Number 317 March 14, 2025 St. Louis
Justine PETERSEN Celebrates
Honoring the Women Who Inspire Us
We celebrate the incredible women who make Justine PETERSEN the organization it is today. From our dedicated team members to the inspiring women we serve across Missouri and Illinois, we recognize your strength, resilience, and impact.
Your passion drives change, your vision builds communities, and your determination creates opportunities. Whether you’re a small business owner, a homeowner, or an advocate for financial empowerment, you are shaping a brighter future for all.
Today, and every day, we say thank you for your leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment.
Success Story: Cortaiga Collins & Good Shepherd Early Learning Center
For years, Cortaiga Collins has been a pillar of early childhood education through her work with Good Shepherd Early Learning Center. As a longtime client of Justine PETERSEN, she credits the organization as a lifeline, enabling her vision to expand, bridge educational gaps, and create lasting change in her community.
Cortaiga’s dedication to education extends far beyond early childhood education. She is set to launch a groundbreaking initiative: Good Shepherd Academy for Boys, an all-male preschool that will add a new grade each year until it reaches 5th grade. This effort is just the beginning of her broader mission to impact not only children but entire neighborhoods and communities.
Inspired by her visit to New York City and the Harlem Children’s Zone, Cortaiga is developing the Show-Me Family Zone—a comprehensive program designed to improve life, health, and education for families. She understands that education and community well-being are deeply interconnected, and she aims to create a space where families receive holistic support. Additionally, she has plans to open an adult daycare, offering nurturing care that benefits both the young and elderly alike.
Despite her many accomplishments, Cortaiga faces significant challenges. Crime, community disparities, funding limitations, staffing shortages, and public investment hurdles make her journey an uphill battle. As a former single mother, she has experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to get ahead. Yet, she remains steadfast in her mission, stating, “I want to be a beacon for others who do not always have the means and resources that I now have. I want to be able to give everyone the same chance to get ahead.”
Cortaiga is a published author who draws from her own experiences to inspire and guide others. Her book, “To All My Baby Mamas: A Single Mama’s Guide to Achieving Personal Success,” provides insight and encouragement for single mothers who are striving for success. The theme of her conference this weekend is “Healed Baby Mama.”
When asked if she believes her initiative contributes to revitalizing her community, Cortaiga expressed hope that her efforts will spark broader change. She believes that strong families lead to strong schools, which then create strong governments and thriving communities. Through her work, she is paving the way for future generations, demonstrating that education is the key to transformation. To learn more about Good Shepherd Early Learning Center and Cortaiga’s speaking engagements, go to https://www.goodshepherdearlylearning.com/ and https://cortaigascollins.com/
3-1-4 Day Events Around the City
Whether you’re grabbing a bite at Mandela’s Soul Food Cafe—celebrating four years today—or sipping a latte at Ivy Cafe in Clayton, or you want to get your children out of the house and take them to Gamers Island, today is the perfect day to support local businesses! Need inspiration? Check out https://thestl.com/314day/today/.
Join Us for Our Next Lunch and Learn with William Rowe and Scott Schroepfer
March 27, 2025 – Employee Benefit Solutions: Employee Retention for Business Growth
On April 3, 2025, WBE Certification: What to Know Before You Apply
Mandela’s Soul Food Cafe on YouTube
Yesterday, Mandela Welch catered our company staff meeting lunch, and to say we were blown away would be an understatement! Mandela took some time out to chat with Yolanda Nelson and myself afterward. Check out his interview here. https://youtu.be/4zLOgUMNOmU
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA