The success of the Drew Lewis Foundation programs has fostered remarkable progress in the resilience and stability of their members. Notably, these successful programs have expanded to other areas in Missouri and Colorado.
Amy Blansit and husband, Drew Lewis, dreamed big and took a leap of faith purchasing the abandoned Fairbanks gradeschool. Although Drew lost his battle with cancer in May 2013, Amy continues to work to achieve their shared vision of community betterment through improving real estate. The Drew Lewis Foundation focuses on asset-based urban development to realize a community’s full potential. Residents of a community are inclined to preserve what they love. If a neighborhood’s parks, schools, and homes, are poorly kept, the motivation to preserve them fades away. An asset-based approach revitalizes the community infrastructure, and renews residents’ neighborhood pride.
How Our Foundation Started.
Drew Lewis Foundation + Fairbanks Community Hub.
The Fairbanks now servers as a community hub in the Grant Beach Neighborhood. Many of the resources that families need are often spread across the city, providing a major obstacle.
The Fairbanks Community Hub brings together many of those resources and puts them under one roof. The Fairbanks Community Hub provides access to food, free WiFi, a library in the coffee shop, a market garden, youth services, a bike shop, and various nonprofit headquarters all in the same building.
Historic Fairbanks.
The Fairbanks was built in 1906 as a public school. It has had several additions since it opened its doors over a century ago. The Fairbanks began as a eight-room brick schoolhouse with indoor plumbing. Over the years, a cafeteria, gymnasium, two additional classrooms and a library were added. Fairbanks Elementary served Grant Beach Neighborhood area students for 100 years. Today, it continues to serve the community with cradle to career services.
Closure of the Fairbanks.
In 2007 the school closed after 100 years of service to our community. The attending students were routed to other area schools and the buildings quickly deteriorated and suffered vandalism. With new ownership in 2013, the buildings were restored and leased to community betterment initiatives.
Founder & CEO
Amy started it all. She and her late husband purchased the Fairbanks in 2013. Since then our fearless leader has helped grow a team of compassionate professionals focused on advocating for a brighter future.
Director of Development
Holly helps our team connect us with those wanting to make a difference through donations, volunteering and in-kind services. She is dedicated to community development and helping families thrive.
Director of RISE
Meghan has helped develop the RISE program and leads our RISE team. Her dynamic leadership skills help our coaches guide members from surviving to thriving.
Director of RISE Expansion
Jessica began as a VISTA and has grown with our team through her vision of expanding across Missouri and beyond. Her leadership skills have helped us advocate in Missouri and Colorado.
Director of Operations
Jeremy joined our team to help improve our operations and facility management. Under his leadership we have seen improved processes and team is thriving. His vision for DLF is inspiring.
OUR TEAM
RISE Expansion Coordinator & Personal Development Coach
Alex joins us with experience in trauma informed services and compassionate coaching to help RISE members reach their goals. She also supports our RISE Expansion efforts.
Personal Development Coach
Monica began in RISE and grew with our team. Through continuing education and experience, she works with our members to set and achieve their goals.
Youth Coordinator
Zack is a dynamic employee who leads our RISE Kids programming. As a connector in our community, he helps organize youth programming with purpose.
Blue House Project
Site Supervisor
Chris is our housing team lead and has over 20 years of experience in construction. He is a great educator for our team and has great vision for the program.
Blue House Project
Construction Worker
Luke joined us with experience in insulation. He has expanded his skills and now helps us turn old houses into warm homes.
Accounting Manager
Ashlyn joined our team to enhance our fiscally responsible finance practices.
Blue House Project
Construction Worker
Nathan joins us with experience in general construction and tile work. He helps us turn dilapidated houses into warm homes.
I.T. & Special Projects
The person who sits at a computer all day and keeps the business online.
Shelena Yamdogo
Personal Development Coach
Shelena joined our team to help serve our RISE members. Her experience and education help our team best serve our community.
Mike Stevens
Blue House Project Coordinator
As the demand for housing and housing solutions have grown in our community, Mike joined our team to meet these needs. Keep an eye out for our Missing Middle housing initiatives.
