrite.com to sign up now!
Please scan the QR code on the flyer to register.
Fall Into Financial Health: Credit Building Tips for the Season
As the leaves change and we enter the cozy months of fall, it’s the perfect time to refresh not just your wardrobe, but your financial health too! Whether you’re planning holiday shopping or setting goals for the new year, improving your credit can give you a head start.
As you prepare for the fall season, it’s important to review your financial health with a comprehensive checklist. Start by examining your credit reports to ensure accuracy and identify any areas for improvement. Focus on paying down high-interest balances to reduce your overall debt burden, while keeping your credit utilization below 30% to maintain a healthy credit score. Consider automating your monthly payments to avoid late fees and streamline your financial management. Additionally, be mindful of your spending by sticking to a holiday budget. Finally, explore various tools designed to help you build and strengthen your credit for the future.
Fall is all about preparation, and there’s no better time to prepare for a financially healthy future. Small steps this season can lead to big gains in your credit score and financial confidence!
Need help getting started? Contact us here at Justine PETERSEN today to explore credit-building programs and get personalized tips.
JP Family Corner
Happy Birthday
and JPVersary!
We proudly celebrate Sheri Flanigan-Vazquez, our incredible Chief Operating Officer, as she marks 27 years of outstanding service at Justine PETERSEN.
Sheri’s steadfast dedication, visionary leadership, and commitment to our mission have played a crucial role in supporting countless families, small businesses, and communities. Over nearly thirty years, she has shaped our organization with her integrity, innovation, and compassion, making a meaningful difference every day.
Join us in honoring Sheri for her remarkable achievements, her extraordinary leadership, and her lasting impact on our team and the communities we serve. Here’s to Sheri! Our leader, mentor, and inspiration!
JP What’s Your Why?
Our employees choose to be part of our organization for a reason. Barbara Ewing has been a valued member of the Justine PETERSEN family for three years. Want to find out why? Click here to read her why.
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA