The Ashrei Foundation is constantly building partnerships and looking for ways to engage the community in direct advocacy: trainings, letter writing, meeting with legislators, preparing written testimony, and traveling to Jefferson City to put our values into action.

Systemic racism and discrimination embedded into our state’s policies and institutions are to blame for these outcomes. 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 it’s possible to create lasting change for our communities. But it takes a village.