Dear Jorge ,

Since I became the founding executive director of Delmar DivINe in 2019, I have, with the support of the board of directors and my staff, worked to position Delmar DivINe for long-term success in support of the nonprofit sector and of communities in North City. Those of you who have read this newsletter over the last four years know how far we have come and how much impact we have had despite the challenges we experienced with COVID, a once-in-a-decade flood, and the ever-changing landscape of the charitable sector.

It has been my pleasure and utmost honor to lead Delmar DivINe. Now, as the organization prepares to engage in formal strategic planning for the next five years, it is an ideal time for me to hand over leadership to a new person who will build on what has been accomplished thanks to the vision of Maxine Clark, whom I deeply thank for the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible organization and to whom I am grateful for being completely supportive of my decision to step down.

My final day will be Nov. 1, 2024. EMD Consulting, a Delmar DivINe tenant, has been retained to perform a search for my replacement. 

I have no explicit plans yet for my next chapter, but I know I will find an opportunity to take on a new challenge that is personally and professionally fulfilling. I took the same path at Casa de Salud, leaving when I felt I had done what I came to do, and that opened the door to Delmar DivINe, so I have faith that the next adventure awaits.

With gratitude,

Jorge Riopedre

Executive Director, Delmar DivINe 

HomeGrown StL, a member of the My Brother's Keeper (MBK) Alliance, hosted the Obama Foundation's National Certification Convening at Delmar DivINe.

Over 60 people representing MBK communities from across the nationwide MBK Leadership Network met to address the persistent opportunity gaps that boys and young men of color face and to ensure all young people can reach their full potential.

The two-day event covered a variety of topics, including pathways to population level changes, constructing a vision for collaborative action, and developing a systems approach to challenges.

In addition, a panel discussion drew on the experience of St. Louis to further explore these topics. Panelists included Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis President Flint W. Fowler; Delmar DivINe Founder Maxine Clark; Fathers & Families Support Center CEO Cheri D. Tillis; Washington University Vice Provost of Interdisciplinary Initiatives Dr. Mary McKay; and Founder and Principal Director of HomeGrown StL, Dr. Sean Joe, who leads a multi-sector regional initiative dedicated to improving the well-being of Black boys and young men.

Afterwards, Dr. Joe commented that "The Obama Foundation MBK Alliance leaders expressed how informative and inspiring it was to learn of the unique work being done by each organization. Together we will continue to advance equity in the region and improve the economic outcomes for Black boys and young men."

Eye Thrive proudly presented its inaugural "Eye See You: A Community Health AF[FAIR]" on July 27th. More than 100 individuals comprising 37 families came to the public event to receive quality healthcare services from licensed providers at no cost and with no insurance requirements.

The event was especially timely with the return to school just around the corner, allowing families to access a range of resources all in one spot at Delmar DivINe.

"Because of our rich collaboration, families were able to maneuver conversations about eye health, mental health, and other services like blood pressure and blood lead screening," said Kate McKearn, chief executive of Eye Thrive. "Additionally, they connected with some key educational resources and were nourished through both song and story time!"

Bridge2Hope STL Parent Institute held an inspiring town hall that provided parents with the essential tools to understand the power of their voices and the laws designed to protect them. The event emphasized the importance of active parental involvement in shaping their children’s education and advocating for changes.

During the town hall, over two dozen passionate parents came together to delve into Missouri legislation that is crucial for ensuring children receive the necessary interventions to pave the way for a successful future and develop into generational leaders. The discussions highlighted how parents can leverage their understanding of such legislation to advocate effectively for their children’s educational needs.

Bridge2Hope is dedicated to empowering families through knowledge and community engagement. This town hall is part of the agency’s ongoing “We Ready Series,” aimed at equipping parents with the information and resources vital to their communities and families.

“Bridge2Hope STL Parent Institute encourages all parents to join the next We Ready Series town halls to stay informed and connected,” said the organization’s chief executive, Krystal Barnett. “Together, we can champion for all children and families.”

Generate Health, which builds collective power to advocate for racially equitable policies and practices that support Black families throughout pregnancy and parenthood, led a critical conversation about the realities of the public education system.

A panel discussion and conversation delved into the systemic issues leading to the under-education and lack of support for Black youth. The attendees deliberated about where the school system falls short, the lack of relationships between schools and local organizations, and options for child education beyond public schools.

Kendra Copanas, executive director of Generate Health said, “This conversation matters because the failures of the education system disproportionately impact Black children, resulting in cycles of inequality and limited social opportunity. Addressing these issues is crucial for creating a more just and equitable society.”

Panelists (left to right): Dr. S. Hero Harrell (Sovereign University); Krystal Barnett (Bridge2Hope); Charli Cooksey (WePower STL); and Taylor Butler (The Legacy Center)

Region 7 for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Kansas City, which also covers the St. Louis region, recently hosted the HUD Office of General Counsel meeting in St. Louis, bringing together about 100 lawyers and professionals from all over the country.

One of the activities during the week-long conference was a visit to Delmar DiviNe as part of an exploration for possibilities to collaborate on future endeavors. While on campus, the group also discussed the impact of Delmar DiviNe since its launch, and an overview of the history of the surrounding communities.

There’s so much more in 2024 at The Wisdom Café! In keeping with our continuous focus on wellness, the first activity in July featured chair aerobics. The Café members had a good workout and talked with each other about how the class helps people recover from recent injuries.

A week later, a full house was on hand for our “Make Your Own Spice Rub” class, in partnership with the Saint Louis Public Library. Attendees had the opportunity to hear more about culinary-related resources at the library and prepare their own spice blend to take home.

"Sex After Sixty" brought pertinent knowledge a few days later thanks to Crystal Ellis, Sexual Health Training Coordinator with Planned Parenthood. Crystal educates communities about the intersections of sex, arts and culture, and marginalized sexual subcultures while addressing bias, barriers, and social determinates of health.

The month concluded with an additional round of chair aerobics, in which participants enjoyed an Olympic-themed fitness routine in honor of the 2024 Olympic Games.

Throughout the month, food was provided by HOSCO. The café also welcomed a number of local partners, including Better Family Life, Confluence Farms, and St. Luke's Apartments to attract new participants.

Be on the lookout in August for more of our most popular activities, as well as a seminar on estate planning and a chess lessons taught by Café member Michael Abron.

The St. Louis Fellows program at the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement is a competitive program through which undergraduate students spend a summer immersing themselves in St. Louis,

The students work full time at nonprofit or civic internships, attending a range of community events and engaging in an experiential curriculum to understand St. Louis’ history, culture, politics, challenges, and opportunities.

Last month, the fellows came together for a democracy panel at Delmar DivINe. Panelists spoke about their civic journeys and careers, emphasizing the value of getting involved at the local level.

Summer Camp Concludes with Butterfly Ceremony

AAFA Helps Kids Get Ready for School

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter (AAFA) teamed up with the National Association of School Nurses during the NASN2024 national gathering in Chicago. 

Over 1,000 backpacks were readied for kids with newly diagnosed asthma and food allergies. Materials were available in English and Spanish.

Chris Martinez, CEO of AAFA, said, “We were filled with hope by the collaboration and selflessness of our partners, with an energy and love that empowers all of us.”

The NASN2024 is the largest gathering of school nurses, bringing these essential healthcare providers together from across the United States and around the globe. AAFA took advantage of the event to learn the latest information in evidence-based approaches to keep students healthy and in school, as well as interventions for students with chronic health conditions.

(Clockwise from top left): Maxine Clark (at podium) addresses students from Washington University's Skandalaris Center as part of their summer accelerator program. * The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital receives a generous grant from Healthy Blue Missouri to improve Black infant and maternal health outcomes in the region. * The University of Missouri - St. Louis' Data for Social Impact Network holds its “Data and Donuts” event to discussing network mapping. * The Bullet Related Injury Clinic holds its weekend clinic * Lisa Greening of Turn the Page STL (foreground) welcomes volunteers from Ready Readers. * The Siteman Cancer Mammography Van provides free screenings for North City residents.