Number 393 September 11, 2026 St. Louis

Twenty-Five Years Later

A Message

Twenty-five years ago, our world changed forever. For those of us who lived through September 11, 2001, we remember the fear, heartbreak, and uncertainty of that day. But we also remember the courage, compassion, and unity that followed.

To our children and the next generation, we share these memories not to pass along fear, but to show you the strength people can find in one another during the hardest moments.

As President Barack Obama once said, “Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost.”

May you carry that lesson forward. Remember those we lost, care for your neighbors, and never underestimate the difference one act of kindness can make.

We Live: A Space Built to Keep Moving Forward

Some spaces are more than buildings. They become places where people gather, create, celebrate, and feel like they belong.

That is exactly what Jahna Moore and the team at We Live Performing Arts & Culture Center are building in Granite City, Illinois.

Recently, the Justine PETERSEN team had the opportunity to visit We Live for a staff outing, complete with roller skating, great food, and an opportunity to hear Jahna’s story firsthand. And what a story it is.

Led by Executive Director Jahna Moore, We Live is a nonprofit performing arts and cultural center dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and creative environment for people of all ages.

Inside the historic Stoppkotte’s Skating Rink, We Live is preserving a piece of Granite City history while creating something new around it. Through dance, music, technical arts, skating, community events, and education, Jahna and her team are creating opportunities for people to express themselves, learn new skills, and simply have a place where they can belong.

But getting here has not been easy.

We Live has faced challenges that could have stopped many organizations in their tracks. The facility has dealt with the aftermath of a devastating tornado. There were periods without a functioning HVAC system. There have been repairs, unexpected expenses, and the constant financial realities that come with operating and improving a large community space.

Still, Jahna kept going.

And Justine PETERSEN has been in her corner, encouraging her to keep moving forward. Proud to keep going with her.

Jahna’s relationship with Justine PETERSEN is not defined by a single transaction. We Live was able to gain access to capital through Justine PETERSEN, providing access to capital as Jahna and her team worked through challenges, invested in the facility, and continued building their vision.

That is an important part of what we believe community lending should look like.

Sometimes an entrepreneur or nonprofit leader does not need someone to simply look at where things stand today. They need a financial partner willing to understand where they are trying to go.

Through financing and continued support from the Justine PETERSEN team, Jahna has been able to address obstacles that threatened the future of the space and continue investing in a facility that now welcomes performances, celebrations, community gatherings, roller skating, and even staff outings like our own.

Seeing the space today makes that journey even more meaningful.

To read the story in full, please go to Justine PETERSEN Success Stories

Fair Housing Tip: Reasonable Accommodations

Everyone deserves a home that meets their needs. If you or someone in your household has a disability, you may request a reasonable change to a housing rule, policy, or service. This might include accessible parking, an assistance animal, or another adjustment that allows you to fully enjoy your home.

Consider submitting your request in writing and keeping a copy for your records. These protections apply in Missouri and Illinois under the federal Fair Housing Act.

JPHomeTeam@justinepetersen.org

Upcoming Events!

ICCC Will Host a Spectacular Event: Grow Your Business

We’re excited to share that Justine PETERSEN will be featured as part of the Resource Panel for Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC)!

ICCC is a national business accelerator built for growth-stage entrepreneurs who are ready to strengthen their businesses, sharpen their strategy, access capital, and SCALE. Through executive education, peer learning, coaching, and capital readiness support, entrepreneurs get the tools and connections they need to keep moving forward.

And that’s where JP comes in!

Justine PETERSEN will be joining the conversation as a resource panelist and one of ICCC’s Capital Coaches, helping entrepreneurs better understand their funding options and how to become capital-ready.

Could this be you or a business you know?

ICCC is currently looking to enroll approximately 25 more businesses that are:

In operation for at least 3 years

Generating $150,000+ in annual revenue

Ready to GROW, SCALE, and explore what’s next

Know a business that would be a great fit? Send them our way! We’d be happy to make a warm introduction, or you can nominate a business directly through ICCC’s online nomination form.

This is the kind of room we LOVE seeing entrepreneurs in: resources, relationships, capital, and opportunities to grow.

Let’s get some St. Louis businesses in that room!

For more information, click the button below to send an email or go to icic.org/iccc/stlouis .

iccc@icic.org

Know Your Rights. Be Prepared.

Deaconess Foundation and the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition are hosting two voter education sessions covering voting rights, election updates, misinformation, voter protections, and more. MOVPC is a nonpartisan statewide voter protection network.

Sept. 14 | 6–8 PM
For individual voters & community members. Dinner provided.

Learn more about MOVPC: movpc.org