35 YEARS STRONG

For 35 years DOORWAYS has been part of a community of dedicated organizations who have served people affected by HIV/AIDS in the St. Louis Metro community including Food Outreach and Vivent Health (formerly St. Louis Effort For AIDS). Since taking on its first client in 1988, DOORWAYS’ mission of providing housing and related supportive services has held strong and continues to adapt to a changing client base and their particular housing needs. Through the end of the year we will be highlighting some of the historical and noteworthy moments and aspects of our history via the DOORWAYS DISPATCH and social media.

If you have not done so yet, be sure to connect with us and like us on Facebook here!

SPOTLIGHT: Brendan Lally, CFH Practicum Student

“I have overcome many obstacles and personal struggles in my life thanks to help from others, so my passion is to advocate for humans during their most challenging times,” commented Brendan Lally, a current student in the Bachelor of Social Work program at the University of Missouri – Saint Louis (UMSL) who is completing his practicum at DOORWAYS within the Comprehensive Flexible Housing Program this year.

Brendan chose DOORWAYS as his service site, since the agency assists people battling multiple life-limiting challenges that seem insurmountable: homelessness, illness from HIV and other chronic conditions, mental health and substance use issues, physical disabilities, gaps in knowledge and resources created by a legacy of poverty and lacking support system. Having himself been homeless at one time, he recognizes that a place to live is the first step towards rebuilding lives.

Brendan assists DOORWAYS clients in finding a stable home. “If working alone, these folks may feel it is impossible to secure housing due to their history of evictions, garnishments, poor credit, bankruptcies, criminal records, lack of income/employment, and so forth. In this practicum, I advocate for DOORWAYS clients with landlords, focusing on client strengths and potential that can only advance and thrive with stable housing.”

Brendan describes DOORWAYS as a lifeline, possibly the only one clients are able to cling to at the moment. He explained, “For many it is a promise of a future, stability, and opportunity. For many it is a beacon of safety. For many it is home.” 



After Brendan graduates with a Bachelor of Social Work from UMSL in December 2023, he will immediately transition into the UMSL Master of Social Work program. His career goals include advocating for HIV prevention and wellness for those already affected by HIV. “I’ve known about DOORWAYS for more than 20 years. Seeing the impact this agency has on the community, I hope to work as an HIV medical case manager or a social worker managing pediatric gender-affirming care,” he stated. In asking Brendan about the current political climate surrounding transgender issues, he noted the concerns and uncertainty spreading for this population deepens his conviction to advocate for them as a social worker supporting patients and families in a gender clinic.

Pat Plumley, Chief Program Officer, recognizes the contributions Brendan has made to DOORWAYS and its clients. “I have managed practicum students for many years. Brendan’s insights and personal journey allow him to connect on a deeper level with clients.” Brendan agreed. “My lived experiences are valuable in this field and might help others grow in their own way as well. My past does not define me nor limit me, and I hope to pass that hope to those I serve.” 

Faith-ful Roots

Thirty-five years ago DOORWAYS was founded based on a statement made by Archbishop John May in 1986, who said "The only appropriate response from the community of faith to people with AIDS is compassionate care." The inter-faith roots at DOORWAYS run deep. In 1988 leaders representing seven major faith groups: Catholic, Jewish, United Church of Christ, Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist, and Presbyterian came together to provide a foundation on which community leaders could develop and build DOORWAYS. We embrace our interfaith heritage that continues to provide a guiding influence over our programs and policies.

The opportunity to share our mission and tell our stories to members of faith-based communities helps to keep us connected to our interfaith beginnings. Opal M. Jones, President and CEO and Jim Timmerberg, Director of Development often speak at many of the congregations that provide support. DOORWAYS also participates in annual conferences and gatherings with the United Church of Christ and is a regular attendee of the United Methodist Church's Annual Conference.

DOORWAYS is blessed to have members of several congregations supporting our residents with activities. For the last six years residents and staff of Cooper House have been treated to several BBQ lunches thanks to the generosity of Webster Groves Christian Church, Union Avenue Christian Church, Memorial Boulevard Christian Church and Centennial Christian Church. These groups not only bring their culinary delights and delicious desserts to share with residents and staff they bring their compassion. DOORWAYS is grateful that so many people from local churches support us by volunteering weekly, annually, and at other fundraising events.

Art on Jefferson

The DOORWAYS Jefferson Avenue Campus is one of the first revitalization projects recently completed in north St. Louis City.

With the awareness that the new campus would have a visual presence on Jefferson Avenue, the original architectural design provided space for a piece of public art. DOORWAYS, through a generous long-term loan from the St. Louis-based Gateway Foundation, received a sculpture by famed visual artist Kehinde Wiley as a permanent installation on the campus. The sculpture titled Rumors of War established the campus as a landmark in public art and social consciousness. As one of the 20 must-see sculptures in St. Louis, Rumors of War was recently featured in the Regional Arts Commission’s newly launched arts website www.stlouisarts.org.

Cultural and artistic influences also exist within the campus buildings as well. With help from DOORWAYS supporter and local artist, Tim Glastetter, the agency was introduced to a consortium of artists from the St. Louis Artists' Guild who were participating in Salon Saint Louis, a gathering of nearly 100 skilled international artists, let by St. Louis artist Margaret Von Kaenel. Together they created a one of kind large-scale mural titled Hope Lives Here to be displayed on the new campus. The colorful and impactful mural now hangs on a prominent wall in the Administration building greeting guests and staff as they enter.

For further information about either of these cultural pieces or a tour of the Jefferson Avenue Campus, please contact Jim Timmerberg, Director of Development, at jtimmerberg@doorwayshousing.org. 

Loafing with Friends In Deed

Friends In Deed is hosting an event to raise funds to help restock the sheets, towels, pillows, blankets, pots and pans, and dishes needed for new residents to call a house a home as they move into Allen House on the Jefferson Avenue Campus.

The fundraising event is on Sunday, August 13 from 4pm-6pm in the beautiful Central West Home of Phillip Lyall and Sean Whelan. Come meet, mix, and mingle while enjoying artisanal flatbread from Union Loafers paired with wine and signature cocktails provided by Lazy Tiger. Tickets begin at $25.00. 

To RSVP please visit www.doorwaysevents.org 

SAVE THE DATES

DOORWAYS Annual Meeting - Wednesday, September 13

The DOORWAYS Annual Meeting is an opportunity for us to gather to honor and thank the many volunteers and donors who support DOORWAYS throughout the year. This year’s event will be held, Wednesday, September 13, in the Community Room at the Jefferson Avenue Campus. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend - more information will be coming soon.

BYOBoo Trivia - Saturday, October 21

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Friends In Deed ByoBOO! Trivia Night returns on Saturday, October 21 at the Glazier’s Union Hall on Hampton Ave. near I-44. Watch this space as more details about this popular Fall/Halloween inspired trivia night are posted.

Queen of Hearts Raffle...Continues

The Famous Bar, tucked away just a few blocks from the intersection of Chippewa and S. Kingshighway, has designated DOORWAYS as the recipient of 25% of the final jackpot from their Queen of Hearts Raffle*. Raffle tickets are sold every Tuesday from 5:00 – 7:00 PM for $1.00 each, there is no limit to the number of tickets that may be purchased. You must be present to win. The current jackpot is over $3,000.

Please visit and support those who support us! 

The Famous Bar

5213 Chippewa Street

St. Louis, MO 63109