Fostering life-changing opportunities for those facing economic and educational barriers
We put youth and families at the center of all our work and care. Flourish provides a safe and healthy home environment, supportive relationships and development opportunities. Our hope is to support all aspects of well-being so individuals can move from surviving to thriving.
The Flourish Initiative was born out of the dedicated efforts of Veterans United employees and funding from Veterans United Foundation. As a separate 501c3 entity, our goal is to weave resources and relationships together so that all youth flourish.
In 2019, a team of 20 employees from Veterans United Home Loans spent time listening, learning and exploring ways to impact our local community for years to come. Over 100 in-depth interviews were conducted with leaders from all over Columbia.
We learned that educational opportunities can be a driving force of creating sustainable change for youth and breaking the cycle of economic inequality. Although we know change doesn’t happen overnight, we are committed to being a part of the long game of working together to enhance lives in our community.
What is Flourish?
Flourish is an independent nonprofit organization serving youth encountering educational and economic barriers. It was initially founded by employees of Veterans United Home Loans and their values and commitment to enhance lives, and sponsored by the Veterans United Foundation.
Our Impact
Flourish focuses on providing resources to individuals in Boone County, MO. We’ve provided housing, scholarships, and other resources for hundreds of youth since our beginning in 2019. Our purpose is to interrupt cycles of poverty and support youth however we can as they work toward a better future.
Our Leadership Team
- Beatrice Stewart, Executive Director
- Kenneth Petska, Housing Manager
- Mel Constantine Miseo, Community Program Manager
- Alaina Joyner, Community Program Coordinator
- A’Kaysion Soper, Senior Support Specialist
- Janna Mackay-Russell, Community Support Specialist
- Dayton Job, Community Support Specialist
- Julia Scherer, Crisis Response Street Outreach Specialist
Our Board
- Jewell Simms, Associate Director of Technology, Veterans United – Board President and Board Treasurer
- Emily Thoroughman, Associate Director of People Development, Veterans United – Board Vice President
- Claire Slama, LCSW, Activate Counseling and Consulting LLC – Board Secretary
- Sandy Overacre, Director of Customer Services, Veterans United
- Tierre Banks, Media Relations Manager, Veterans United
- David Leon, Technology Manager, Veterans United
- Dr. Eryca Neville, Principal at Douglass High School, Columbia Public Schools
- Michael Stradford, Senior Copywriter, Veterans United
- Jacob Campbell, Information Security Manager, Veterans United
- Baxter Nickels, Marketing Compliance Manager, Veterans United
”The Flourish Initiative is rooted in the sense of community and care that exists at Veterans United. I’m so excited to work together. That's what our children need.
Dr. Eryca NevillePrincipal, Douglass High School
