OCTOBER 2026 - HOPE LIVES HERE | | |
Celebrating Our Volunteer Community
On Thursday, October 8, DOORWAYS hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation event, A Night of Gratitude, in the Community Room at the Jefferson Avenue Campus. The event provided an opportunity to recognize and thank the individual volunteers, corporate partners, and student groups whose generosity and dedication make a meaningful difference in our programs and the lives of those we serve.
The evening celebrated five outstanding honorees:
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Inspiring Minds Award: Andrew Cresciullo — for mentoring children in the DOORWAYS After School Program, building positive relationships, and inspiring fellow football players to support youth through activities and holiday giving.
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Spirit of Service Award: Julie Ertmann — for her creativity, compassion, and versatile support of DOORWAYS programs and residents, from community gardening and administrative assistance to leading arts, crafts, and activities that foster connection and belonging.
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Youth Enrichment Award: Bright Roots (Saint Louis University) — for leading creative activities that promote self-esteem, teamwork, and emotional well-being, helping children in the DOORWAYS After School Program recognize their strengths and build confidence.
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Partner in Service Award: Sherwin-Williams — for their generous donations, hands-on volunteerism, and partnership in transforming spaces at Allen House, Cooper House, and the Mama/Kaya Learning Center since 2024.
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Heart in Service Award: Todd Alan — for his weekly Food Pantry service, coordinating community donations, leading care package drives that reached more than 250 participants, and bringing joy to residents through his generosity and ice cream truck visits.
Residential Program Client Service and Housing Coordinator Nathan Rynders presented the individual and group awards, President & CEO Opal M. Jones presented the Partner in Service and Heart in Service Awards, and Board Member and Friends In Deed Leader Chris Lintz reflected on the importance of volunteerism and community involvement.
The evening celebrated the impact of 505 individual volunteers, including 15 volunteer groups, who generously shared their time and talents across DOORWAYS campuses. Their dedication and compassion continue to strengthen our programs and make our mission possible. Our volunteers truly are the heartbeat of DOORWAYS.
| | Inspiring Minds: President & CEO, Opal M. Jones, Honoree Andrew Cresciullo, and Residential Coordinator Nathan Rynders. | | Spirit of Service: President & CEO, Opal M. Jones, Honoree Julie Ertmann, and Volunteer Coordinator Maria Simkeviciute. | | Youth Enrichment: President & CEO, Opal M. Jones, Honoree Group Bright Roots of SLU, and Residential Coordinator Nathan Rynders. | | Partner in Service: President & CEO, Opal M. Jones and Honoree Group from Sherwin-Williams. | | Heart in Service: President & CEO Opal M. Jones and Honoree Todd Alan. | | Board Member, Friends In Deed leader, and ALTBALL co-creator Chris Lintz shares his volunteer experiences with attendees. | | DOORWAYS Board members and Friends In Deed members proudly gathered to honor and celebrate the volunteers whose dedication and generosity strengthen our mission. | | The evening brought together a diverse community of volunteers, from event helpers and longtime DOORWAYS supporters to university students and corporate partners, all united by their commitment to our mission. | | DOORWAYS staff gathered to celebrate the volunteers whose time and talents have made a meaningful impact across departments and programs. | |
National Night Out Brings Community Together at Mama/Kaya
National Night Out is an annual community-building event that brings neighbors, residents, and community partners together to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of belonging. At DOORWAYS, the celebration at Mama/Kaya provided an opportunity for residents, children, and volunteers to enjoy an evening of fun, food, and connection.
The festivities featured favorite activities like the bounce house and bingo, with the much-anticipated cake walk bringing the evening to a sweet conclusion. Donated cakes and desserts from generous supporters and DOORWAYS staff helped make this resident-favorite tradition possible.
Wells Fargo helped make the event a success by providing dinner for residents and children and lending a hand throughout the celebration. Their generosity, along with the contributions of individual volunteers, staff, and dessert donors, helped create a memorable evening filled with laughter and community spirit.
Thank you to everyone who helped make National Night Out at Mama/Kaya a special occasion for our residents and families!
| | Wells Fargo volunteers have been a dedicated part of DOORWAYS family activities, generously sharing their time and energy to help make community events special for residents and children. | | The bounce house is a popular feature of National Night Out, giving children at Mama/Kaya an opportunity to play and enjoy the festivities. | | Residents gathered in a newly refreshed community room for bingo, enjoying friendly competition, prizes, and an opportunity to strengthen connections with their neighbors. | | Individual and corporate volunteers helped serve dinner to residents during National Night Out, supporting an evening of community and connection. | | Student volunteers from SLU and WashU, many of whom also serve as tutors at Mama/Kaya, contributed their time and support to make the evening a meaningful community event. | | The annual cake walk remains a resident favorite, thanks to the generosity of donors and staff who ensure everyone takes home a sweet treat. | |
DOORWAYS Connects with Community at Tower Grove Pride
DOORWAYS was proud to host a booth at the Tower Grove Pride Festival during the last weekend of September. Throughout the event, familiar faces and new friends stopped by to connect with our team, learn more about our mission, and discover the programs and services offered through both DOORWAYS and Key Clinic.
It was a wonderful weekend filled with meaningful conversations, new connections, and community pride. We enjoyed sharing information about our work and meeting so many people who believe in the importance of the services we provide. Events like Tower Grove Pride remind us of the power of community and how every conversation can open the door to greater understanding, connection, and support.
| | DOORWAYS volunteers and Key Clinic staff connected with festivalgoers at Tower Grove Pride, sharing information about DOORWAYS and Key Clinic. | | Spreading love and learning! DOORWAYS staff and volunteers had amazing conversations with festival-goers at this years Tower Grove Pride Festival. | | Festivalgoers tried their luck at Plinko for a chance to "win" DOORWAYS-branded merchandise and colorful rainbow gear. | | |
Client and Program Participant quotes offer a meaningful look at the impact of our work. Their words of gratitude, hope, and resilience remind us why we do what we do and how DOORWAYS provides more than services, we offer stability, support, and the opportunity for lasting change.
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Volunteer Connection
At DOORWAYS, we’re grateful for the individuals, corporate teams, pantry supporters, event crews, and weekly volunteers who make our mission possible. Their time, compassion, and dedication support our staff, connect with residents, and bring hope to those we serve.
Thank you for helping DOORWAYS provide Housing, Health, and Hope. We couldn’t do it without you!
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The 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.
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UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION | |
ALMOST SOLD OUT
GET YOUR TABLE NOW
ByoBOO Trivia - Saturday, October 24
Friends In Deed ByoBOO! Trivia Night on Saturday, October 24, at the Glazier’s Union Hall on Hampton Ave. and I-44.
Get your table NOW and gather your team! A table for 8 is only $200.
Tables are almost sold out; don't wait to lock in your seats!
Support the event. Round Sponsorships are still available only $500.
For sponsorship information, contact Jim Timmerberg at jtimmerberg@doorwayshousing.org
TABLES STILL AVAILABLE NOW at www.doorwaysevents.org
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REMINDER: Resident Holiday Gift Giving Coming in November
The holiday season is approaching, and DOORWAYS invites you to help make it brighter for the individuals and families we serve.
Every day, DOORWAYS provides housing, health services, and hope to more than 3,100 people living with the impact of HIV. For many of our residential families, the holidays can be a particularly challenging time. Your generosity can help bring comfort, joy, and a reminder that their community cares.
Save the season for giving! Links to resident holiday wish lists will be released next month. Check our social media channels and DOORWAYS Dispatch for details on how you can participate in this annual tradition of giving.
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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:
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COOPER HOUSE:
CNA - Evenings & PRN (All Shifts)
Cook
LPN Evenings and PRN (All Shifts)
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JEFFERSON AVENUE CAMPUS:
Building and Grounds Specialist (Floating)
Resident Advocate - Weekends/PRN
Substance Use Counselor
KEY CLINIC: NP/PA (Part-Time)
| | A list of the current job opportunities and their descriptions can be found on our website here. | | | | |
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.
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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. | | | | |
