Repairing the World
Last week I was able to spend several days with over 140 of my peers who also run NeighborWorks America network organizations all across the country. This annual gathering is one of my favorite events I attend each year. I get to hear all the great work that is occurring in all four corners of […]
The Real Footprints of Life – Jim Sporleder
On Wednesday, March 2nd my father-in-law Jim Sporleder passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. In his 76 years he did so many things all with the common thread of helping others in both his personal and professional life. I had the unique experience of touching both parts of his remarkable life. In fact, […]
They Have Names
Recently I saw, due to the most recent one, U2’s performance at the 2001 Super Bowl where they gave a stirring tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks. It brought back stirring memories. It was indeed powerful for a variety of reasons. The band’s passion, the crowd’s enthusiasm, but most importantly, seeing the names […]
In Plain Sight
What About Tom Robinson? “Justice should not only be done, but should be manifestly and undoubtedly be seen to be done.” Gordon Hewart The recent passing of To Kill a Mockingbird author Harper Lee gave rise to many glowing reviews of her seminal novel. The great characters of Atticus and Scout were lauded for their […]
Setting the Table and Then Having Humble Pie
The foundational thinking behind our work at Beyond Housing is our operational mantra of Ask, Align, Act. We ask the community, those we work for and with, what are the challenges but more importantly the solutions to make their home a better place. We align the resources and the partners to get the work done […]
Cold Reality
We finally got our first real snap of cold winter weather recently. We all collectively groan and wish for spring. The cold reality, however, is that a large number of children in St. Louis do more than groan, they shiver. They shiver because they don’t have a warm winter coat. Even worse, because they don’t […]
Powerball Daydreaming
Like many others this past week my family purchased our lottery tickets and listened for the latest update on how big the prize was getting. $1,600,000,000!!! Almost too big to really understand. Yes, I did gaze at the ceiling and listed off oh the things I would do. I knew it was incredibly unlikely, but. […]
Of the People, By the People, For the People
We are in the beginning of our torturous presidential election cycle and I, like many others, dread the upcoming barrage of negative ads, fear mongering, lies and exaggerations. We deserve so much better and need to demand that what we have come to experience must stop. It reminds me of the quote by author Bernard […]
The Curious Promise of Limited Time
Singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomber used the phrase “the curious promise of limited time” in an interview with Krista Tippett’s On Being podcast and it struck me as we enter another new year. Each New Year comes with a sense of renewal, hope and the ability to see change in our lives. The practice of resolutions is […]
Why Not?
On Wednesday, November 4th we had the VIP Opening of the 24-1 Cinema where we were the first in the country to see the new James Bond movie Spectre. It was a great night! Leaders from the community along with funders, partners and friends were absolutely thrilled with the beautiful space and the fact that “we” had […]
