June 2025 - HOPE LIVES HERE | |
Career Services Workshop - Entrepreneurship
The Career Services Program at DOORWAYS goes beyond resume building and job placement—it also focuses on personal development and fostering independent support systems. Last month, the program hosted an inspiring entrepreneurship workshop titled “Make Your Money Your Way.” This engaging event invited aspiring entrepreneurs and program participants to explore the possibilities of business ownership and financial independence.
Attendees heard from a dynamic panel of speakers, including an online business owner, a visual artist, local dessert shop owners, and a mental health professional. Each panelist shared their unique journey, offering practical insights and real-world strategies for turning passion into profit.
The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session, exciting raffle giveaways, and closing remarks that celebrated creativity, innovation, and the power of community-driven success.
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DOORWAYS Annual Staff Picnic
Staff members from both the Jefferson Avenue Campus and Cooper House gathered for a fun, western-themed afternoon picnic this past month.
With the opening of the Jefferson Avenue Campus over two years ago and ongoing staff expansion, events like this annual picnic offer a wonderful opportunity for team members to come together as one cohesive group, enjoying good food, great company, and a chance to connect with colleagues they may not interact with regularly.
Teams of staff also took part in lively western-themed games, including a "cattle" round-up, lassoing a “horse”, and some playful target practice with water guns—a perfect way to cool off on a warm spring day.
Yeehaw to team spirit and building community!
| | | The annual picnic brings together staff from different departments, and now, multiple campuses, for a fun and relaxed opportunity to connect and build camaraderie. | | Teams put their best cowboy skills to the test, rounding up 'cows' and herding them into the corral! | | What’s a western roundup without some lassoing? Turns out, our staff are great at teamwork... but maybe not quite ready for the rodeo just yet! | |
Keystone Appreciation Event
The DOORWAYS Keystone Society's annual appreciation event was held last week at the McDonnell Center at River Camp at the Saint Louis Zoo. Thank you to board member, Jonah Houts for hosting the event. Thank you for your generous support!
The event, attended by more than 70 guests, provided an opportunity to acknowledge and thank those individuals who are a vital part of the DOORWAYS family. Attendees enjoyed delicious hors d'oeuvres while mixing and mingling with others who believe in and support our mission. Opal M. Jones, President and CEO, spoke during the event and provided updates on the organization and upcoming projects coming up. Opal also invited Dr. Jim Hinrichs to provide an update on the new Key Clinic that is currently under development and will be located on the Jefferson Avenue Campus. The Key Clinic will be not only a resource for our program participants but also for the community at large. The clinic is slated to open this Fall.
Several Keystone Legacy Society members were also in attendance. Keystone Legacy Society members are donors who have designated DOORWAYS as part of their estate planning. Making a planned gift provides the agency with confidence and a sense of security for the future. A copy of the Keystone Society Legacy brochure can be found here.
Keystone Society members generously provide more than $200,000 annually to ensure that resources are available for those who desperately need them. Keystone Society memberships begin with an annual gift of $1,200 or more. If you would like to join the Keystone Society or are interested in learning more about becoming a Keystone Society Legacy member, please contact Development Director Jim Timmerberg at jtimmerberg@doorwayshousing.org or 314-328-2705.
| | This year’s Keystone Appreciation went wild at the Saint Louis Zoo! Keystone Society members get to enjoy fun perks like special events and well-deserved recognition for their incredible support. | | Dr. James Hinrichs shares exciting plans for the new clinic set to open on the Jefferson Avenue Campus later this year. | | The room was buzzing with energy, packed with some of DOORWAYS' most dedicated supporters, from familiar faces to fresh new donors, all united for a great cause. | |
Juneteenth Activity
In honor of Juneteenth, program participants at the Jefferson Avenue Campus enjoyed a festive evening of musical bingo.
CFH Program Assistant Jennifer Boston and Program Director Maurice Tracy brought energy and excitement as co-hosts. A buffet of snacks, including themed popcorn, set the tone for the celebration.
Each resident received a bingo card filled with song titles, and as clips of the songs were played, they marked their cards until a winning combination was reached. Winners chose from a colorful table of prizes. Events like this, made possible since the opening of Elliott Place, continue to strengthen connections among residents and help foster a meaningful support system within the community.
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Affordable Housing Assistance Program (AHAP) Tax Credits
DOORWAYS is typically awarded an allotment of Missouri AHAP tax credits every year, which can be used as an incentive for Missouri businesses and/or individuals to support agencies that provide affordable housing. This state tax credit is earned by an eligible donor for the donation of cash, equity, services, or real or personal property to DOORWAYS, thereby assisting in our mission of providing safe and affordable housing coupled with wrap-around supportive services to people living with HIV. The AHAP tax credit for an eligible donor equals 55% of the total value of the donation to DOORWAYS.
Eligible Donor: To be eligible, the Donor is subject to Missouri tax from business activities performed in the state of Missouri. More specifically, a Donor must be classified as one of the following: a corporation, a sole proprietorship, a farm operation, an individual reporting income from rental property or royalties, a small business corporation, a partnership, an individual partner in a partnership or shareholder in an S-Corporation or a public or private foundation.
It is simple to participate, make a gift of cash or stocks to DOORWAYS. You will be provided the tax credit certification application to complete, sign, and have notarized – we have a notary on staff, and we will file on your behalf with the state. The state will send you a tax credit certificate to file with your Missouri taxes.
If you are interested in AHAP Tax Credits or have questions, please contact Jim Timmerberg, Vice President of Advancement, at jtimmerberg@doorwayshousing.org or 314-328-2705.
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Volunteer Corner
This past month, we’re proud to highlight the time and care that volunteers provided while visiting Cooper House, the Jefferson Avenue Campus, and our family facility, Mama/Kaya.
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!
*Pictured above are members from SLU's Hopeful Horizons Group, who delivered care packages to Mama/Kaya.
| | Volunteer Athena, a Saint Louis University student, brought smiles and self-care to residents at Mama/Kaya, Cooper House and the Jefferson Avenue Campus with her free manicure sessions, playfully titled “Pamper Yourself with Athena". | | Volunteers from United Way spent time on the Jefferson Campus engaging with Program Participants through games and shared activities. These meaningful interactions help strengthen community bonds and support a sense of connection among residents. | | Wells Fargo volunteers visited Cooper House to create celebratory and holiday cards for DOORWAYS programs, along with assembling thoughtful gift bags for residents. They also had the opportunity to engage with residents, who joined in on the creative activities. | | |
The Volunteer Program is currently seeking donations (new or like-new) of games and puzzles to supplement volunteer activities with residents.
Residents have expressed interest in Chess, Card Games, Board Games, and Puzzles. Donations can be arranged by reaching out to Volunteer Coordinator, Maria Simkeviciute, at msimkeviciute@doorwayshousing.org or 314-328-2690.
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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 | |
Mark Your Calendar - ByoBOO Trivia- Saturday, October 18
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Friends In Deed ByoBOO! Trivia Night returns on Saturday, October 18 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.
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RED 2026
The date is set for next year's RED Gala...Saturday, February 28, 2026. Next year marks RED's 25th Anniversary!
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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:
LPN (FT Evenings & PRN)
PRN CNA (FT Evenings & PRN)
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JEFFERSON AVENUE CAMPUS:
Building & Grounds Specialist
Emergency Housing Care Coordinator
Financial Controller
Housing Resource Specialist
| | 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. | |
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. | | | | |
