Number 383 July 03, 2026 St. Louis
Happy Birthday, America!
Let’s come together to celebrate the spirit of Independence Day joyfully!
Wishing everyone a joyful and safe Independence Day celebration! As we gather with family and friends, let us take a moment to reflect on the meaning of this special day. It’s a time to honor 250 years of freedom and the incredible spirit that has shaped our great nation.
Let’s cherish the values of liberty, unity, and resilience that define us as Americans. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic, attending a local parade, or watching the sky light up with fireworks, may your celebrations be filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.
Let’s celebrate our shared history and look ahead to a bright future. Enjoy the festivities and have a wonderful 4th of July!
Our 2025 Annual Report Has Arrived!
We are excited to share that the Justine PETERSEN 2025 Annual Report is officially here, and we think you’ll enjoy taking a few minutes to read through it.
Looking back at 2025, it’s incredible to see everything we accomplished together. It was a year that tested our communities in ways no one expected. After the devastating tornadoes that impacted North St. Louis and surrounding neighborhoods, we watched businesses, families, and entire communities begin the difficult journey of rebuilding.
Through it all, Justine PETERSEN was there, doing what we do best by helping people find a path forward.
Inside this year’s report, you’ll meet clients whose determination reminds us why our work matters.
You’ll read about Fallin Artis of Lanett Good Eats, who continued serving her neighbors even after her own business was damaged. You’ll learn how Benny Cole of Kulture Prints turned a setback into an opportunity to grow and create jobs in his community. You’ll also see how Ricky and Heather Montgomery of R&H Repair refused to give up on their dream after disaster struck.
These are more than success stories. They are reminders that when people are given the right tools, resources, and support, amazing things can happen.
You’ll also see the impact we made together throughout the year.
In 2025, we originated 1,156 loans, invested more than $31.9 million back into our communities, provided 93 disaster recovery loans, expanded programs like IgniteMO, and celebrated the people who continue making this organization special.
Also found in the report is the recognition of Maureen Brinkley and her incredible career of more than 50 years with the Small Business Administration. It is a well-deserved honor for someone who has dedicated so much to helping entrepreneurs succeed.
Whether you work directly with clients or support our mission behind the scenes, you are part of every story in this report. Every counseling session, loan closing, phone call, meeting, event, and conversation helps create opportunities for someone else.
Thank you for everything you do each day to make our mission possible.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read through the report and celebrate everything we’ve accomplished together. Every page is a reminder that our work changes lives, strengthens communities, and creates opportunities that last for generations.
Click on the JP Annual Report to read more!
Opening Doors to Homeownership Through Education
At Justine PETERSEN, we believe that homeownership is one of the most powerful tools for building wealth, stability, and generational opportunity. That’s why we’re proud to partner with eHome America to help individuals and families gain the knowledge and confidence needed to achieve their homeownership goals.
Through this partnership, aspiring homeowners have access to convenient, online homebuyer education that can be completed at their own pace. The program covers essential topics such as budgeting, credit management, mortgage readiness, the homebuying process, and maintaining a home after purchase. Combined with Justine PETERSEN’s housing counseling services, participants receive both the education and personalized support needed to make informed financial decisions.
Justine PETERSEN and eHome America are helping break down barriers to homeownership by making quality education accessible to more people, regardless of their schedule or location. The result is a stronger foundation for future homeowners, healthier communities, and greater opportunities for families to build lasting wealth.
Whether you’re preparing to purchase your first home, working to improve your financial readiness, or simply exploring your options, the journey starts with education. Through our partnership with eHome America, we’re helping more individuals and families take that first step toward a place to call home.
Ready to begin your homeownership journey? Visit eHome America through Justine PETERSEN and connect with our housing counseling team to learn more about the resources available to you.
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 By: Justine 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.
| Eventbrite Link |
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
Registration: Show-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?
Please reach out to Peyton McGovern.
JP Family Corner
Employee of the Month!!!
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, coworkers and friends… it is time for this month’s main event!
When you think of someone who shows up ready to work, brings a positive attitude, and makes a difference without seeking the spotlight, one name stands out above the rest. This month’s Employee of the Month is someone who consistently delivers, supports the team, and reminds us that success is built one person, one day, and one effort at a time.
So grab your applause, because we’re celebrating a teammate who continues to make Justine PETERSEN stronger through hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to serving our community.
Congratulations to our July 2026 Employee of the Month, Derek Petty! Derek, today we celebrate you and the impact you make every single day. Your work does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful to have you on our team. Let’s hear it for Derek!
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA
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