14th Annual Community Development Family Reunion
Last Thursday, we came together as a community at Third Degree Glass Factory for the 14th Annual Community Development Family Reunion where we celebrated progress, leadership, and connection. Our annual event always serves as a reminder that small steps lead to big change, and that people across St. Louis are doing great work every day to make a difference.
Nearly 200 community leaders and partners gathered, including CBN board members, sponsors, and elected officials, to celebrate this year’s awardees. Local residents and students also came together to support them and connect with other changemakers.
“It was great to be in community with so many helping professionals and celebrate the honorees’ legacies of service. I appreciated learning about all the ways the organizations are supporting the community, particularly on the North Side, and hearing from those who are doing important work but not always platformed.” - Jackie Freed, MSW student at WashU
Becky Reinhart, Executive Director of DeSales CDC and President of the CBN Board, opened the event by grounding the gathering in gratitude and purpose. She lifted up the sustained, often unseen work of community members across the region and reaffirmed CBN’s vision: a St. Louis where every neighborhood has equitable access to opportunity, investment, and voice.
“Together, we advocate for change with the people, not just for them, and move our region toward a more equitable, sustainable future.” - Becky Reinhart
The program featured powerful moments of recognition and reflection as CBN honored leaders whose work continues to shape the region’s community development landscape. Although The People's Response were unable to attend, Cynthia Jordan (US Bank), offered remarks and accepted the Collaboration and Coalition Building Award on their behalf, recognizing their continued leadership in building cross-sector alignment and community power. Colleen Hafner, Executive Director of Rise Community Development, called Pastor Andre Alexander to the stage to honor him with the Growing in Equity & Anti-Racism Award for his ongoing commitment to justice-centered leadership and community healing. Joel Pugh, Executive Director of SHED, presented the Resident Leadership Award to Mimi Taylor-Hendrix, recognizing her deep commitment to neighborhood leadership and resident-driven change. Rachel Waterman, Senior Staff Attorney atLegal Services of Eastern Missouri, presented the Transparency & Trust Award to Alderwoman Dionne Peeples-Jones, and praised her commitment to accountability, open governance, and community-centered decision-making. Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier (Ward 7, City of St. Louis) was proud to celebrate her colleague, Barb Potts, presenting her with the Excellence in Public Sector Leadership Award for her consistent dedication to public service and equitable systems change. Paul Woodruff, Vice President of St. Louis Community Credit Union and CBN Board Member, shared encouraging words inspired by Legacy Jackson and presented her with the Rising Star in Community Building Award. And, finally, Monique Thomas, Executive Director of Cornerstone Corporation, delivered a heartfelt tribute to its founder, Gordon Carlson before presenting him with the Lifetime Dedication to Community Building Award for his decades of sustained service and impact in St. Louis.
CBN is very proud of all of this year’s awardees! Their work reflects the collective effort required to advance equity, strengthen neighborhoods, and build lasting systems of support across our region. To learn more about each awardee and the impact of their work, please visit our website here.
This year’s event brought together a powerful cross-section of community development leaders, practitioners, and advocates whose work spans housing, policy, advocacy, education, and neighborhood investment. The energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to collaboration and a belief that meaningful change happens through sustained relationships and collective action. As we continue this work together, CBN remains guided by a Strategic Plan centered on four key priorities: Advocacy, Capacity Building, Partnerships, and Storytelling. If you are interested in learning more about this roadmap for impact, we invite you to read the full plan here.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who continues to support our mission. The work is ongoing, the momentum is real, and the commitment across our network remains strong.
Once Again, Thank You To Our 2026 Sponsors!
This celebration was powered by our incredible sponsors and partners. We couldn't have done it without you! Thank you for investing in community development!
Although unable to attend in person, Congressman Wesley Bell, representing Missouri’s 1st Congressional District, shared a heartfelt letter and commendation of CBN’s Annual Community Development Family Reunion. In his message, he uplifted the importance of this gathering as a powerful reflection of what is possible when communities come together with a shared purpose. Congressman Bell recognizes CBN’s continued leadership in strengthening neighborhoods across the St. Louis region and emphasized the value of celebrating the individuals, organizations, government partners, small businesses, and institutions doing the everyday work of building safer, healthier, and more connected communities. He also offered his congratulations to the 2026 Awardees, lifting up their lasting contributions to the region and the generations of impact their work will continue to shape.
