Deaconess Foundation

06/19/2026

In a time when history is being erased and people are being made to feel invisible, we remember anyway.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday because Opal Lee, known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, devoted years of her life to making sure it would be.

For years, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee reintroduced the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act until it was signed into law in 2021.

In a time when history is being erased, we have a responsibility to remember who fought for it.

We reflect. We imagine. We organize.

06/19/2026

Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois reflected on Juneteenth in an essay published in

"Juneteenth is a story of freedom delayed but not denied. It is a story of liberation, persistence and the enduring determination of people who refused to accept bo***ge as their permanent condition. It is a reminder that we need not embrace that which has been offered as permanent if our spirit yearns—indeed demands—something more."

READ MORE:

"Dream with intention. Don’t ask whether your goal is possible; ask what it would take to make it possible."

06/18/2026

Freedom isn't a destination, it's a direction. On this Juneteenth, we're called to do more than remember. We're called to envision.

06/17/2026

You know how much that land means. Now there's a chance to bring more people into the story. The Center for Authentic Listening & Learning C.A.L.L. is hosting their Juneteenth Jazz Brunch & Fundraiser on June 19th — brunch, live jazz, and a panel discussion about Black wellness and what a space like land at Lake Placid represents for our community.

It's a great way to introduce someone new to the work. Grab a ticket or share the link: centerforall.org.

06/15/2026

For some, Juneteenth is a celebration. For others, it's a moment of pensive reflection.

06/12/2026

This year's interactive Board Governance workshop will explore how nonprofit governance can move beyond compliance and oversight into a more strategic, relational, and transformational leadership practice.

Building on Deaconess Foundation’s 2025 governance training, this session will share practical tools and reflections related to board culture, trustee engagement, strategic meeting design, onboarding, trust-building, adaptive leadership, and governance in times of complexity and change.

Register now at the link in our bio.

06/10/2026

Juneteenth invites honest reflection: Where is freedom flourishing, and where is it slipping away?

06/08/2026

In our May newsletter read about the "Illusion of Democracy." If you haven’t already, check out the full edition at the link in our bio.

06/05/2026

We are now accepting proposals for the second cycle of our Seeding the Future Grants!

The grants provide general operating funds for one year to organizations with proposals that align with Deaconess' intended impact. Funding supports organizational and civic infrastructure expansion, advancement of public policies, and/or efforts impacting systems transformation through an intergenerational approach, for the improved health and wellness of people in Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois.

Learn more and apply at the link in our bio.

06/02/2026

Our very own Bethany Johnson-Javois, President and CEO, reflects on stepping into this season.

Check out the full newsletter here: https://deaconess.org/january-newsletter-democracy-under-fire-and-ice/