Number 356 December 19, 2025 St. Louis
Success Story Spotlight: Jerry’s Heating & Cooling, LLC
photo courtesy of Facebook
Since 2006, Jerry’s Heating & Cooling, LLC has been defined by a simple but powerful mission: providing comfort without compromise. Led by founder Jerome “Jerry” Harris, the company has built a reputation for excellence, quality craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.
With over 30 years of HVAC expertise, Jerry leads with a hands-on approach and a strict work ethic. Alongside co-owner Jaquelyn L. Birchfield, he has grown the business into a cornerstone of the Branson area. As licensed Trane dealers, they provide comprehensive repair, replacement, and installation services for both residential and commercial clients. Rooted in Christian values, the company is proudly locally owned and operated, built on a foundation of integrity and reliability.
Even the strongest businesses can encounter unexpected challenges. When a government shutdown suddenly halted a major contract, Jerry’s Heating & Cooling experienced a significant strain on its cash flow. While the contract was paused, daily expenses, including payroll, equipment, and vehicle maintenance, continued to accumulate. This situation threatened to disrupt the momentum that Jerry and Jaquelyn had spent years building.
That’s when they turned to Justine PETERSEN.
Justine PETERSEN stepped in at a pivotal moment, providing the capital and guidance necessary to stabilize operations. This support allowed Jerry’s Heating & Cooling to retain its dedicated staff and continue serving the community without sacrificing quality. Today, the company remains a local leader—still guided by Jerry’s leadership and still delivering the comfort and quality their customers depend on.
This story is a powerful reminder that when dedicated entrepreneurs receive the right support at the right time, they don’t just survive, they emerge stronger.
👉 Learn more at jerrysheatcool.com
Building a Brighter St. Louis: A Glimpse into the Goodfellow Renewal
A Special Report from Andrew Barnes & Yolanda Nelson December 19, 2025
A Vision of Hope on Roosevelt Place
Seeing a neighborhood reclaim its beauty is truly a powerful experience. This past Monday, we had the opportunity to step away from our desks and explore the Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood. Guided by Jim Roos of SItO (Sanctuary in the Ordinary), we toured the Sustainable Clearing and Greening Project, also known as Goodfellow Renewal (GFR).
What we witnessed wasn’t just a cleanup crew; it was the heartbeat of a community coming back to life.
Clearing the Path for Our Future
The mission of GFR is simple yet profound: to clear entire blocks of overgrowth and trash. For too long, these spaces have been hidden behind neglected brush and debris. Jim, alongside dedicated residents like Bobby Willis and Hassan Shariff, is proving that when we clear the land, we clear the way for safety, pride, and investment.
During our tour, we saw the tangible results of this labor:
Roosevelt Place (58xx block): Once a site of heavy dumping, it is now cleaner than it has been in quite some time, an open stretch. “No Dumping” signs stand tall, and the City Forestry department is now able to maintain the area regularly.
Laclede School & Barrett Bros Park: We walked the areas surrounding these vital community anchors. By clearing the overgrowth, we are making the walk to school safer for our children and the park more accessible for families.
The Cabbage Patch Garden: We stood on the grounds where the legendary teacher Pauline Humphrey once inspired students. Seeing this historic garden cleared feels like honoring a legacy while planting the seeds for a new one.
A Strategy for Every Neighbor:
This isn’t a temporary fix. Jim and his team have a multi-year, phased plan to ensure that this transformation reaches every corner of the area—from Hillvale Apartments to the Wellston Loop.
Through 2025: Focusing on the blocks between Barrett Bros Park and Laclede School.
2026: Expanding to connect Hillvale Apartments to the park, ensuring all 146 families there have a clear, green path to local amenities.
2027: Moving beyond the tornado-damaged paths to revitalize other distressed blocks in the city.
The Heart of the Matter
At the center of this project are the people. We met neighborhood leaders who grew up on these streets and are now investing their own time and money to lead the clearing efforts. Their dedication is a reminder that the city and county are environments we should all be proud to live in.
When we invest in clearing a lot, we are investing in the mental health of a neighbor, the safety of a child, and the economic value of a home. We are creating a St. Louis that reflects the beauty of the people who live here. There is still so much more work to be done, but we are glad to see that there are individuals who are looking to make it happen.
Upcoming Events
The Winter Holiday Market at the GREENCUBATOR!
The First Lunch and Learn of 2026!
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The Elf on the Shelf Can Only Ensure That You Are Being Good
Victims of identity theft experience a significant emotional toll, with nearly all reporting one or more serious emotional effects and a minority even contemplating self-harm. Interestingly, the data suggest that younger individuals (aged 44 and under) are the most frequent targets of scams, contradicting the expectation that more affluent households are generally the primary focus of criminals. Financially, a substantial percentage of scam victims lose over $500, though a majority report receiving full or partial reimbursement of their lost funds. Despite a high level of confidence among victims in their ability to spot future scams, nearly half experience multiple incidents within two years, indicating a persistent vulnerability that is often discovered through a personal review of account statements rather than bank alerts.
Use a secure VPN: Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi. A VPN keeps your connection private and your data safe.
Monitor your information: Many banks and services offer dark web monitoring to alert you if your data appears in a breach.
Enjoy the season and your savings—safely!
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA