The Ashrei Foundation imagines a just Missouri where the way we look, where we are from, or who we define ourselves to be does not limit our access to quality and affordable healthcare, education, housing, technology, and economic stability. Ashrei exists to empower and activate the St. Louis community and partners throughout the state of Missouri to promote economic justice, to relieve suffering, and interrupt cycles of poverty.Â
âAshrei,â is a Hebrew word from the Psalms that means âforward.â All of our work - including fighting for access to safe abortion and quality reproductive healthcare - is focused on moving our community forward along the path towards abolishing all systems of exclusion and oppression, to a future where all people may live with dignity, justice and freedom.
Systemic racism and discrimination embedded into our stateâs policies and institutions. For hundreds of years, families have navigated barrier after barrier just to exist and in the pursuit of leading healthy, joyful lives. From underfunded schools to nuisance properties in the neighborhood, everything seems to be working against Missourians when it comes to building a better life. We know that when People of Color are able to reach their full potential, it benefits everyone. We know itâs possible to create lasting change for our communities. But it takes a village.Â
Help us heal and repair Missouri through justice and equity.Â
What does our vision look like in action?
âĦ Building community power and dismantling racist systems relies on building healthy relationships: space for authenticity, building trust, navigating difference and power, and shared purpose
âĦÂ Growing democracy by building the "middle" in Missouri through increasing awareness and inviting opportunities for direct engagement
âĦÂ Intentionally investing in community partners through financial assistance and capacity building, leveraging the strengths of our privilege to amplify new and existing efforts in the region
âĦÂ Demonstrating care for the whole person in our interactions with neighbors through identifying and offering immediate, short-term solutions to relieve suffering