Ashrei Foundation

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. 

The word Ashrei is the first word of the first Psalm and while it is often translated as 'happy' the deeper meaning is 'forward.'

Founded by Rabbi Susan Talve in 2021 with support from The Clever Little Girl Foundation, the Ashrei Foundation works to abolish economic exclusion and oppression, promoting dignity, justice, and freedom. 

Rooted in social justice within faith communities, Ashrei expands resources beyond houses of worship. Executive Director Sara Ruiz joined in 2022, launching the North City Photo ID Project and developing a responsive programming model. As support grew, Ashrei’s core and responsive programming expanded to include refugee resettlement, immigration justice, fiscal sponsorship, and state-wide advocacy to stop gun violence and end poverty and homelessness.

Help us heal and repair Missouri through justice and equity. 

Core Values:

• Curiosity: Listen first, seek understanding.

• Community: Build bottom-up relationships guided by trauma-informed approaches.

• Inclusion: Recognize the worth of all voices and perspectives.

• Cooperation: Foster trusting relationships statewide.

• Anti-Racism: Dismantle white supremacy and systemic racism.

• Joy: Support happiness as a human right.

Core Programming:

• Photo ID Assistance & Access: Support & sustain independent and collective efforts to ensure all Missourians can obtain a photo ID

• Enrich public discourse to advance equity: Illuminate diverse perspectives to strengthen democracy, grow the "middle" in Missouri, enrich public discourse and advance equity

• Cultivate hope through collaboration: Cultivate hope through collaboration and individual engagement with local nonprofit organizations

Responsive Programming:

• Transform public consciousness around gun violence: Transform the public consciousness around gun violence in St. Louis

• Make connections to reduce poverty and end homelessness: Make connections between organizations and communities to reduce poverty and end homelessness

• Interfaith Resistance and Support for Immigrant Families: Build interfaith relationships to resist anti-immigrant actions and support foreign-born Missourians and mixed status families