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2024 DOORWAYS Annual Meeting


The DOORWAYS Annual Meeting was held Tuesday, September 10 in the Community Room at the Jefferson Avenue Campus. The event, which has been part of DOORWAYS history for the last 31 years, provides an opportunity to honor and thank those many volunteers who support DOORWAYS throughout the year and to announce the new board slate of officers, welcome new board members and acknowledge those members whose terms are completed. 

This occasion is also used to recognize and honor three outstanding volunteers with the agency’s three highest honors: The Michael Edlin Award, named for a founding board member; the Generosity Award and the Volunteer Award.


Honored with the 2024 Michael Edlin Award was Reverend Dr. Jeff Moore. Jeff has served on the boards of several nonprofits focused on housing, poverty, food security, and education, notably DOORWAYS, where he has been actively involved for many years. He has provided a chaplaincy and pastoral care presence at DOORWAYS for the past 10 years, meeting and speaking with residents, clients, and staff at multiple DOORWAYS facilities. Reverend Moore is such a part of the fabric of Cooper House that, often, when a resident passes, he is called upon to conduct memorial services and provide comfort to the grieving. He has provided training sessions on HIV for Board members, staff, and residents, and supervises student chaplains at Cooper House from Eden Theological Seminary and multiple Clinical Pastoral Education programs.

 

The Generosity Award was presented to Michael Brave for his past and ongoing thoughtfulness and generosity. Currently, Michael serves on the Board of Directors, where he chairs the Facilities Committee and has been instrumental in the development of the Jefferson Avenue project. He is also actively involved with the Safety Committee. He has contributed to numerous endeavors, such as the ByoBOO Trivia Night, ALTBALL, and has, for several years, hosted multiple Patron tables at RED. For many years, he has co-chaired the RED Raffle Committee, donated items for raffles and auctions, and served on the Host Committee. Additionally, he has generously backed the Beyond Tonight Capital Campaign and the Housewarming Campaign to benefit Allen House residents. The list of his contributions goes on and on.

 

The Volunteer Award was presented to Lila Daus. Lila has clocked in a remarkable 337 volunteer hours over the past year. She has been involved in various initiatives such as volunteering at the RED Gala, participating in Mama Kaya Children’s Summer Camp, walking in the Pride St. Louis parade, attending baseball games with residents of Cooper House, and assisting with emergency housing and pantry needs. Most Wednesdays, you can find her in the main Jefferson Avenue campus pantry, where she has devoted much of her time and effort. Since day one, Lila has committed herself to the growth and development of the Provisions Pantry, ensuring that our residents have access to fresh food and other essentials. Lila is always available whenever there is a need or a volunteer opportunity. 

President & CEO, Opal M. Jones, with Michael Edlin Honoree Rev. Dr. Jeff Moore and Board Chair, Steven M. Scott.

Attendees at the Annual Meeting had a perfect evening on the terrace to enjoy community with other DOORWAYS supporters.

President & CEO, Opal M. Jones, with Generosity Honoree Michael Brave and Board Chair, Steven M. Scott.



The evening program included a mission moment featuring the screening of the most recent client video produced by our friends at Once Films.

President & CEO, Opal M. Jones, with Volunteer Honoree Lila Daus and Board Chair, Steven M. Scott.



Pictured are long-time supporters, Rev. Richard Ellerbrake and Jerry Birkhead.

DOORWAYS Presents at USCHA

  

The United States Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA) draws thousands of individuals to tackle the issue of HIV/AIDS in the United States. Renowned for its networking opportunities, the conference unites stakeholders from various sectors of healthcare and the HIV community.

 

DOORWAYS had the opportunity to present, not once but twice, during the two-day annual event, held this year in New Orleans.

 

Opal M. Jones, President and CEO, and Gary Mudd, CFO, presented during a session on Friday as part of the National HIV/AIDS Housing Coalition (NHAHC) presentation - Expanding Housing for People Living With HIV (PLWH) - Strategies and Initiatives aimed at increasing housing access for people living with HIV. DOORWAYS was honored to be part of the NHAHC discussion for our housing expertise.

 

On Saturday, DOORWAYS hosted an interactive workshop entitled - DOORWAYS Jefferson Campus - The Journey of Expansion to address SDOH (Social Determinates of Health). In the workshop, Opal and Gary provided insight on the various strategies they used to raise funds from public and private sources through a capital campaign including explanations of how to select consultants, the importance of selecting the building site, strategies for funding and funding sources, and lessons learned from the experience.

 

DOORWAYS is excited for any opportunity to share our knowledge and experiences with the community at-large demonstrating that by focusing on the SDOH, that includes housing, together we can provide People Living With HIV (PLWH) with the service they need with dignity, and, ultimately, end the HIV epidemic.

Accomplishments and Staff Honors

 

Congratulations to our remarkable Cooper House Administrator, Samantha Donovan, LNHA! Known fondly as Donovan, she has recently achieved her Nursing Home Administrator License.

 

Donovan began her journey with DOORWAYS in 2017 as part of the Own Home Program. Her passion for growth and education led her to become the Residential Program Director at the end of 2019. In May 2024, when the opportunity arose, she eagerly applied for the Administrator position at Cooper House.

 

As a certified supportive housing facility, Cooper House requires a licensed Nursing Home Administrator to operate. Obtaining the LNHA license necessitates a bachelor’s degree, experience in a healthcare setting, completion of a training program, and passing both national and state examinations. Despite already possessing an MBA, Donovan was enthusiastic about expanding her professional expertise through this new certification.

 

Last Thursday, the Cooper House staff threw a surprise celebration for Donovan to honor her significant achievement. Everyone at DOORWAYS is immensely proud of her accomplishments and confident that she will provide exceptional care for the residents at Cooper House. 


CONGRATULATIONS DONOVAN!

DOORWAYS Recognizes Outgoing Board Members, Welcomes New Board Members


Each year, several DOORWAYS Board of Directors members roll off the board and new board members are installed. This year the following board members completed their terms: Rabbi Elizabeth Hersh and Reverend Kathleen Wilder. Each has provided their time, unique talents, and contributions to help DOORWAYS fulfill its mission.

 

"We are very grateful to these board members for their years of service and look forward to their continued involvement in many other capacities," noted Opal M. Jones, President & CEO.

 

Please welcome our new board members:

 

·    Shirley Adams seeks to dedicate her life to guiding people through their journey to life balance and health. As a licensed massage therapist and aesthetician, she helps people reduce stress, relieve pain, and energize overall wellness.

·    E-P. Barrette, MD, FIDSA, FACP is the Medical Director of the HIV and Virology Clinic in the Department of Internal Medicine’s Infectious Diseases Division. Dr. Barrette specializes in the primary care of patients living with HIV infection and AIDS. He is active in advocacy on the national level with the Ryan White Medical Providers Coalition (RWMPC) of the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) and chairs Missouri’s chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP) Health and Public Policy Committee. He currently serves on the HIV Medical Association (HIVMA) board.

·    Reverend Lauren Bennett is the Lead Pastor at the Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis. In this role, she serves as a preacher, spiritual leader, and champion for social justice and community advocacy within and beyond the church walls.

·    Tony Corey is a retired community member. For the past 12 years, Tony has been active in racial awareness growth and equity efforts through the Episcopal church and is a member of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri’s Dismantling Racism Commission. Tony founded a racial justice team at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Creve Coeur.  

·    Chester List, MBA, CPA is Managing Partner at Morice, List & Associates, LLC.

·    David Lipovics is Senior Vice President and Head of Institutional Markets at Reinsurance Group of America, Inc. (RGA). Operating on the core belief that everyone deserves a longer, more fulfilling life.

·    Carmen Manning is a Home Health Aide at Point of Change Ministries in St. Louis. She shares her compassion, kindness, and energy with elderly clients as she assists them with activities of daily living. 

 

"The DOORWAYS Board of Directors provides governance and oversight," Opal M. Jones, noted. "Each board member brings insightful leadership and is extremely valuable to the agency’s ability to meet the needs of our clients.” 

Volunteer "Corner" - Giving Honors


A significant part of the Annual Meeting focused on acknowledging the individuals and groups of volunteers who have given their time and talent to ensure that DOORWAYS can continue its mission.

 

Volunteer Coordinator, Jerry Dickneite, presented certificates of honor to volunteers in four different categories: Long Distance Honorees (volunteers who traveled here from other cities or states), Every Child's Voice Honorees (Learning Center Volunteers), 100+ Hour Volunteers, and Corporate Employee Resource Groups.

 

DOORWAYS is fortunate to have a diverse and dedicated volunteer community who generously contribute to our mission. Our volunteer community is comprised of individuals and groups from various social, religious, cultural, and educational backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to giving back.

 

We are grateful for all the dedicated individuals and groups who help us achieve our goals by lending their time and talents to support our residents and programs.

 

For more information please contact our Volunteer Coordinator: Jerry Dickneite at jdickneite@doorwayshousing.org or by phone at 314-328-2690

Volunteers from Bank of America were among the many corporate Employee Resource Groups being honored.

Volunteer Coordinator, Jerry Dickneite, presented volunteer appreciation certificates.

Abstrakt Marketing volunteered this summer at Cooper House and then returned again, during their Annual Give Back Day, to assist at some of the other properties.

Above: During two visits, volunteers from Sherwin-Williams brightened the Cooper House hallways with fresh coats of paint.

 

Below: SLU Project - Gateway To Health, represented by Rashil Jain, visited during the Thanksgiving holiday week and brought with them community, cards and cookies!

Above: The Fourth City Sisters of the Glittering Arch have been like a second family to the residents of Cooper House. The group visits regularly to entertain and support residents.

 

 Below: Emerson's Employee Resource Group made a meaningful and inclusive impact on our residents through their creative card-making initiative.

Current Cooper House Volunteer Opportunities:


  • Licensed Barbers/Stylists - Regularly provide haircuts to residents.
  • Licensed Yoga Instructor - Help residents improve their overall health and well-being while improving their flexibility.
  • Musical Artists - Share your musical talents with residents. The residents love music and love to be part of the experience. We are looking for piano players and guitarists to entertain and lead sing-alongs.

UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION

Tower Grove Pride


DOORWAYS will have a booth at Tower Grove Pride in Tower Grove Park the weekend of September 28-29. The festival is open Saturday, September 28, from 11 am-6 pm, and Sunday, September 29 from 11 am-5 pm. 

 

Tower Grove Pride is a community event open to all. The event features booths, entertainment, and food throughout the weekend, including the People’s Joy parade through the festival on Sunday. Please mark your calendars and plan to stop by and visit us.

 

There are still a few volunteer slots available to help assist with our booth at the festival. If you are available and interested in spending a couple of hours handing out DOORWAYS swag and brochures please visit www.doorwaysvolunteer.org to sign up!

ByoBOO Trivia - Saturday, October 19


MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Friends In Deed ByoBOO! Trivia Night returns on Saturday, October 19 at the Glazier’s Union Hall on Hampton Ave. near I-44. Doors open at 5:00 pm and the game begins at 6:00 pm.

 

Visit WWW.DOORWAYSEVENTS.ORG for tickets!

 

Join us for a spooktacular trivia night that promises an evening filled with fun and excitement! The event will feature 10 engaging rounds of 8 questions, each designed to test your knowledge. Complimentary beer from Urban Chestnut Brewing Company and free, freshly popped popcorn, but feel free to bring your own food and drink.

 

Participants will have the chance to win themed raffle baskets like the always popular BOOze Basket, or the Lottery Ticket basket. The evening also features a 50/50 and other traditional games like Dead or Alive, or Heads or Tails – be sure to bring your cash!! Additionally, don't miss out on our costume contest, where participants can showcase their creativity for a chance to win prizes for the best individual and group costumes. 

 

Gather your friends, don your best Halloween costumes, and prepare for a night filled with laughter, friendly competition, and plenty of festive spirit!

 

Visit WWW.DOORWAYSEVENTS.ORG for tickets!

 

For sponsorship information call Jim Timmerberg at 314-328-2705 or by email at jtimmerberg@doorwayshousing.org.

CURRENT SPONSORS

ByoBOO Sponsor - Crescent Parts


Current Job Opportunities


DOORWAYS is always looking for compassionate and dedicated people to join us in serving the community. Our services and programs continue to expand and so do our staffing needs. Below is a list of current open positions available agency-wide:

COOPER HOUSE:

Director of Nursing*

Executive Assistant

LPN*

PNR CNA

Resident Advocate (RA)

JEFFERSON AVENUE CAMPUS:

Client Service Coordinator

Maintenance Technician*

Outstate Housing Specialist (Columbia, MO)

Resident Advocate (RA)

*These positions include a $2,500 sign-on bonus after

successfully completing 90 days of employment.




A full list of current job opportunities and their descriptions can be found on our website here.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

www.DoorwaysHousing.org/donate

DOORWAYS improves the quality of life of people affected by HIV, illness, and poverty, advancing their stability and well-being through housing, health, and empowerment services.

 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.