JP Update: We Are Here For It!

Andrew BarnesThe JP UP date


Number 384                        July 10, 2026                            St. Louis


Whatever Your Next Step Is, We’re Here for It

Everyone’s financial journey looks different.

For some, it’s rebuilding credit after a difficult season. For others, it’s purchasing their first home, launching a dream business, or finding the capital needed to grow an idea into something that creates jobs and strengthens our communities.

At Justine PETERSEN, we know there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to financial success. That’s why our team works alongside every client to understand their goals and create a path that works for them.

For individuals, that journey often begins with credit. Whether someone is looking to qualify for a loan, purchase a vehicle, rent an apartment, or gain confidence in managing their finances, our credit-building and financial counseling programs provide the tools and education needed to move forward. Strong credit opens doors, and we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to build a stronger financial future.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, access to capital can often feel like the biggest obstacle. Traditional lenders don’t always see the full picture, but we do. Through business coaching, financial education, and flexible lending options, Justine PETERSEN helps entrepreneurs turn great ideas into thriving businesses that create opportunities for others.

We’ve had the privilege of watching countless dreams become reality.

Photo courtesy of Facebook

A year ago, Wild Cream LLC’s owner, Melissa Arconati, transformed a passion for handcrafted ice cream into a growing local business after working with Justine PETERSEN. Today, they’re delighting customers throughout the St. Louis area while continuing to expand their vision.

City Jump and Rochelle Bea continue to bring excitement and healthy activity to families while creating a unique destination for the community. What started as an ambitious idea became a successful business through determination, planning, and access to the right resources.

Photo courtesy of Facebook

We’ve also celebrated the continued success of Redbird Vegan, whose owner, Jessica Johnson, turned her love for plant-based food into a thriving restaurant that serves both incredible meals and a welcoming sense of community.

Success isn’t always measured by opening a storefront. Sometimes, success is improving a credit score enough to qualify for a mortgage. Sometimes it’s securing funding for equipment that allows a business to hire another employee. Sometimes it’s simply having someone believe in your vision when others couldn’t.

That belief is at the heart of everything we do.

Every counseling session, every loan, every workshop, and every conversation is focused on helping individuals and entrepreneurs build assets, create stability, and achieve lasting financial success.

If you’re ready to improve your credit, purchase a home, start a business, or take your existing business to the next level, Justine PETERSEN is here to help you take that first step.

Because when individuals succeed, families become stronger. When entrepreneurs succeed, neighborhoods grow. And when communities thrive, we all move forward together.

Ready to begin your journey?

Visit www.justinepetersen.org to learn more about our credit-building services, homeownership counseling, small business lending, and financial education programs. Your next success story could be just getting started.


Upcoming Events

Our new Sharing The Why will be in-person at Elevator St. Louis with Obie Anthony!

Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Opportunity

What happens when someone loses years of their life for a crime they did not commit?

While exoneration restores a person’s legal innocence, it does not automatically restore the opportunities, stability, and time that were taken away. Many exonerees face significant barriers when rebuilding their lives, including challenges related to employment, housing, financial security, healthcare, and community reintegration.

Join Justine PETERSEN, community leaders, advocates, and individuals with lived experience for an important conversation about the realities of life after exoneration and the role we all play in creating pathways to success.

During this session, we will explore the challenges faced by exonerated individuals, discuss opportunities for meaningful support, and examine how communities can work toward a future where justice extends beyond release and into restoration.

This event will provide a space for education, dialogue, and action as we seek to better understand the impact of wrongful convictions and the importance of second chances.

Date: Friday, July 17, 2026

Hosted ByJustine PETERSEN

Location: 1230 Macklind Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110

Audience: Community members, advocates, service providers, employers, policymakers, and anyone interested in advancing justice and opportunity.

Join us as we move the conversation from exoneration to empowerment.

https://bit.ly/4uHGiur

The Show-Me Network Presents

Join Yolanda Nelson for a virtual event through our friends at Show-Me Network as she gives a presentation on Building a Bankable Business Plan!

When: July 16, 2026

Where: Online

RegistrationShow-Me Network Link

For more information: Click Here

Saint Louis County Job Fair!


Ignite Illinois: Empowering Small Business Owners in Southern Illinois!

Are you a small business owner in Southern Illinois? Ignite Illinois is your opportunity to access essential funding and support services to grow and strengthen your business. Whether you need accounting help, legal guidance, or tools to boost your credit, we’re here to assist!

Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future and take your business to the next level!

Have questions?

Contact Us


Do You Follow Us On Social Media?

Copyright © |2020 Justine PETERSEN | All rights reserved.

Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA

Want to change how you receive these emails?

You can update your preferences or unsubscribe.

View in browser