ALTBALL, Participant Survey, Volunteer Corner, and More

May 2025 - HOPE LIVES HERE

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ALTBALL 2025: A Night to Remember, A Community to Celebrate

On May 15th, a circus tent in St. Louis’ Midtown became the stage for bold fashion, fierce performance, and unapologetic self-expression. This year’s theme—RINGLEADER—turned the big top into an elevated circus spectacle, blending high fashion, theatrical flair, and fearless individuality.

Over 25 designers pushed the boundaries of avant-garde fashion, joined by special guests Mondo Guerra (Project Runway) and Crystal Methyd (RuPaul’s Drag Race), a high-energy opening from Kode Redd Dance Company, and a show-stopping Circus Berzerkus ball by The TENS Experience.

It was more than a show—it was a vibe.

ALTBALL sold out weeks in advance and has solidified its place as a must-attend celebration of artistry, community, and resilience. A brief rain shower just before showtime felt poetic—clearing the way for something magical.

From the explosive opening act to the final strut, ALTBALL 2025 delivered something unforgettable—powered by a community that shows up and believes in the power of creative expression.

Special thanks to DOORWAYS Board Member Chris Lintz, whose vision and leadership made it possible, along with Haliday Douglas and Max Maxedon, who helped shape every detail of the event.

We’re also grateful to the Fourth City Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and all of our incredible volunteers who welcomed guests, assisted with seating, managed merchandise, and brought an energy that made the night special.

Part of this year's ALTBALL experience was a discussion panel held the following day at the Missouri History Museum - "Sewing Change" was a conversation among Mondo Guerra, Ted Kerr, Maxi Glamour, Roseann Weiss, moderated by Susan Barrett, exploring the intersection of fashion, creative communities, and HIV/AIDS activism. Unfortunately, the panel was cut short and subsequently canceled due to the May 16 tornado that passed over the history museum.

Check out the fabulous recap video by Miss-n-Scene Productions of ALTBALL here.

Thank you also to our on-site photographers: Be Lovely Photography, Elise Dunn, Joan Fisher, and Keith Brake, for capturing so many incredible moments throughout the event.

Thank you to everyone who was part of the ALTBALL experience this year.

We’ll see you on the runway next time.

ALTBALL.com

Members of the Fourth City Sisters, Abbey of the Glittering Arch, and SOIL Sisters attended and volunteered, bringing their signature sparkle and community spirit to the event.

ALTBALL designer and model Maxi Glamour commands the runway with signature style and presence.

Members of Kode Redd Dance kicked off the show with a dynamic performance, energizing the crowd of nearly 500 attendees.

This group fully embraced the circus theme of the night—showing up in style and ready to be part of the experience.

ALTBALL was thrilled to welcome designer Mondo Guerra and Crystal Methyd to this year’s event. Not only did they shine alongside an incredible lineup of designers, models, and performers—they also took part in several special ALTBALL activities beyond the main event.

A fabulous, fashion-filled night awaits these guests—ready to take in the spectacle in style.

Tielere Cheatem served as the “ringleader” in a stunning gown designed by Manolo Bouvier Garcia—with a powerful nod to the cause woven into every detail.

Fashion and fun took center stage in many of the evening’s vibrant, circus-themed designs.

Although the discussion panel at the Missouri History Museum was cut short, it began with a powerful conversation exploring the connection between design and HIV/AIDS activism.

Annual Client Satisfaction Survey

Each year, DOORWAYS conducts an agency-wide Participant Satisfaction Survey to better understand the experiences and needs of those we serve. This survey provides a vital opportunity for program participants to share honest feedback on their interactions with staff, the services they receive, and how our support has impacted their health, knowledge, and outlook on the future.

The survey is conducted anonymously and distributed via mail and email, with follow-up reminders to encourage participation. Residents of Cooper House, Allen House, and Elliott Place received printed surveys delivered in person.

This year, 917 participants, representing the head of household receiving housing assistance and having a phone number or email on file, were invited to take part. As a thank-you, clients who completed the survey were entered into a raffle to win one of two $50 gift cards.

We are deeply grateful to every participant who took the time to share their voice. This input helps us grow, adapt, and better fulfill our mission to provide housing and support with dignity and care.

The survey asks respondents to rate twelve questions within a range of 5 answers from Completely Agree to Completely Disagree. Some of the questions that were asked included:

Overall, how satisfied are you with the services you received?
I feel respected by the staff.
Staff are knowledgeable about the resources available that I may need.
Staff have helped me get the services I need.
I am more hopeful about my future because of the services I received.
With the help of the staff, I have adopted healthier behaviors (eating healthier, regular doctor visits).
With the help of the staff, I am taking my medication consistently.

Overall, the respondents scored the programs and staff in the majority as completely agree.

A few client quotes:

“Staff work well with my doctors and my other case managers.”

"Doorways apartments are very nice and set up right. It’s a good place to live for disabled people with limited income.”

“You saved my life and allowed me to have a life.”

Volunteer Corner

This past month, we’re proud to highlight the time and care our volunteers poured into Cooper House and the Jefferson Avenue Campus (Allen House and Elliott Place).

At DOORWAYS, we’re especially grateful for the many hands and hearts that support our mission—whether it's individual volunteers, group and corporate teams, pantry helpers, event crews, or our dedicated weekly regulars.

Thank you to every volunteer who supports DOORWAYS and allows us to focus on our mission of providing Housing, Health, and Hope. Thank you for showing up, pitching in, and making a difference. We couldn’t do it without you!

Washington University’s sophomore honorary society, Lock & Chain, hosted a Sip & Paint event that brought together residents of the Jefferson Campus for a fun and creative afternoon.

Members of the Friends In Deed group, along with St. Louis’s Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), spent a day in the Cooper House memorial garden, giving it a fresh, beautiful update for spring.

Sherwin-Williams of St. Louis gave the walls of Allen House a fresh look with a generous donation of paint and time.

DOORWAYS Volunteer Program is fortunate to have a diverse and dedicated volunteer community that generously contributes to our mission. Our volunteer community comprises 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 or to volunteer, please contact Volunteer Coordinator: Maria Simkeviciute at msimkeviciute@doorwayshousing.org or by phone at 314-328-2690.

EVENT INFORMATION

GIVE STL Day Update

THANK YOU to all who joined us this year helping DOORWAYS raise more than $5,200 this year!

Another Give STL Day has passed. Held in May, Give STL Day is an annual 24-hour online day of giving event, designed to ignite the spirit of giving across the region. Since its inception in 2014, Give STL Day has raised over $30 million for more than 1,100 regional nonprofits.

Current Job Opportunities

DOORWAYS is always on the lookout 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:

LPN*

PRN CNA

*These positions include a $2,500 sign-on bonus after successfully completing 90 days of employment.

JEFFERSON AVENUE CAMPUS:

Accounting Manager

Clinic Office Manager

Housing Resource Specialist

Residential Program Assistant

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 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 | 314-535-1919 | info@doorwayshousing.org | www.doorwayshousing.org

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.