THE STRENGTH AND DETERMINATION IN OUR CITY IS WORTH CELEBRATING.
The Staying Power Awards is a night to honor local individuals who have shown strength and determination to stay on a positive path in the face of life's challenges. These honorees are nominated by local organizations and celebrated at the 21c Hotel in November.
NOVEMBER 7TH
21c MUSEUM HOTEL - 5:30 P.M.
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Check our past Staying Power Award Honorees
2023 HONOREES
GarriOnn Adolph
After struggling with a drug addiction for seven years, GarriOnn was arrested in 2022. He knew then that he needed to make a change. The day after his release he was brought to Jubilee. A carpenter by trade, GarriOnn is now the director of Jubilee Public Works, the secretary of the Black Tie Men leading their economic development and job readiness efforts, and has his sights set on community development in the neighborhood. He's over a year clean and is recently engaged. GarriOnn is motivated to grow deeper as a leader in the Jubilee community and hopes to open a youth center one day. He dedicates his award to God, his grandmother and Pastor Andy.
Lisa LaGrone
Lisa's father was murdered in 1991. This loss made her realize that her lifestyle was hurting the community and she knew she wanted to change. She started her violence intervention work after her involvement with a gang outreach program. Her hard work was rewarded several years later she received an award from the White House for her efforts. Lisa's motivated by her community and her family to keep going. In March of 2022, she started her own organization, Safe Streets Safe Neighborhoods, that provides resources and support to victims of gun violence. Five years from now, she sees herself passing the torch to the younger generation to continue Safe Streets Safe Neighborhoods and watching the organization grow. She wants to dedicate her award to her father, Clyde LaGrone Jr., who always believed in her.
Jamal Preuitt
Before coming to Jubilee, Jamal was experiencing homelessness and working his way through other programs. He came to Jubilee in 2021 and since has thrived. After several months of progress and growth, Jamal was asked to become the housing director of the recovery home. He helps other men who have experienced the same struggles as him and shows them there is a way out. Jamal now has his own place, his own car and is no longer battling an addiction. Jamal is most proud of his sobriety and his son Jamal Preuitt Jr. He would like to dedicate his award to the Jubilee Community Church.
Audrianna Bain-Ward
Audrianna is a survivor of gun violence and has faced several obstacles caused by her being shot. Through the Diamond Divas Empowerment Foundation she has received multiple services and now has a safe and stable place for her and her children to call home. Audrianna is optimistic and dedicated to the healing process. In five years, she sees her family smiling and laughing more in a home she owns.
Tyler Lawrence
Tyler came to SLATE while he was experiencing homelessness and in need of both direction and the opportunity to tap into his potential. Through SLATE's job training, he was placed at Marquette Recreational Center. After completing his hours with SLATE, he was hired at the Rec Center full time. He's currently the supervisor for the summer program, overseeing youth 6-15 years of age. He has his own place and car. His next step is looking into joining the YouthBuild program so he can complete his HiSET. In five years, Tyler hopes to own his own body shop or open a recreation center to inspire kids. He's dedicating his award to the workers at SLATE who helped him on his journey.
Antwane White
Antwane was referred to the program at Fathers and Family Support Center after being released from a 10 year prison sentence. He knew he needed help transitioning back into society. After completing classes, Antwane felt confident in his ability to be a father, a provider and a member of the community. Antwane began working full-time at a linen company, has been promoted several times, and now earns over six figures. He not only has financial stability but maintains a strong family relationship with his children and grandchildren. Antwane is motivated every day by the little things like being able to celebrate a birthday. He wants to dedicate his award to those who have shown him what Staying Power really is: Robert White, Alonzo Carter, Deon Rackley and Derrick Bryant.
James Boshears
In 2020, James experienced an immense amount of loss. He lost his roommate, best friend, grandmother and oldest son within the year. He came to Jubilee Community Church and experienced a love he had never seen before. James is now the general of the Jubilee Black Tie Men and runs much of the Jubilee day-to-day property maintenance and management services, lawnmowing and snow removal business and the construction division. He is no longer battling his addiction, and is also an ordained minister. He would like to dedicate his award to God, Dr. Moore and the entire Jubilee family. Without them, he says, he wouldn't have made it this far.
Christian Bubba Lett
Christian graduated from Freedom Community Center’s Group Track Program in April of 2023. He's since started interning with FCC’s Power Builders team, showing a great dedication to building community and investing in equipping youth with the tools to restorative justice. He recently passed his HiSET Exam and received the equivalent of high school diploma. Christian has begun in the Per Scholas program, a program that educates people interested in pursuing a career in IT.
Jospeh L. Williams Sr.
Since the age of 12, Joseph believed it was him against the world. He entered his first transitional house in 2022 after being incarcerated for 13 years. Joseph, however, was admittedly not ready to receive help. After a change of heart and a promise to God, he decided to turn his life around. Joseph completed the Dismas House re-entry program in June of 2023. After returning home from prison, he's has been dedicated to his upward mobility and helping others become better versions of themselves. He currently works in construction and welding and in five years hopes to open his own welding school. Joseph has a wonderful church life and is enjoying his "freedom." He would like to dedicate his award to God and His grace.
Maurice D. Goree
Maurice was incarcerated for a decade and used that time as an opportunity for personal growth. After his release, he was referred to Mission: St. Louis’ workforce development program. He completed the program and later joined the Mission: St. Louis staff in 2022 as Success Coach and HomeFirst Liaison. His dedication to the mission and his ability to connect with his participants who have faced similar challenges is truly remarkable. To Maurice, staying power signifies the enduring strength and resilience to persist through challenges, learn from setbacks, and consistently pursue one's goals with unwavering determination. He is excited to dedicate his award to everyone who believes in him.
Monique L. Marshall
In December 2022, Monique became a participant at Employment Connection after losing her job of two years. She attended the World of Work job readiness class and worked with a Career Specialist. Monique went to job interviews every week, dedicated to finding a job to not only to provide for her family but to do something she loves. She now works full-time with Washington University and now has stability for her family. Monique now gives back to Employment Connection by donating clothes and food for current participants. In five years, she hopes to own her own home and be in a career she will retire from. Monique would like to dedicate this award to her higher power.
Da’Lynn A. Wilson
Da'Lynn moved to St. Louis from Arkansas at 11 years old. He had no family here other than his father. Da'Lynn is a part of Gentlemen of Vision R.O.P.E. Inc.and regularly takes a leadership role in the program to help them reach their mission. He saw firsthand what the lack of mentorship and guidance was doing for his black male friends and wanted to help. Because of this, Da’Lynn created the D.R.E.A.M Program to teach young black males the skills of how to properly carry themselves as they adapt to becoming adults. He currently is attending college and continues to grow his mentor program. He recently started a partnership between KIPP schools and D.R.E.A.M. so students in all six schools can receive mentorship. In five years, Da'Lynn hopes to be teaching math to middle schoolers in St. Louis. He wants to dedicate his award to all the educators creating change.
2018 HONOREES
Andrew Glass
Andrew has overcome tremendous challenges over the course of his life + considers his position as father + grandfather one of his biggest accomplishments. He is very proud of his job at Father Support Center as an Educator/Facilitator. He is a man of humility + wisdom that seeks to serve others above all else. His hope is to continue to be a positive role model for his children, grandchildren, community + men that come through the Father Support Center.
April Jackson
April is a vibrant + determined woman that has seen her share of hardship + struggles, but has overcome them in a way that is inspiring to everyone. Her story is full of pain, brokenness + loss. However, she remains steadfast + optimistic for each day she has with her daughter, Robin. She considers her greatest achievements to be her five years of sobriety + her ability to be a mother to her daughter after 25 years of battling addiction. Over the next 5 years she hopes to be 10 years sober + counseling others who are struggling with addiction.
Brandon Keeton
Brandon is most proud of his 12 years of marriage to his lovely wife, Taneka describing her as “his rock.” He has proven himself steadfast through marital struggles as well as determined to keep his positive direction in life. He completed the Job & Leadership Training program at Mission: St. Louis where he learned that he must keep growing as both a man + father to continue creating more opportunity + achieve greater goals. He works with Traemand Installation Company installing kitchens + hopes to become an entrepreneur + businessman with his own shoe store or restaurant in the next 5 years.
Dia Williams
Dia is a man of great character + wisdom, always working on goals he has set for himself. He is most proud of his completion of the MTC Trucking program + getting his CDL. He speaks more of the people who have helped + supported him through his life more than he does his accomplishments. One of the biggest challenges he has had to face over the years is separating his past from his present + embodying a new attitude toward life + toward others. He is an entrepreneur that hopes to own several rental properties + a trucking business 5 years down the road.
Linda Taylor
Linda describes herself as awesome + independent + after listening to her story I would use those exact words along with peaceful + genuine. She is known by many for her transparency + humility as she shares her story of her past drug addiction + turning her life around with others. She says that over the years the most important things she has learned is how to deal with her emotions in a healthy way + how to love herself after despising her past self for so long. One of her greatest achievements is completing the Justine Peterson Aspire Program/Let’s Start. She hopes to eventually retire in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Taven Harris
Taven is full of life + determination. He is most proud of his completion of the Job & Leadership Training program at Mission: St. Louis + his CDL certification. He believes the biggest lessons he's learned over the years has been to surround himself with supportive, positive people that will help him achieve his goals as well as taking control of negative situations to turn them into something positive. He plans to continue driving commercially + nurturing his family + professional relationships as well as make new relationships in the years to come.
Steven Thomas
Steven describes himself as honest, caring + compassionate + is described by others as energetic + passionate about his job + about his community. Upon his completion of the Better Family Life Community Outreach Specialist Training, Stephen started working alongside families tackling the issues of gun violence + drug usage. Some of the biggest challenges he has overcome in the last few years is his loss of family + friends to gun violence which has inspired him to exhibit staying power + become a role model for many. He hopes to continue to affect lives + communities in the St. Louis metropolitan area + county in a positive way through community outreach.
Meriel Thompson
Meriel describes herself as hardworking, ambitious + determined. She is most proud of her academic achievements of graduating high school while learning to be a mother at the same time as well as continuing on to complete her CNA. She said that she thought many times during school that she couldn't finish or complete it, but she continued on + got her CNA. One of the biggest struggles for her over the past few years was learning how to be a mother at a young age but her kids are ultimately what motivate + inspire her to continue exhibiting staying power. She hopes to go back to school for her RN + eventually buy a home for her + her children.
Stephanie Gooche
Stephanie is energetic, driven + full of ambition. She has had many accomplishments over her life that she is proud of, one of them being her schooling + completing her Bachelors of Arts + Psychology. Apart from the struggle of spending time in jail, one of her biggest struggles was dealing with the passing of her mother upon being released. She has since dedicated herself to her schooling + aspirations. She plans to become a nurse practitioner in the next five years + begin serving unserved communities in St. Louis + eventually expanding her service to the states + internationally.
2019 HONOREES
Orlando Harvell
“It’s so easy to fall off track and it’s so hard to stay on. If you can sum up staying power in one word, it’s consistency; consistency in what you’re doing…and self-awareness.”
Orlando Harvell had never spent much time planning out his life. His decisions were based on current issues and desires, leading him to make choice that landing Orlando in prison. While incarcerated, he established a tight bond with his mentor Phillip Brooks of the St. Louis Integrated Health Network. Phillip was challenged Orlando to create a motivational plan to establish stability after prison. With great effort and dedication, Orlando created new opportunities for himself. During probation, Orlando excelled through Mission’s Jobs and Leadership Training program and St. Louis IHN’s RE-LINK re-entry program.
Since that time, Orlando has seen his fierce determination turn into impactful blessings. He holds a forklift certification and quality job with health benefits. His greatest blessing, however, is that he will soon see his completely clean and will begin classes this fall at Ranken Technical College for auto-mechanical engineering. Orlando often reflects on his past, “I got a lot of advice from people in the program[s] and put out a lot of advice. I soaked up everything while I was here. Just knowing people coming from my background trying to better themselves as humans…I couldn’t pass on that.”
Tracy Stanton
“I never thought I’d be able to have a beautiful, happy, fulfilling life without the use of anything. Monetary, material things are nothing in comparison with being clean and happy.
After experiencing a horrific childhood, Tracy Stanton quickly found herself using substances to ease her pains. She gradually moved to harder drugs and found herself celebrating her 35th birthday in prison. It was during her time with SLU’s Transformative Justice Initiative that Tracy determined that she “wanted better for myself, and I deserved better.” Her time with the Center for Women in Transition provided her not only with secure transitional housing, but the ability to heal. Her tenure with the Clark-Fox Foundation afforded her with diversion programs that helps herself up for greater success.
Today, Tracy works with the Institute for Peace and Justice, Clark-Fox, and her own nonprofit Addiction to Ambition to increase awareness and assistance for programs that aid current and former incarcerated individuals. She is employed at Saint Louis University where she will start classes in August, fulfilling a lifelong dream. When reflecting on her past, Tracy sees a life without regret. “If I never would have experienced the bottom, I would not be able to appreciate life today. I would not have so much empathy and compassion to do the work that I do.”
Sylvia Johnson
I learned how to bring people together, encourage one another, stay in contact, giving a lending hand to make sure your people can stay afloat...making sure the other person knows just how valuable they are regardless of their circumstances.”
Sylvia Johnson has seen her perseverance tested often throughout her young life. Abandoned by her mother at an early age, Sylvia worked to develop a connection with her eight younger step-siblings. Her resolve grew as she gave birth to two premature infants and saw them through several health battles. At the passing of her first daughter, the grief made coping quite difficult. Through every step, she found strength to propel herself towards success. She worked to complete her education as a full-time mother.
Sylvia continues to feel the strain of being both a student and mother, yet the adversity only fuels her drive forward. She aims to graduate next year as a registered nurse and work in the newborn intensive care unit. Grateful for the help she has received from Ryan Smith of Marsha’s Moms, she is committed to helping other mothers navigate the difficulties of motherhood. “I met some amazing women who pushed me to become a nurse, who saw something in me that I didn’t really see in myself.”
Susan Walker
“I let go while I was in prison because I thought half them females, I’d never see again. Guess what? I see them all the time. They’ve heard my story and some of them are still out there, but some are doing good.”
Susan Walker grew up yearning to live a thrilling life on the edge. She began stealing cars at age 11 and found her as a mother of three children by 19. Her life began to sink deeper as she developed an addiction and was imprisoned multiple times. On her final trip to prison, Susan became determined to break out of her current life and start fresh. Shortly after her release, she entered a treatment program and joined the Let’s Start re-entry program. Gradually, Susan became herself back up and rebuilt the relationships broken through past actions.
Through her fierce grit and perseverance, Susan has been clean for six years and enjoys living life without feeling sick. She serves as a supervisor at a local hotel and often sees reminders of her past. “I’ve found syringes, pipes, and never once had an urge to get high. It doesn’t even bother me because I know what I’ve been through.” What drives Susan each day? She wishes to open her own business and see her grandchildren walk across the stage at graduation.
Jason Hampton
“Think before you make your choices...Think and not react. In the end, you’re the one who’s going to pay for it.”
As a young adult, Jason Hampton found himself at a crossroads. His decision to take the easy road led to wrong choices and heavy regrets. When he met Jason Watson, Jason Hampton found himself another crossroads. This time, he chose a different path by entering the Job and Leadership Training program and opening up to classmates. It was the first time he had felt comfortable sharing his story with others.
Jason continues to push towards greater goals, despite the many obstacles around him. In 2018, he was shot 13 times by a gunman during a Memorial Day celebration. Throughout his extensive recovery, he has refused to stray from his focused ambitions. With his past behind him, Jason looks forward to a more positive life. “My family kept me going. You got people behind you now. My relationship with my daughters...pushes me. My kids make me push.”
Darrell Standard
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited. It’s been a lot to take in, being honored for something…someone wanting to recognize me for just doing right...I didn’t think you could do that without being famous.”
Life hit Darrell Standard quickly as he became a father at 21. He struggled to find a way to push towards a greater purpose. Recognizing the importance of his actions had always been a difficult task for Darrell. Gradually, he grew to understand the gravity of his actions upon his loved ones. Darrell, frustrated by his minimum wage job, met with Mission: St. Louis and decided to try the Job and Leadership Training (JLT) program.
After graduating JLT, Darrell found his dream job at Slalom, a business and technology consulting firm, where he recently celebrated his one-year anniversary. His greatest treasure is the impact he has made on his family. “My kids see that, and they want to dress and be like me…and I feel like I would want [them] to be like me now, because I’m actually doing something good.”
Lawrence Simmons
What does Staying Power mean to Lawrence? “Staying power is staying consistent. That’s the one thing I try to tell guys today in my class, is the choice is yours. You’ve got to do it yourself. No one is going to do it for you. We stress giving them the information and resources to live a positive life, but at the end of the day, the decision is up to you.”
Lawrence Simmons spent much of his young adult life behind bars, during which he found himself reflecting on what it means to be a father. Seeing so many young people coming in and out of prison spurred a realization that shaped the rest of his life: guidance matters. “[If] all of those guys only had a little more guidance, structure, discipline, they probably wouldn’t have made some of the decisions that they made.” While in a halfway house, Lawrence came across Fathers’ Support Center, an organization who works to re-acclimate fathers into family life. He soon fell in love with the mission of FSC and stayed as a volunteer after graduating the program.
Today, Lawrence serves as a Supervisor of Facilitators with Fathers’ Support Group and teaches evening GED classes. He has learned that all actions have consequences and impact the trajectory of several lives. As Lawrence explains, accepting responsibility is a vital step in reestablishing a normal life: “Living that life of making poor choices and thinking about what it cost me in the past has allowed me to stay focused on what I’m doing today.”
Anishika Ward
What Does Staying Power Mean to You?
“Staying Power is having that grit. It takes a lot to sit here and be vulnerable. God brings the grace; you bring the grit. You have to keep pushing and keep on…Staying Power is just no matter what, staying in the game, keep sharing, keep healing, and keep watching lives be healed. Just having that grit no matter what.”
At 14 years old, Anishika joined a Northside gang as a means of protecting herself. When attempting a stick-up as part of initiation, she was detained by police and sentenced as an adult. “While I was in there, I was still very young and impressionable, and I learned a lot of crap. I learned real criminal thinking.” Anishika finished her lengthy prison sentence and returned to her neighborhood, eventually being arrested again. During this period, Anishika felt like “there’s got to be more to life than this.”
While in prison the second time, Anishika began to leave her past behind through reflection and prayer. During probation, Anishika was connected to Shontelle Fisher, founder of The SoulFisher Ministries. From there, Anishika has shared her story to empower incarcerated women. Anishika now holds a full-time position at Jost Chemical Plant. While she is grateful for the work, her passion lies in her work with SoulFisher. “Sharing my story, giving back, talking…that’s the rewarding part.”
Stanley Prince
“Staying around positive people is the best tool anyone can live by. If you want to get your life right, you have to be around positive people. Iron sharpens iron.”
Stanley Prince grew up knowing just how rough the streets could be. He enjoyed rebelling against authority figure and taking risks, resulting in poor choices that led him to juvenile homes and institutions. Dropping out of school at 13, Stanley set his sights on becoming rich through drugs. He was arrested at age 29 and has lived half his life in prison. While incarcerated, Stanley learned of his son’s murder, spurring him to rewrite his destiny.
In prison, Stanley learned to read, write and earned his GED. After being released, he connected with programs at Fathers’ Support Center and CareSTL Health. These programs supplied Stanley with ample love and support to elevate himself in life. Today, Stanley owns his own outreach business that works with troubled teens to lead a different life than he led. When asked to reflect on his journey, he says that “I don’t want to think about doing it all over again because my life is great. It’s the way I want it…I’m truly living my best life.”
Rae'mel Boyd
There’s definitely been some struggles my family been through and I’ve been through. I’m just trying to keep going now.”
As a kid, Rae’mel Boyd’s mind was far from the classroom. Education often came second to smoking and leisure, leading him to drop out soon after. His outlook was quickly reset the day his brother was shot. “It made me wake up and be more picky with my friends. It made me start getting on the right path.”
Rae’mel soon began working at Better Family Life and, with the encouragement of his co-workers, enrolled in a GED program. This spring, he passed the High School Education Test with flying colors. Regarding future plans, Rae’mel wants to explore beyond St. Louis, purchase a house and car, and see what the future has in store for him.
