Agency Fundholder Spotlight: Guardian Angel Settlement Association

YouthBridge Community Foundation of Greater St. Louis helps nonprofit organizations build Endowment Funds that strengthen long-term sustainability, generate future income, and inspire donor confidence. Through low-cost investment management, endowment education, personalized guidance, financial reporting, and annual matching funds for eligible child-serving nonprofits, YouthBridge partners with organizations every step of the way to help secure their future impact.

Organizations with Endowment Funds at YouthBridge are known as Agency Fundholders. Each month, we spotlight one Agency Fundholder to celebrate the partnerships that help build a stronger, more connected community. In honor of Juneteenth, we are proud to feature Guardian Angel Settlement Association (GASA), an organization whose steadfast commitment to opportunity, empowerment, and service has strengthened the African-American community for generations.

Led by Chief Executive Officer Reona Wise, GASA embodies the enduring spirit of Juneteenth—honoring resilience, expanding opportunity, and investing in brighter futures. That same commitment to creating lasting change is reflected in GASA’s Endowment with YouthBridge. We spoke with Reona about the importance of building organizational permanence, preserving mission-driven work for future generations, and how a strong endowment helps ensure communities continue to benefit from GASA’s impact for decades to come.

Q. Looking ahead, how do you see your Endowment with YouthBridge affecting your organization’s future impact?

A. Our Endowment represents a commitment to permanence. It helps ensure Guardian Angel’s mission remains strong and sustainable regardless of future economic challenges. By building long-term financial stability today, we are protecting our ability to serve future generations and continue creating a Path to Possible within our community.

Q. What vision or values guide your decision to continue growing your Endowment through additional contributions?

A. The Sr. Annalee Faherty Endowment was established to create a lasting legacy of service. Continuing to grow it reflects our values of stewardship, responsibility, and forward-thinking leadership. We believe strong organizations plan beyond the present and invest in resources that will sustain their mission for decades.

Q. How would you reply to another nonprofit leader who asked whether establishing an Endowment with YouthBridge is worth it, and why?

A. It is absolutely worthwhile! An Endowment is one of the strongest tools a nonprofit can use to build long-term financial security. It demonstrates commitment to sustainability, creates greater organizational resilience, and provides confidence that the mission will endure well beyond the tenure of any single leader or generation.

Q. Will GASA celebrate Juneteenth in any special way? Please share any exciting news, milestones, or upcoming events.

A. Juneteenth is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate resilience, achievement, and community. As an organization serving predominantly African American children and families, we honor the significance of this day while continuing our work to expand opportunity, strengthen families, and invest in brighter futures.

If you are interested in becoming part of the YouthBridge family and exploring your charitable giving options, please contact Andranique Joe, Director of Philanthropy.

For those who wish to make a lasting investment in GASA’s future, you are invited to contribute directly to its Endowment through the YouthBridge Giving Hub (Designated Fund for Guardian Angel Settlement Association Endowment). These gifts are not general donations, but contributions to GASA’s Endowment—helping build long-term financial stability and ensuring the organization can continue serving children for generations to come.