ARJ Community was founded to offer a safe space for families who cannot handle the everyday cost of living and to continue the legacy of Arthur Roy Johnson, a leader in serving and developing stability for families in South Saint Louis City. Our work started in 2014 with the now-annual Back-to-School Bash, which distributes school supplies for hundreds of families in need. ARJ has continually expanded and is offering the following programs in 2022:
Safe Sleep: We offer baby showers to new moms with a class on safe sleep to prevent infant mortality. Moms walk away as Safe Sleep Champions with diapers, baby clothes, and much more! We are partnered with Cardinal Glennon & Sweet Babies and continually follow-up to provide moms with monthly support.
Food Security: We provide a food pantry for emergency needs and monthly mobile drive-through food giveaways.
Thanksgiving Food Drive: Every Thanksgiving we host a turkey drive to ensure the families have a full meal.
Christmas Charitable Campaign: We are passionate about making sure the children have presents under the tree. Not only do we provide toys, but clothes, shoes, coats, and food to ensure a happy holiday for the families.
Additionally, we connect families engaged with our organization to other resources and programs to address their needs in food, employment, and mental health.