Jaylen is an incredible young man with the God-given gift of gathering people and leading them in the right direction. This winter he launched an open gym every Sunday evening for anyone who wants to come and play pick-up basketball. He is bringing people together and providing them a safe place where they belong.
One word comes to mind most powerfully when in community with Kiesha...resilient. She consistently embodies this, remaining faithful, calm and with purpose. In 2019, Kiesha founded her non-for-profit, Empowering You 2 Move, with the mission to “uplift, restore, educate, and strengthen the lives of those in our community, one life at a time.” She continues to push forward with her mission and vision to see lives changed in North City St. Louis.
Ms. Iola has lived in Lewis Place neighborhood for decades. Her calm and sweet spirit has anchored her block and continues to bring hope for others. She has big plans for her neighborhood and her city and knows that change is on the horizon.
“I want my neighborhood to become a viable and vibrant part of the city again.”
Bobby’s hard work and excellence in the field of storytelling has maintained the history and integrity of North City. He is an internationally known story performer and teaching artist. He’s a three-time Emmy Award winner, multiple Parents' Choice Gold and Silver Award winner, and a National Storytelling Network Oracle Award recipient. He is one of the most popular and dynamic story educators in America today!
“When I was a kid I stuttered, and it was master teachers in North City who believed in me and showed me the way.”
Tamesha is a woman with a heart that bleeds for young people. She is passionate about meeting anyone where they’re at and walking alongside them through whatever life throws at them. People are drawn to her and her incredible presence.
“There are many ways I have found myself being a person of peace in my community, my favorite is being a mentor to youth. I can relate to the young people and their life struggles when fresh out of high school. From giving pep talks before interviews to giving food out of my fridge, I feel like it’s become my duty to be the change I want to see! If I want to have a loving community, then I have to love on the people in my community!”
David’s heart for men to be raised up in the north city community is second to none. His ministry, Stand Up Ministries, works hard to develop the hearts and lives of men in North City St. Louis in every way. David and his team mentor dozens of men of every age to help them reach their fullest potential.
“I used to be part of the problem, now I’m part of the solution.”
Tawana is leading North St. Louis in a victory march and it’s an everyday grind. She is faithful with many different projects but even more importantly many different lives. On any given day you can catch her serving and loving her neighbors…bringing resources into an under-resourced neighborhood.
“This is what we do.”
Tiffany’s red hair is an outward demonstration of her inner fire. She is a force for good. She loves her neighbors and gets excited about all the good happening around her. She has a smile that will light up a room and a drive that inspires anyone she meets.
“My community has kept me going all these years. If someone down the street needs a cup of sugar we are there to provide it.”
Born and raised in North St. Louis, Jhane has made it her mission to bring goodness and love with a lifetime of service. This past December, Jhane graduated with her master's degree in social work from St. Louis University. She has been launched out into her career and is a fantastic example of the amazing talent found deep within our city.
“North city pushed me into recovery. I believe that because of my city’s tenacity and resiliency, along with the work God is already doing, our community itself will recover.”
Jamia’s vision for neighborhood change has yet to come to complete fruition but the foundation of character was laid many years ago. She graduated this past December with her Bachelor’s degree in Applied Visual Communications from UMSL and has big, world-changing, plans for the future!
“My community has uplifted me during the times I needed it most. In turn, I have done the same. Its guidance and support have helped me become the change I want to see not only in my community but in the world! I know that I am never alone in this crazy walk of life. With much prayer & patience, I know that my community will continue to thrive. North City lacks nothing because everything we need is already inside of us! As long as there is love, we will always have each other.”
One minute with Janis and you will be overwhelmed with her infectious spirit of joy. Her smile lights up the room and her life is one consistent act of service. For decades, Janis has been leading out in her ministry, God's Helping Hands, where their mission is to provide a helping hand and spiritual lift to those in need in their North City St. Louis community.