September Newsletter | Organizing for Collective Power

Strengthening Workers’ Rights Strengthens Communities. Better and safer working conditions, fair wages, health insurance and reasonable work hours are just a few of the benefits labor unions have collectively bargained for throughout history. The standard 8-hour workday, 40-hour work week many of us have come to know so well came to be after the National Labor Union’s unsuccessful request of …

Health Affairs: “Patients Lift Their Voices To Advance Maternal Health”

We are excited to share this Health Affairs article and the work being done through EleVATE, which is a program led and designed by Black mothers, health care professionals, and local community organizations, and coordinated by the St. Louis Integrated Health Network, to offer group-based prenatal care. Deaconess Foundation President & CEO Bethany Johnson-Javois is also featured. Abstract: Designed by and …

August Newsletter | Power in Black Philantrhopy

Deaconess Community, Since 2011, August has been recognized as Black Philanthropy Month (BPM). Established by Dr. Jackie Bouvier Copeland, this celebration aims to elevate Black giving and funding equity, which is rich with history and tradition. For too long, Black philanthropy has gone largely unnoticed and underappreciated in mainstream philanthropic spaces – but the tide is turning. Philanthropy can be …

Deaconess Foundation announces the promotion of Constance Harper, Esq. to Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Strategic Initiatives

Constance Harper, Esq. (she/her) has been promoted to Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Strategic Initiatives at Deaconess Foundation. As the former Director of Advocacy and Freedom Schools, with more than five years at the organization, Harper brings a breadth of experience and learnings into her new role. As Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Strategic Initiatives, Harper has the …