Deaconess Foundation

Deaconess Foundation Invests $450,000 in Innovative Community-Stewarded Funds

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | January 13, 2026

As part of Deaconess Foundation’s strategic approach to advancing liberation in seven generations, it recently invested $450,000 in two innovative community-stewarded funds: NextGen Grantmakers and the Seniors Community Revitalization and Development Fund (Seniors Community Fund). Both initiatives put funding decisions into the hands of the people—in this case, young people and older adults—who are part…

Annual Gathering Wednesday Worship Becomes ‘Harambe’ Moment for all

By Barb Powell | March 19, 2025

The Rev. Darrell Goodwin, executive conference minister of the UCC’s Southern New England Conference, preached about the power of a unified CHHSM during the Wednesday evening worship service of the 87th Annual Gathering. Held March 12, 2025, at Old South Church UCC in Boston, the special service included the consecration of the current graduating class…

Second Cohort for CHHSM Scholar Finalists Provides Mentoring and Financial Assistance to Innovative Leaders

By Barb Powell | February 13, 2025

An unusual coming together of funding has created new blessings for the UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) and the finalists of its Rev. Jerry Paul Scholar Program, or CHHSM Scholar Program. Beginning this spring, and through the 2025-2026 academic year, the three finalists not selected as this year’s CHHSM Scholar will form…

Richard and Johann Ellerbrake Continue Advocacy for CHHSM through Financial Gift

By Barb Powell | July 10, 2024

The Rev. Richard Ellerbrake, long-time health and human services activist and advocate, and his wife, Johann, whose career has included serving as a physical therapist and in youth ministries, have provided a $3,000 Schwab Charitable grant to the UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM). Dick Ellerbrake, president emeritus of Deaconess Health System…

Deaconess Foundation Awards $100,000 to ArchCity Defenders’ Freedom Summer STL

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | May 13, 2024

Deaconess Foundation (Deaconess) has awarded a policy campaign grant of $100,000 to ArchCity Defenders, a holistic legal advocacy organization that combats the criminalization of poverty and state violence, especially in communities of color, in St. Louis. The grant will be used for ArchCity Defenders’ Freedom Summer STL program. This summer marks the 60th anniversary of Freedom Summer, a…

Annual Gathering: Faith Keeps Us Striving for Innovation and Collaboration

By Barb Powell | March 19, 2024

The Council for Health and Human Service Ministries’ (CHHSM) 86th Annual Gathering, held March 12-14, 2024, in St. Louis, explored its theme of Innovation and Collaboration through meaningful worship, inspiring workshops and keynotes, and joyful conversations. This year’s Gathering was based on an Ecclesiastes Bible passage, and its meaning was a thread running throughout the…

Early Bird Registration for CHHSM’s 86th Annual Gathering is Open!

By Barb Powell | December 14, 2023

Registration for CHHSM’s 86th Annual Gathering — to be held March 12-14, 2024, at the Live by Loews Hotel in St. Louis — opened Monday, Dec. 18. The hotel is located in downtown St. Louis’ Ballpark Village, adjacent to Busch Stadium and within walking distance of the new Arch riverfront, museums, and eateries. The theme…

Johnson-Javois, Wilson to Highlight Opening Events at CHHSM Annual Gathering

By Barb Powell | November 13, 2023

Inspiration will be the operative word during the opening events of the UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries Annual Gathering, to be held March 12-14, 2024, at the Live by Loews Hotel in St. Louis. On Tuesday morning, March 12, the Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation in St. Louis,…

Deaconess Foundation and the St. Louis Regional Health Commission Launch Grant Fund for Organizations Serving Seniors

By CHHSM-Member Ministry Contribution | October 11, 2023

The St. Louis Regional Health Commission (the RHC) and its partner Deaconess Foundation have launched a $350,000 Seniors Community Revitalization and Development Fund (Seniors Community Fund) to support services for seniors in the region. The Seniors Community Fund aims to improve the public health system infrastructure to better serve residents 55 years of age and older…

Ministry Moments from the President

By Jamar Doyle | September 12, 2023

This short, monthly video highlights various CHHSM ministries and partners, as together we build a more just, equitable, caring, and compassionate world. This month’s guest is the Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois, President and CEO of Deaconess Foundation in St. Louis. #BeAVoiceCHHSM

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