Jefferson Avenue Campus - Grand Opening
After more than five years of planning an agency expansion to respond to the growing needs of our community, the dream and vision became a reality! On Wednesday, October 19, at 10 a.m., over 230 guests gathered to celebrate an incredible achievement, bringing to life a vision to pioneer a new model of care for people experiencing the effects of homelessness and HIV. Featuring one campus offering 360 degrees of services assuring simultaneous and synergistic progress in multiple areas impacting quality of life and health outcomes to our residents and clients.
Visit the Jefferson Avenue Campus web page for more information - including the full Grand Opening printed program with donors, partners, and providers listed.
Watch a video to the full program presentation here.
Pictured in the upper right: Opal M. Jones, President & CEO of DOORWAYS, officially cuts the ribbon to open the campu. Joining her were, from left, Senator Karla May; Representative LaKeySha Bosley; Gene Pulliam, chair of the DOORWAYS Board of Directors; Opal M. Jones; Senator Steven Roberts; Health Commissioner Victoria Anwuri representing the St. Louis Director of Health, Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis; and Mary Schoolman, co-chair of the DOORWAYS capital campaign. The second row from left: Nahuel Fefer, Executive Director, Community Development Administration; Dr. Yusef Scoggin, the St. Louis Director of Human Services; and John Beatty, the co-chair of the DOORWAYS capital campaign.
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Pictured above is the Kehinde Wiley statue, Rumors of War. Below is the Welcome Center client waiting area. | |
Pictured above is a typical one-bedroom apartment in the Comprehensive Flexible Housing building. Below is the Community Media Classroom offering space for skill-building sessions for clients and community partners. | |
Pictured above are members of the Red and Black Brass Band who welcomed guests to the Grand Opening. As part of the heritage of DOORWAYS, faith members of the DOORWAYS Board opened event with an interfaith blessing. | |
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Gary Mudd - PROMO Honoree
We are excited to announce that our Chief Financial Officer, Gary Mudd, CPA, was honored for his legacy of service, leadership, and commitment to LGBTQ+ equality and HIV advocacy in Missouri. Gary received the Champion Award on Sunday October 16, at the Brunch of Champions sponsored by PROMO, an organization focused on ending discrimination, oppression, and systemic inequities of the LGBTQ+ community in Missouri. The event gathered LGBTQ+ supporters, community and business leaders, politicians, and Missourians from all backgrounds to recognize the work of outstanding Champions for Equality.
Gary was selected to receive the 2022 PROMO Champion Award for his many years of volunteer involvement in the organization, serving on the board, as an officer, and as a dedicated member. He was instrumental in building the PROMO Fund that provides PROMO with unprecedented financial sustainability, allowing long-term strategic planning that assures ongoing advocacy for the Missouri LGBTQ+ community into the future.
This Champion Award also recognizes his dedication to the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV in his professional life. As the CFO of DOORWAYS, Gary works tirelessly to assure fiscal efficiency and effectiveness at an agency that assists people battling homelessness, poverty, and illness from HIV. “His financial expertise is essential in the delivery of life-saving services to clients as well as the operation of a stable agency able to employ nearly 80 staff who provide compassionate care and resources to our clients and their families,” noted Opal M. Jones, CEO of DOORWAYS. “With long hours serving the DOORWAYS community, he also dedicates his personal life to the pursuit of equity for people in the LGBTQ+ community experiencing oppression and fear.”
DOORWAYS congratulates Gary on this well-deserved recognition, which has not only positively impacted the LGBTQ+ community thus far but will for many years to come. Gary will leave a legacy of altruism and advances for people marginalized by stigma and ignorance. Congratulations!
Pictured Above: Katy Erker-Lynch, Chief Financial Officer, Gary Mudd, and Steph Perkins
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BYOBoo Trivia Night Hosted By Friends In Deed
DOORWAYS held its annual BYOBoo Trivia Night Saturday, October 22, at the Glazier's Union Hall. A room full of trivia enthusiasts and supporters enjoyed ten rounds of Halloween inspired trivia. Guests also played Dead or Alive and Heads Or Tails in between trivia rounds. Tim Bono, Friends In Deed leader, returned for his fifth year as Master of Ceremonies and also designed and wrote the trivia game adding his own Halloween twist to the evening as Superman. Congratulations goes out to the Gfaller team "Rome, If You Want To" for winning a tied game by correctly guessing their estimated final score to win over their competitors.
Thank you to our VIP Sponsor - BJC HealthCare and BOO! Sponsor Commerce Bank for their support. A special thank you goes out to round sponsors: Accenture, Bank Of America, Brave, Inc., Crescent Parts, Ron Jagels - Edward Jones, Ian Mackey/State Representative - District 87, Metropolitan Community Church, Prismatic Events, and Will Electronics. This nearly sold-out evening featuring a 50/50 raffle, pick-a-prize raffle, wine pull and a couple of mini games raised much needed funds in support of those affected by HIV and homelessness in our community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and supported the event. We can't wait to see what Friends In Deed comes up with for next year's spooktacular event!
To learn more about Friends In Deed, contact Jim Timmerberg at 314-328-2705 or jtimmerberg@doorwayshousing.org
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The room was filled with eager DOORWAYS supporters and trivia enthusiasts, creating a fun and competitive environment. Our Trivia Master and the dedicated judges kept the evening progressing at a fun and steady pace. | |
Many guests embraced the Halloween theme by decorating their tables and participating in the costume contest. | |
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Board Member and Friends In Deed Leader, Colin Keller's mother created spooktacular haunted house table centerpieces that went home with eager donors at the end of the evening.
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Spotlight - Volunteer Program
Hi everyone – My name is Jonny Bangser, I am beyond excited to be joining DOORWAYS as the Administrative and Volunteer Coordinator! I’ve been living in St. Louis since 2017, after moving from my hometown of Bethesda, MD to start college at Washington University. I graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management and Psychology, then quickly realized that I was attached to this city and wasn’t ready to leave. I stuck around and served as an Admissions Counselor at the WashU campus the next year. I am so grateful for the opportunity to now turn my focus inwards towards the St. Louis community and serve in a role that will help improve the lives of those around me who need it most.
With that being said, much of this impact will only be possible thanks to the help of our amazing volunteers! DOORWAYS is getting ready to revamp its volunteer program in conjunction with the grand opening of the Jefferson Avenue Campus, and we would be thrilled to welcome you as a part of the team, whether you are a familiar face or just hearing about the DOORWAYS Volunteer Program for the first time.
This is a particularly exciting time to come in and help out, with the organization undergoing major upgrades and developing new resources such as the Provisions Pantry and 50-unit housing building. There will be plenty of one-time and recurring volunteer opportunities throughout the year, so please do not hesitate to reach out to me at jbangser@doorwayshousing.org to learn more. Thank you!
For general volunteer information please visit our website Volunteer page here.
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TRUE Community Theatre
Friday, November 4 and Saturday, November 5 TRUE Community Theatre will present a Fall Shorts Festival featuring nine short plays that includes both light and dark comedy, drama, and provocative subject matter. This production is recommended for mature audiences. All nine plays will be featured both nights.
Event proceeds will benefit DOORWAYS and its mission.
Click Here For Ticket Information
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DOORWAYS - RED 2023
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
DOORWAYS annual RED Gala is set for Saturday, February 18, 2023. RED is DOORWAYS largest fundraiser of the year and one of the most fun galas in St. Louis. Mark your calendar now. Watch your mail and email for an invitation to join the RED Dinner Committee. More details to come...
Sponsorships available now by contacting Director of Development, Jim Timmerberg at jtimmerberg@doorwayshousing.org
Past Photos from Roaring RED 2022
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Thank you for your ongoing support! | | |
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DOORWAYS is an interfaith non-profit organization which provides housing and related supportive services to improve quality of life and health outcomes for people affected by HIV/AIDS. | |
DOORWAYS, an IRC 501(c)3 tax-exempt Missouri nonprofit corporation, is registered to solicit funds for charitable purposes in Missouri and Illinois. DOORWAYS only solicits such charitable contributions in MO and IL. | | | | | |
