DOORWAYS received a donation of seven Christmas trees ranging from 5.5' to 9' from the Target store in Belleville, IL. Thank you to the kindness of an employee who thought of DOORWAYS as they were taking down the display trees for the season and was able to arrange the donation. The trees arrived just in time to make the holiday brighter for a new Jumpstart family who had just joined the program and had arrived with very few possessions. The additional trees were distributed to clients in the Jumpstart and Residential Programs. (Pictured: Jumpstart Clients with Program Coordinator Kim Mosby center)

The Friends In Deed group celebrated the season by hosting a "Deck The Halls" holiday party. The group of more than twenty played holiday inspired games, created DOORWAYS-themed ornaments, shared some holiday cheer, took a tour of the new campus and ended the evening by decorating a tree at the new Jefferson Avenue Campus. Many thanks to event organizers, Jenny Giudici, Tracy Stone, and Chris Lintz, with special thanks to Colin Keller and his Mom, Patty Keller for supplying the tree and beautiful decorations.

The Residential Program held their annual Christmas Party for the residents and children at the Mama/Kaya Family Complex. During the party the children and their parents were treated to cookie decorating, holiday games, and an opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa Claus. “This annual event is a great opportunity for the residents and their families to come together, enjoy one another’s company and build a sense of community”, said Samantha Donovan, Residential Program Director. Development’s very own, Jim Timmerberg and Mike Mullins returned as Santa Claus and his Elf.

Clients Supported By 100 Neediest Cases Program

Each year, the United Way of Greater St. Louis and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch sponsor the St. Louis 100 Neediest Cases Program, which brightens the holidays for families in need. While only 100 of these cases are profiled in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, thousands of others are submitted by more than 50 area social service agencies. Two DOORWAYS clients were featured this year in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch 100 Neediest Article. The program makes every effort to assist each case in some way. 

DOORWAYS submitted cases from all of its housing programs. We are grateful that 109 of our clients received assistance totaling just over $33,500. According to Pat Plumley, our Chief Program Officer, the 100 Neediest Cases is an important component in our network of support. “While we assist clients 365 days a year, it’s wonderful to work with a program that specifically supports clients during the Christmas holiday.” 

The 100 Neediest Cases tradition began in the 1920s as a Christmas festival providing dinner and toys. In 1954, it became the 100 Neediest Cases Program when the United Way of Greater St. Louis and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch partnered to continue the program. Last year, annual donations to the campaign reached $1.3 million, up from $400 in 1922. Every dollar raised goes to help people. All administrative and fundraising costs are absorbed by United Way of Greater St. Louis and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 

The 100 Neediest Cases Program has achieved its mission for over 100 years! We wish to thank the United Way and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, plus all the volunteers who review cases and provide administrative assistance.

MasqueRED 2023 - A Mardi Gras Ball

Do you have your tickets yet? DOORWAYS annual RED Gala is Saturday, February 18, 2023 at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis. RED is DOORWAYS largest fundraiser of the year and one of the most fun galas in St. Louis. This year's theme is MasqueRED - Mardi Gras Ball, an elegant take on the traditional Mardi Gras celebration – grab your beads, feathers and masks!

Look for invitations in mailboxes soon. Don't wait for your invite! Tickets are available now!! For more information or to make your reservations please visit www.doorwaysred.org.

End of Year - Fiscal Year 22 Impact Report and Highlights

During this time of year, our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have helped make our progress possible. Please review our FY2022 Impact Report for highlights of the many successes during the year. Your commitment and support were vital to these accomplishments. The effort continues into the New Year. We look forward to partnering with you during 2023!

The following were some highlighted accomplishments for DOORWAYS during 2022.

• Cooper House continues to maximize their services to capacity and maintain 100% viral suppression with residents. Residents began individual therapy sessions through the Behavioral Health program with a reported 95% high satisfaction.

• Employment Services is up and running with 42 clients placed in either full- or part-time employment roles. Partnerships with a number of employment resources were established, including sources for interview clothing, financial literacy, and job skills training.

• The expansion of programs and services this past year for clients resulted in expanded staffing needs in a COVID environment. This allowed for the first DOORWAYS Virtual Job Fair to assist in finding compassionate and qualified candidates to help fill many open positions at the new Jefferson Avenue Campus. Due to the great response of the job fair by the time the new campus had opened all positions had been filled.

• On October 19, on what had been an almost 5 year project from idea to reality, the new Jefferson Avenue Campus opened and DOORWAYS stepped into its future with expanded services and the capacity to serve more clients than ever.

There are many more agency highlights featured in our FY 20222 Impact Report.

Thank you to the many philanthropic individuals and organizations that continue their support of our life-saving mission and programs that help stabilize clients, create hope, and a foundation for achieving a self-directed life!

MasqueRED 2023 Volunteers Needed

(multiple positions still available)

Each year we rely on our great crew of volunteers to

helps ensure RED's success. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at this fabulous event (training, dinner, and fun included!). Please visit DOORWAYSEVENTS.ORG to sign up.