Past Programs

Second Chances For Incarcerated Women

Over the past 4 decades, changes in policy – tough on crime, war on drugs, etc – have resulted in a 500% increase in incarceration in the US – now among the highest rate per capita in the world.  And Missouri is among the highest states in US

Women in particular are incarcerated in the U.S. at a rate that remains higher than that of any other country except El Salvador. And again Missouri’s rate is higher than the national average.

Women are the fastest-growing incarcerated population in the country, with a growth rate twice as high as that of men since 1980. Unlike males, women are most often incarcerated for survival crimes, crimes driven by trauma and necessity – non-violent offenses like drug possession, theft, probation violations.

Justice-involved women have incredibly high rate of trauma history, about 98% –  directly correlated to negative physical and mental health outcomes and a lack of stable, healthy relationships and support systems.  The majority of incarcerated women are parents to minor children and were primary caregivers prior to their incarceration.  They often don’t have stable, healthy relationships or support systems and are often caring for these children with limited support.  This combination of factors often results in the reliance on survival crimes – crimes driven by trauma and necessity. 

Incarcerated women are  often further harmed by the carceral system itself, separated from their families, losing their parental rights, unable to access necessary health care (including pre- and post-natal care), and experiencing sexual victimization by staff .

When released from prison, women often come home with nothing—no housing, no income, no ID, sometimes no medication.  At the same time, they’re expected to secure employment, comply with supervision, reunify with children, and navigate complex systems—all while carrying the stigma of a criminal record. These factors make it practically impossible for millions of returning individuals to become the engaged, responsible citizens we say we want them to be.

Keyway (formerly Center for Women in Transition) partners with justice-impacted women to promote healing justice, stability, and meaningful connection to family and community by ensuring that trauma-informed principles are baked into all programming and by focusing on strengths rather than deficits.

Keyway programming is organized in four layered and interdependent areas: housing stability, financial security, emotional wellness, and community connection.You can’t expect someone to succeed in recovery without housing. You can’t expect employment without stability. You can expect stability without healing. 

This model shows real success: when barriers are reduced 79% of eligible participants secured employment, and of those, 86% retained employment for 3 months of longer with nearly 40% making $30K a year.  

But even when women do everything right, a criminal record follows them, blocking jobs, blocking housing,  blocking licensing,  long after someone has completed their sentence.  Thus women cycle back into prison, not because of new crimes, but because of structural exclusion.  Programs alone can’t solve a systems problem. We also need to reform policies that create lifelong punishment.  

The proposed Clean Slate initiative shifts the burden from individuals to the state. Instead of requiring people to file petitions, hire lawyers, or navigate complex legal systems, eligible records are expunged automatically after a period of law-abiding behavior.  It excludes serious violent offenses. It focuses on people who have already demonstrated stability.   Clean Slate removes barriers of cost, complexity, and access—not accountability.

When we talk about reentry, we’re really talking about whether we believe people are more than the worst thing they’ve ever done—and whether our systems reflect that belief.

View program slides here.

Transforming Relationships – One Conversation At A Time

For the January program, Dr Amy Narishkin led Women’s Voices members and guests through a series of participatory conversation sessions designed to expand listening skills and relationship building.

Dr. Narishkin is CEO of Empowering Partners and the bestselling author of the book “The Communication Connection”. The book provides a six-step framework of practical strategies for creating inclusive interactions in which people feel valued and stay in relationship longer.

During the session, participants worked in conversation pairs to practice the first two steps of the framework:

• Curiosity – pause, share a tiny fact to show your humanity, and ask permission to ask a question
• Contemplation – take time to observe your own assumptions and emotions and to consider theirs
• Proceed with curiosity by asking an open question:
  • “Can you help me understand …?”
  • “Tell me more about that …”
  • “What would be helpful for you…?”

Those steps can create a feeling of safety for both parties and decrease the likelihood of a gap between the intent and the impact of future conversation.

The entire 6-part framework is explained in Dr. Amy’s book, which is available through her website, where you can also subscribe to her blog for ongoing examples of using the system in real-life situations.

What’s Doin’ Under The Dome? A MO Legislative Session Preview

Madison Eacret, Director of State Legislative Affairs at Penman Group, began December’s program with a summary of highlights (lowlights?) from the 2025 legislative session and special sessions. 

Major new policies from the regular sessions included: 

• Elimination of capital gains tax
• Putting abortion back on the ballot after the voters approved a constitutional amendment protecting that right.
• Repealing the ballot measure passed by voters to provide accumulated sick leave and and increased minimum wage.

The first special session called by the governor dealt with:

• Funding for tornado relief
• Funding a research reactor to support cancer research at University ofMissouri- Columbia
• A stadium tax incentive
• New property tax provisions

A second special session included votes to:

• Re-draw voting districts to break up a majority Black district in the Kansas City area and increase the likelihood of electing an additional Republican to the US House of Representatives
• Changes to the initiative petition process that would require a citizen-generated proposal to win a plurality of votes in each district in order to be passed into law.  A proposal from the legislature would not have to clear that same standard.

Factors that will likely play into the 2026 session include: 

• Democrats seeking pay-back for Republicans’ using the ”previous question” procedure to force votes through over unanimous Democratic opposition.
• Lots of legislators termed out, so lots of seats either open or up for re-election
• Legislators likely playing to the far-right audience before the election
• A serious budget squeeze, as federal pandemic aid has been used up, capital gains taxes are no longer in place and the governor has a proposal to eliminate the state income tax.  And federal actions are pushing a larger percentage of Medicaid costs to the states as well.

Measures pre-filed so far for the 2026 session: 

• Eliminating state income tax
• Ban on funding any solar energy projects
• Property tax reform for Kansas City area
• Expansion of private school vouchers and deductibility of contributions to that fund
• The makeup of state athletic commissions 
• Revisiting issues of gambling, hemp, open school enrollment and PBMs

Three proposals that we would probably support: 

• Limits on gun possession by minors
• Free pre-K programs in St Louis
• Clear definition and penalties for “grooming” of a minor

Two potential areas of concern:

• Severe limits on medical care and sports participation for transgender kids
• Defining an embryo as a person, making it possible to classify an abortion as murder.

Healing Trauma Through Community Centered Care

Trauma surgeon and civic leader Dr. LJ Punch joined us to share his evolution from founding the Bullet Related Injury Clinic to expanding that trauma related approach to found 314Oasis.

That organization is providing immediate and long-term support to those impacted by the trauma of the May 16th St. Louis tornado. They are creating a novel platform for hyper-local responses to climate and community trauma, bringing access to basic needs, trauma care and comfort, distribution of aid and connection to resources with community-centered care.

The organization is founded on three pillars: 

3 Phases: Crisis, Recovery, Resilience

1 Purpose: Presence  

4 Pillars: Rest, Power, Care & Connection

Dr Punch compared the damage a bullet inflicts as it rips through human flesh to the damage from the tornado ripping through huge swaths of our region. Obviously the structural damage is desperately in need of repair. But the effects of mental and emotional damage are potentially even more long-lasting, as people simultaneously lost the physical and spiritual comfort of home and now live with a mix of sadness and terror. 

To quote Dr Punch “We all want to live in safe, whole communities, but fear of each other gets in the way”. 

If you are interested in playing a role in healing the impacted communities, you can find options on their website.

Demonizing, Detention & Deportation: Not an Immigration Strategy

Our October speaker, Emily Stuart, is a volunteer with the St. Louis Rapid Response Coalition, launched in February 2025 to inform immigrants of their rights during encounters with immigration enforcement authorities, and to provide material and legal support to detained immigrants and their immediate family.

Read an in-depth review, key facts, a timeline of events, historical context, and ways to get involved or support the immigrant community in this PDF.

Take Action With These Local Organizations

Abide In Love
Ashrei Foundation
LifeWiseSTL
M.I.C.A Project
St. Francis Community Services
Welcome Neighbor STL

The Truth About the “T” in LGBTQ+

Our September speaker, Jordan Braxton, shared her personal story of deciphering her transgender identity and the resulting transition, both social and medical.  She explained that she always knew herself as female, but originally adopted the male persona she was assigned at birth. Later in life, some bloodwork revealed that her chromosomes were actually a mix of male and female – intersex – and she decided on estrogen therapy and a public identity as “Jordan”.

She acknowledges that the unconditional acceptance from her family is not the norm for many trans individuals, and that is a major reason why she is so committed to trans advocacy, hoping to make like easier for those with less family and societal support.

She expressed great concern about moves by the Missouri legislature restricting access to gender-affirming care, describing it as totally life-saving, particularly for young people.  She emphasized that trans support for children only involves wardrobe and hair choices, pronouns and counseling – no medical interventions until puberty blockers at the appropriate age, no hormone treatments and absolutely no surgery.  She also suggested that adults who have taken hormonal and/or surgical steps and then reversed them are typically acting from social pressures rather than their own regret at attempted transition.

You can read more details about Jordan’s life journey and current work in this article.

For further reading on the topic, consider the book “He, She, They” by Schuyler Bailor – available through the St Louis County and city libraries. 

Listen to a Podcast from the program here.

Decoding the Double-Talk of “No Cuts to Medicaid”

In August, Sheldon Weisgrau, Vice President of Health Policy & Advocacy at Missouri Foundation of Health, spoke to us about the history of Medicaid and upcoming changes to the program

Medicaid was established in 1965 under the Social Security Act to provide health coverage to low-income individuals and families.  The funding and administration is shared by federal and state governments.

The program reduces uninsurance by making coverage more affordable and care more accessible.  The funding it provides for the health system creates jobs and economic growth.

The program is extremely large in scale.  One in 5 Americans is enrolled, including 39% of children.  Two thirds of nursing home care is paid by Medicaid.  

The current administration’s Big Beautiful Budget Bill included big changes to Medicaid and related social support programs: 

• For Medicaid it established work requirements and increased eligibility verification (with huge administration costs), introduced beneficiary cost sharing and constrains the ways states can finance the program.,
• For the SNAP program (food stamps) it added work requirements, requiring increased administrative funding.,
• For the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), it increased the documentation required for eligibility, shortened enrollment periods, ended automatic renewals, and allowed special federal subsidies to expire.

Medicaid changes include: 

• Starting in 2027, states must require 80 hours per month of work, community service or school for adults 18-64 without dependents.
• Exceptions include disabled veterans, caretaker of individual with disabilities or minor children, former foster children, Native Americans, pregnant/postpartum women, those in drug rehab.,
• Mandatory co-pays up to $35 for many services.
• Roll-back of Biden-era policies that made it easier to enroll and stay enrolled. 
• Increase eligibility checks from annual to every 6 months.

Additional provisions of the new law include: 

• Prohibits any federal funding for people whose citizenship or immigration status is not verified (despite the fact that those individuals nearly always pay US taxes).
• Prohibits Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood services of any kind.
• Prohibits federal funding for gender transition services.

Annually these new cuts to the Medicaid program will cost Missouri an estimated $2.1 billion in federal funding and eliminate coverage for over 130,000 people.

Together the Medicaid cuts and changes to the Affordable Care Act will cause over 200,000 Missourians to lose coverage and raise insurance premiums for everyone in the state by 75%. 

Currently Medicare and Medicaid are significant funders of the healthcare system, with Medicaid providing at least 20% of funding for most providers and up to 80% for some rural hospitals, and creating about 16,000 jobs across the state. ,

Senator Hawley has justified his support for  Medicaid cuts by citing the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund was created to help rural hospitals. However this amount doesn’t even come close to covering the losses these hospitals will face due to the cuts.

What can Women’s Voices members do to push back against these changes? 

• Complain to your Senators and Representatives
• Work with allied groups to protest these measures
• Work with the Cover Missouri Coalition to help with enrollment
• VOTE!

View program slides here.

Listen to a Podcast from the program here.

Respect MO Voters

Two important Citizen Initiatives that Missouri voters approved last November are now under threat of being overturned by the state legislature. Amendment 3, which protects reproductive rights, and Proposition A, which guarantees paid sick leave for part-time workers and adjusts the minimum wage for inflation, are both facing opposition from lawmakers.

In response, Respect Missouri Voters has formed to safeguard the integrity of the Citizen Initiative process and prevent the legislature from undermining laws that have been directly approved by voters. The group aims to use the initiative process itself to protect the initiative process by stopping the state legislature from overturning laws and amendments initiated and voted into law by the voters.

At our July program, Toni Easter, co-founder of Respect Missouri Voters, spoke about how the legislature can be held accountable for respecting voter-approved laws. The group is currently developing ballot language for a 2026 initiative that would prevent lawmakers from limiting or overturning laws and amendments initiated and voted into law by Missouri voters.

This is not a new or partisan issue. In 1992, Governor John Ashcroft (R) stated, “It is through the initiative process that those who have no influence with elective representatives may take their cause directly to the people. The General Assembly should be reluctant, therefore, to enact legislation which places any impediments on the initiative power which are inconsistent with the reservation found in the Constitution.”

The goals of the petition are to BAN politicians from:

1. Interfering with initiatives which voters have already passed,
2. Attacking citizens’ ability to use the initiative process and
3. Deceiving voters with confusing ballot language

Listen to a Podcast from the program here.
View Program slides here.

What Now? Defending the Two Recent Ballot Initiatives

Our June program featured Jen Bernstein from National Council of Jewish Women and M’Evie Mead from Missouri Jobs for Justice with explanations of the actions in the recent legislative session to undo the will of the voters on issues of reproductive freedom, minimum wage and paid sick leave.

In November, voters passed Amendment 3 to ensure the right of women to make their own decisions about a wide range of healthcare and reproductive issues.  The legislature subsequently approved a measure for a future ballot that would rescind those freedoms, but disguised in ballot language that appears to leave them intact.  

Bernstein explained that the coalition that supported the original amendment is coming back together to be sure that voters understand that this new proposed amendment would actually take away the right to abortion care, as well as outlawing any type of gender affirming care for transgender minors.  

That effort really cannot begin until the ballot language is finalized and the proposal is assigned to a particular election date.  That creates a challenge by potentially shortening the amount of time that opponents of the proposal have to educate the public about the content.  It will require lots of “boots on the ground” canvassing across the state and monitoring polling places on election day.

Also in November, voters approved a measure (not a constitutional amendment) guaranteeing an increased minimum wage and a program for employees to earn accrued paid sick leave.  Once again, the legislature overturned that law directly, not requiring another public vote. 

Mead spoke about the strong coalition between supporters of the two ballot initiatives and expressed her confidence that the coalition partners will continue working together into the future.  She explained that low-information voters across the state – who may not follow the legislature closely – will no doubt be angered when their recently increased paychecks and accrued sick time disappear the moment the new policy goes into effect at the end of August 2025. 

There is some optimism that those developments could influence out-state voters to look more closely at their tendency to elect representatives who flagrantly disregard the will of their constituents as expressed at the ballot box. 

Mead further explained that many hundreds of Missouri businesses endorsed the original proposal, understanding that fairly paid employees lead to more secure families and a healthier state overall.  Hopefully that understanding will spread, improving the chances of broad acceptance of family-friendly policies in the future.

Both speakers agreed to keep Women’s Voices looped in as these issues continue to evolve. You can stay updated at the MOJWJ website under the tabs for Upcoming Events and Take Action.  You can subscribe to NCJW’s “5 Ways to Advocate” weekly emails.

Beyond The “Isms” Countering Cultural Biases

Our May speaker was Helen Turner, Education Director of the St Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum.  Her presentation was geared to help us understand the various types of bias we all hold, how to recognize it and keep it from being expressed in negative ways in our actions. She also touched on how to deal with bias other might hold against us and how to redirect biased comments or action when we observe them toward others. 

We all hold a variety of identities that can create advantage or disadvantage as we move through the world:  race, gender, age, education, physical and mental strengths, family, religion, citizenship, wealth, body characteristics, etc.

Within each of those categories, the variables tend to be ranked as negative, neutral or favorable based on their proximity and access to POWER.

The impact of bias exhibits itself in a hierarchy from least dangerous to critically dangerous: 

• Acts of Bias: jokes, stereotyping, insensitive comments, 
• Acts of prejudice: avoidance, bullying, name-calling, slurs, ridicule
• Acts of discrimination: educational, educational, hiring, housing, segregation
• Acts of violence: threats, assault, rape, murder, vandalism
• Acts of genocide: deliberate, systematic attempt to annihilate an entire group

Both we and other learn our biases – positive and negative –  primarily through our family, our friend circle and the media.  Helen challenged us (participants) to consider the messages we received about groups other than our own from books, movies, news reports, family attitudes, neighbors, faith communities, etc.   We don’t have control over those external messages, but we CAN control what we do with that input.  Validate or contradict t?  Act on it in a positive way or a negative way?

How have American society’s attitudes toward different groups changed over time?  How have media depictions influenced or reflected those changes? 

The program included brief explanations of stereotypes and biases like Ageism, Sexism, Racism, Abelism and – in particular – Antisemitism.  Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews that may be expressed as hatred for Jews. Manifestations of antisemitism are directed at Jews (and perceived Jews) and their property and toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities. 

As a general rule, criticism of Israel, opposition to Israel’s policies, or nonviolent political action directed at the State of Israel and/or its policies should not, as such, be deemed antisemitic. Examples that do constitute antisemitism include: 

• Characterizing Israel as being part of a sinister world conspiracy of Jewish control of the media, economy, government, or other financial, cultural, or societal institutions.
• Holding individuals or institutions, because they are Jewish, responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by Israel. 
• Accusing Jews of setting aside their loyalty to the Jewish people and/or Israel. 
• Using symbols and images that present all Jews as collectively guilty for the actions of the State of Israel. 
• Treating Israel differently solely because it is a Jewish state, using standards different than those applied to other countries.

Ms. Turner ended by challenging the group to be active allies defending marginalized groups from the impact of bias through effective dialogue:

• Asking big questions 
• Leaning into hard topics 
• Having an open mind 
• Leading with honesty 
• Honoring every voice
• Being comfortable with the messy and complicated

Show Me the Money: Saint Louis City Finances?

Guest speaker Shameem Clark Hubbard – Alderlady for the 10^th Ward (Forest Park/Central West End area) joined us for a Q&A discussion about the financial affairs of the City of St Louis and the impact of those decisions on the broader region.  She has a well-earned reputation as a bridge-builder among a variety of constituencies and a knowledgeable, candid voice on city issues.  Participants found her very informative and trustworthy, and expressed interest in having her back in the future. 

Here is a summary of her candid comments:

Q – What’s the deal with disbursement of money from the Rams settlement? 

A – A percentage of the funds have been designated for upgrading the Convention enter.  The remainder was the topic of two competing proposals before the Board of Aldermen.  There were multiple hearings and an opportunity for the public to weigh in on the long-term impact of various suggestions.  All sessions are broadcast on STL-TV.  

Behind-the-scenes discussions appeared to be headed toward a reconciliation proposal agreeable to all of the Board, but when the discussions became public that potential agreement “blew up” and the bills died, so the entire topic will be reintroduced in the next session. 

Q – What’s going on with the questionable North St. Louis grant awards we’ve been reading about in the Post Dispatch? 

A – Disbursement of  $37 million grants for North St. Louis development through the American Rescue Plan  is under the control of St Louis Development Corp, not the Board.  While there appears to have been some lack of due diligence in the awards process, suggestions of fraud and/or in-group favoritism have been sensationalized in the media and lack credibility. 

It is not true that the city loses the money if it is not distributed this year.  

Q – What about the state take-over of the police force? 

A – It is likely that the state will place less emphasis on oversight and accountability.  And the state will set the budget – probably significantly higher – which will draw funds away from other city needs and priorities. 

Q – How will the City replace the revenue lost from the earnings tax?

A – That is a significant problem and there is really no viable solution brought forward so far. 

Other comments: 

There is a proposal under discussion to create a real estate tax assistance fund to help people in underserved areas avoid having their homes repossessed.

There is also a proposal to add a City Manager.  That would be subject to a vote of the people, and will be reconsidered next session.  Former WV president Susan Glassman shared that she had a  background in city management and the speaker requested a meeting to discuss that issue in greater depth to inform her own opinions on the topic.

There are estimates that the City will “go broke” in 10 years or less.  Real estate developer Rex Sinquefield is advocating a total repeal of the earnings tax. The Alderlady’s response to the problem is to work on making the city a more appealing place to live and do business, thereby rebuilding the tax base in the long term.

There is a movement to revise the City charter – a document that the Aldrlady reminded us was crafted way back in an era where neither Blacks or women could participate in public policy.  Those discussion did not reach a resolution and will be continued next year. 

WV members can follow the Alderlady on her Instagram account, and she expressed her intent to join us at the 20^th anniversary celebration as well.

How Did DEI Become a Dirty Word?

Speaker: Amber Benge, Ed.D., co-director, Missouri Equity Education Partnership

Over the past decade the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion have gained traction in many areas of American life, prominently including education, the corporate arena and government policy.  They resulted in an atmosphere of increased respect and understanding that allowed individuals to flourish in diverse settings.  Such cultures value the contributions of all individuals, leading to enhanced creativity and innovation.

In a “first” for Women’s Voices programming,  Dr. Benge invited attendees to become active participants, working in small groups to recall and share an incident where they experienced or observed something that challenged their views on inclusion, and what they learned from the experience. The responses cited disrupted biases, new friendships, better work product, less stress in new situations and other benefits.

The discussion also centered the realization that DEI initiatives are not only about racial equity, but also impact the opportunities – and therefore the contributions – of women, individuals with disabilities of all sorts, immigrants, older Americans and many other populations. 

Unfortunately, recent attacks on DEI, generated by aggrieved members of the dominant culture, have received significant media attention and resulted in a shift of both public perceptions and policy discussions.  Today DEI is more likely to be misunderstood as preferential treatment for minority populations, a cause of divisions and an unfair threat to the advantages that have traditionally flowed to in-group members (ie. educated, straight white males).

So what can supporters of DEI turn the tide?  Dr. Benge suggested that our best opportunity is in individual conversations, turning negative comments about inclusion into opportunities for constructive discussion about the benefits to our entire society of valuing and  accessing all the viewpoints, skills and insights that various groups bring to any effort.

She pointed out that Women’s Voices members can make and share their personal commitment to take even just one specific action to promote inclusion.  Doing so helps each of us to feel accountable to follow through on those intentions and motivates others to take similar actions.  Cumulatively, those concrete actions can lead to meaningful changes in promoting inclusion within the community and workplace.

A Decade After “Ferguson” Improvement or Inertia?

Women’s Voices’ February speaker was Annissa McCaskill, executive director of Forward Through Ferguson (FTF).  FTF is an anti-racist systems change organization working to implement the calls to action outlined in the Ferguson Commission report prepared in the wake of Michael Brown, Jr.’s death in 2014.

FTF centers impacted communities and mobilizes accountable bodies (government, business, et) to advance racially equitable systems and policies so all people in the St. Louis region can thrive.  FTF defines SYSTEMIC RACISM as entrenched institutional policies, practices, and behaviors that systematically disadvantage people of color and systematically benefit white people.

Elements of systematic racism in the STL region include: 

➤Segregation 
➤ Property Taxes + Public Infrastructure 
➤ Employment + Economic Opportunities 
➤ Public Safety Investments 
➤ Hospital & Healthcare Provider Systems 
➤ Education & Social Environment 
➤ Quality of Life

While FTF encourages the programmatic work of other organizations, its own focus is on change at the level of policies – covenants we collectively choose to live by – as articulated in legislation and regulation that inform our socially accepted mores and ethics.  They aim to reform systems – configurations of interaction, interdependent parts that are connected through a web of relationships, forming a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

That work is organized around 4 signature priorities: 

• Justice for all
• Opportunity to thrive
• Kids at the center
• Racial equity

Their objective is true RACIAL EQUITY: 

• A state in which a person’s life outcomes cannot be predicted by race. 

• When our regional systems (education, housing, healthcare, jobs, transportation, and more) work well for all people so that disparities are closed and all residents, regardless of their race and zip code, have justice and the opportunity to thrive.

Here is a sampling of the successful work the community has done since its founding in 2014. But to be clear, dismantling of systemically racist constructs is multi-generational.

● Increased community engagement, advocacy and voter registration 
● Body cameras 
● Use of Force Policies for St. Louis City and St. Louis County Police Department 
● Creation of SLDC’s Economic Justice Action Plan 
● College Kids savings program 
● Closing of the Workhouse 
● Defund.Re-Envision.Transform Coalition 
● Racial Healing + Justice Fund

Women’s Voices members are invited to attend FTF’s St Louis Racial Equity Summit on Aug 8-9.

Contact FTF at: contact@forwardthroughferguson.org  or annissa@forwardthroughferguson.org

Watch the recorded program here.

View the program slides here.

Make a Difference in Someone’s Life: Be a Mentor

In the January program Stephanie McCreary, chief purpose officer of Oasis Institute, educated us about the organization’s programs that match area seniors with two different mentoring youth opportunities. 

Oasis mentoring involves, not academics, but becoming a role model, supporter, advocate and friend to a young person.  It includes cultivating a healthy relationship that provides guidance, motivation and support for the mentee’s personal development.

Research shows that students with mentors have increased rates of school attendance and completion, increased confidence and self-esteem plus improved behavior and interpersonal skills.   Prospective mentors receive training that covers cultural competency, setting realistic expectations and establishing appropriate boundaries – both physical and emotional.  

The legacy program, Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring, pairs a senior with a student K-3 to work one-on-one to improve literacy skills including reading, speaking, listening and writing. An Oasis tutor creates a connection with the child that develops into a mentoring relationship.   

Based in St Louis, the program is now active in 23 cities, with over 2700 tutors serving in 440+ schools.  But the need is staggering.  Two out of every 10 students in the US enter kindergarten with skills 2-3 years below their age level. 

And students who start behind typically stay behind.  By fourth grade, 34% of US students are below the proficient reading level.  Those lagging learners make up the largest portion of school dropouts and have less than 12% likelihood of going on to higher education.  But weekly sessions with a trained adult tutor can change that trajectory by building a child’s motivation, confidence and enjoyment of reading, writing and oral communication – the foundation of all learning. 

The second, newer program is Oasis Grand Champions, launched here in St Louis and designed to support young people 14-18 who are in the foster care system and preparing to “age out” into independent living. This population represents another overwhelming need, with nearly 13,000 children and teens in foster care in Missouri alone.  

A nationwide survey in 2024 found that only half of foster kids graduate from high school and only 5% go on for higher education. They are at increased risk for chronic illness, mental health disorders, behavioral issues and drug abuse. 

The new Grand Champions program asks mentors for a 12-month commitment with the goal of helping students build life skills, confidence and self-esteem, resulting in improved behavior and more positive engagement with peers.  Champions receive extensive training at the outset plus ongoing professional development sessions.  A comprehensive set of materials includes workbooks, enrichment guides, activities and supplies. 

The local launch has had such promising results that the Oasis chapter in Austin, TX, has already reached out to implement the same program for their volunteers and area young people. 

Both Intergenerational Tutoring and Grand Champions are supported by Oasis staff at both the school district and national levels. Results are impressive: 

• 97% of participating students achieved 2 or more levels of reading proficiency.
• 98% of tutors reported an added sense of purpose in their lives.
• The programs achieved an 87% level of tutor retention.

Those interested in learning more about becoming a tutor within these programs can contact Stephanie McCreary at smccreary@oasisnet.org or 314-687-1122.

Watch the recorded program here.

View the program slides here.

Silencing Gun Violence: A Community Collaboration

December 12, 2024

Jessica Meyers – director of the St Louis Area Violence Prevention Commission – spoke about the commission’s multi-faceted approach to reducing gun crimes and other forms of violence and  supporting the recovery of both victims and perpetrators.

Their work is based in the philosophy that determinants of violence are multiple, complex, and interrelated. A successful strategy must include the participation of a broad group of individuals and a range of activities that link with, build upon, and add value to each other. 

The commission is made up of 130+ agencies that address the 5 key social determinants of health:  education,  economic stability, health and healthcare, social and community and built environment. 

Their first objective is to increase the number of individuals affected by non-fatal gun violence who access the available services.  For example, the “Handle With Care” program enables police or first responders to notify schools when they encounter a youngster at a traumatic scene.  That allows school counselors and mental health professionals to provide trauma-sensitive support right away.  Rather than viewing a traumatized child as misbehaving and responding with punishment, that background knowledge lets adults understand the child’s struggles and respond with care and support.

The second objective is to increase the number of evidence-based, trauma informed programs that address root causes of violence. For example, extending the hours at 2 recreational centers and hosting events for at-risk youth during 2024 correlated with a 50% reduction in homicides and a 12.5% decrease in assaults within that population.

Jessica shared 4 specific ways that Women’s Voices members can help further these goals: 

• Visit their website and review all the ways to participate as a group.

 • Sign up for their mailing list for information about ad hoc working groups

 • Consider hosting a youth event in St. Louis County for youth at highest risk of gun violence 

• Share SLAVPC information within other groups in which you participate .

Speakers: Jessica Meyers, director, St. Louis Area Violence Prevention Commission

Meyers is the director of the St. Louis Area Violence Prevention Commission (VPC), a cross-sector collaborative with more than 75 member agencies. She just celebrated her 6th anniversary with VPC. Prior to her work with VPC, Jessica worked for 14 years doing direct services with victims of violence. For the last 10 years of that, she worked predominantly with murder victims’ families and friends. Jessica holds a masters of public administration from Saint Louis University. She is a proud policy wonk and data nerd.

Justin Mosley, project director, St. Louis Area Violence Prevention Commission

Mosley joined Mental Health Board (MHB) in 2024 as a project director for the Violence Prevention Commission. Previously at Youth In Need he managed the National SafePlace program’s Eastern Missouri division. He e used his public platform with Safe Place to build relationships with service providers and raise awareness through media appearances. He was previously involved in higher education, working financial services, enrollment management, and athletic departments with Washington University, Logan University and Harris-Stowe. A renaissance man, he also served in Mass Transit Operations Management with the Bi-State Development Agency.

View the program slides here.

Wash U Owes U: Payments in Lieu of Taxes

November 14, 2024

At the November Women’s Voices program, Blue Ehrenstrom, a 2021 Wash U graduate, joined a SLPS PAC member and district parent to share information outlining the necessity of the work being done by the SLPS PAC to financially strengthen local schools.

St. Louis Public Schools, like all public schools, mainly relies on property taxes to fund their operations and to educate local children. However, tax-exempt institutions such as universities and hospitals are not required to pay those taxes which support nearby school systems. In many other cities, universities with large endowment funds have agreed to participate in a Payments In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) program in which they contribute a very small percentage of this endowed money to their local school districts. 

Washington University, on the other hand, which currently has an endowment worth $14 BILLION, contributes zero dollars in PILOTs payments! This is despite the fact that the SLPSystem continues to face a funding crisis. The St. Louis Public Schools Parent Action Council (SLPS PAC) is working to change that by organizing the community to pressure WU to contribute their fair share (approximately 0.001% of the endowment).

View the program slides here.

Learn more about SLPS PAC here.

Community members can take action by asking Andrew Martin, chancellor of Wash U, to contribute approximately 0.001% of Wash U’s endowment to the PILOTs fund for St. Louis public schools.

Project 2025: What It Is & Why It Matters

October 10, 2024

You’ve undoubtedly heard about Project 2025. It’s a well-funded effort by the Heritage Foundation and 100+ partner organizations to attack overtime pay and student loan programs, dismantle the social safety net, decimate reproductive rights, undermine our economy and reshape the way our society operates. It would roll back civil rights protections on multiple fronts, eliminating DEI programs and slashing LGBTQ+ rights in health care, education, and workplaces.

Kirill Kondratyuk, a 10th-grade student with a unique international background, joined us to share his research on the threats posed by Project 2025.

Born in Crimea, Ukraine in 2009, his life took an unexpected turn in 2014 when Russia occupied his homeland. His family made the difficult decision to leave everything behind and relocate to the United States.

After completing first grade in Crimea, Kondratyuk arrived in the US in 2016. Since then, he has embraced his new life and education in America, while never forgetting his roots. His journey has sparked a deep passion for history, geography, and political science. These subjects aren’t just academic interests for him– they’re intimately connected to his personal experiences and the global events that have shaped his life. Kondratyuk is committed to using his voice and experiences to contribute to positive change and he looks forward to this opportunity that will allow him to engage with important social and political issues, combining his personal background with his academic interests.

View program slides here.

Vote Smart: Navigating the November Ballot

September 12, 2024

With critical elected offices and amendments on the November ballot, Missouri voters will have the opportunity to impact the lives of state residents for years to come. 

Representatives from the Missouri Voter Protection Coalition, Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, and Missourians for Health Families and Fair Wages spoke about protecting our voting rights, clarified questions regarding important ballot measures and provided updates on the status of current court challenges.

Speakers: 

Denise Lieberman, director and general counsel at Missouri Voter Protection Coalition

M’Evie Mead, director of strategic partnerships Missourians for Healthy Families & Fair Wages

Maggie Olivia, senior manager of public policy at Abortion Action Missouri

Archive of Past Program Years

Past Programs 2023-2024