The Giver’s Ledger September: Interrupting Poverty, Inspiring Change
First Published: Volume I, Issue 7 by NINA NEEDLEMAN | September 25, 2025
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
Ashrei Foundation
Ashrei Foundation, founded by Rabbi Susan Talve in 2022, was created to empower and activate the St. Louis community and partners throughout the state of Missouri to promote economic justice, to relieve suffering, and especially to interrupt cycles of poverty.
Values that guide their work: Curiosity, community, inclusion, cooperation, anti-racism and joy.
Core programming:
1. Photo ID assistance and access through agency partnerships at 13 Missouri locations;
2. Public discourse to advance equity
3. Collaborations with nonprofits on anti-gun violence, homelessness, immigrants
4. Interfaith support for immigrant families. 800 families have received over $400,000 in survival funding.
5. Resource hotline for undocumented families
For more information, visit their website HERE.
WORKSHOP LEARNINGS
Navigating Difficult Conversations – with DEI Approach
Facilitator: Dr. Ashley Storman PhD, DEI Consultant
Workshop: April 24, 2025.
Strategies to build a culture of inclusion (for people and agencies still committed to DEI) :
Leadership commitment and modeling
Comprehensive training programs
Open and safe communication channels
Employee resource groups can help change culture
Inclusive policies and procedures (could put in by-laws or interview guides
Celebrate diversity – example different Heritage months
Membership and sponsorship programs
Continuous feedback – assess and improvement – accept and evolve
ARTICLE OF INTEREST
“I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how real change happens—not just in systems or institutions, but in people.” — Orvin Kimbrough, CEO of Midwest Banc Centre
READ: The New Underground Railroad, Building Freedom Together
UPCOMING EVENTS
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH – Sept 15-Oct 15
Celebrate St. Louis’ dynamic Hispanic community.
Nuestra Comunidad, Nuestras Historias (Our Community, Our Stories) Weekly series presented by WashU - Thursday Nights at the Museum
Location: Missouri History Museum
Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025; Time: 5:00pm–8:00pm
North County History: Ferguson, Florissant, Kinloch, and Wellston Hybrid Class, Friday, Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Instructor: Andrew Theising; Location: St. Louis Oasis - Northwest Plaza
Explore the rich history of North St. Louis County through its key institutions and influential figures. This session offers a broad overview before taking a closer look at four cities:
Ferguson, Florissant, Kinloch, and Wellston. Discover how each community shaped—and was shaped by—historical events, culture, and leadership. Can’t join live? Register HERE for two weeks of on-demand access to the class recording.
Nina Needleman is a Retired Financial Planner. She spent the first three-decades of her career in the financial services industry. Now she uses her business skills to help nonprofit organizations with Capacity Building and more importantly--as an educator, teaching people about personal finance and philanthropy.