One in five people in St. Louis lives in poverty. Statistics like this may be shocking and upsetting, but it’s important to understand the impact it has on our entire community. Mission: St. Louis is dedicated to working with people to remove barriers to success and self sufficiency. As a community hub, its multigenerational approach empowers individuals and families for social and economic growth by offering support in areas like education and employment. The end goal is a stronger St. Louis that is a better home for all of us.
“At our core, we are looking to address systemic poverty through education, workforce development and housing,” explains Josh Wilson, Mission: St. Louis president and executive director. “We are focused on maintaining dignity and building relationships. Our goal is to act as a bridge between local talent and opportunity.” Along with employment services, the organization works with schools to ensure children can be set on the path to success, organizes projects so underserved neighborhoods can grow and flourish and provides housing assistance through the Healthy Home Repair Program in partnership with the City of St. Louis.
Without the support of community partners, Mission: St. Louis’ work would not be possible. Wilson explains that the nonprofit’s North St. Louis campus acts as a hub of resources. “We work with Enterprise Bank and Trust to provide easier access to capital, and the Saint Louis University School of Law has a legal clinic,” he says. “It’s a really cool system that helps remove barriers to long term employment.” The organization also is part of the Neighborhood Healing Network, an initiative designed to help individuals and communities impacted by violent crime or other trauma.
For around five years, one of Mission: St. Louis’ community partners has been The Veiled Prophet Organization. “They reached out and wanted to get involved in our work because they have a similar dedication to investing in St. Louis,” Wilson notes. Through the VP’s Community Service Initiative, members and their families, including the young women who walk in the annual VP Ball, started volunteering with the nonprofit on projects. Initiatives include working in community gardens and at schools Mission: St. Louis partners with.
One of the projects that VP members and their families are involved in annually is Mission: St. Louis’ affordable Christmas program. The initiative allows families to shop for donated toys and other items at a reduced price. For example, Wilson notes that a brand new bike can be purchased for only $4. “It’s like the biggest Black Friday sale you could imagine,” he says. “We wanted to do something that allows families to celebrate with dignity. It’s still the parents who are paying for the items, so they get to be the heroes.” For the 2022 store, more than 500 families came to shop. VP volunteers help by securing items, raising funds and donating their time working at the store the day of the event.
Wilson is grateful for the support the VP has offered Mission: St. Louis. He notes the nonprofit is excited for what the partnership will continue to do for the community in the future. “We share a passion for improving St. Louis for everyone,” he says. “The VP brings knowledge and resources that help us reach people—whether it’s through business connections or mentoring. The members have done a great job of donating not just their money and time, but also using their talent to invest in the community.
For more information visit, missionstl.org.
Pictured at top: Mission: St. Louis president and executive director Josh Wilson
Photos courtesy of The Veiled Prophet Organization
