At St. Louis Oasis, we believe lasting community impact happens when people share their time, talents, and lived experience in service of others. That’s why our partnership with JADASA (Journey Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse) means so much to us.

JADASA is a domestic violence advocacy agency founded by Dr. Cynthia R. Bennett. What started as a small effort—sending letters and encouragement from Dr. Bennett’s kitchen table—has grown into an organization that supports survivors across the St. Louis region.

“We started with just assisting women… providing resources where they can get information,” Dr. Bennett shared. “It started out of our kitchen.”

In addition to direct survivor advocacy and emergency support, JADASA has developed innovative programs to connect community members to help faster. One standout initiative is Community Connect, which provides QR-code keychains to first responders and community agencies—linking people instantly to JADASA’s updated resource hub for the St. Louis region.

Today, the organization provides whole-person support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, and also assists community members experiencing elder abuse, a need that is often hidden and under-resourced. Their commitment to serving our community is exactly why St. Louis Oasis is proud to support JADASA through Give 5.

Oasis Give 5 Volunteers Supporting a Mission That Matters

Oasis’ Give 5 program connects participants with local nonprofits, helps them learn about community needs, and invites them into volunteer roles that make a real difference—including at JADASA. Over the past year, our partnership has grown into something more than volunteer hours; it has become a relationship rooted in compassion, shared purpose, and community-wide collaboration.

Dr. Bennett shared that the partnership began with volunteers supporting JADASA’s fundraising event, Trivia with a Twist. Since then, Oasis volunteers have continued showing up for other events and outreach opportunities.

“They have volunteered for the last two events that we’ve had,” Dr. Bennett said. “We have them on our volunteer list now, and they’re always among the first we reach out to when we plan events.”

Oasis volunteers have supported JADASA in meaningful ways, including assisting with event logistics, monitoring silent auction tables, helping with drawings and activities, and offering a warm, welcoming presence to guests and community members.

Dr. Bennett described Oasis participants as especially compassionate and deeply understanding, because many have lived experience and can relate to what survivors are going through.

“The women were just wonderful,” she said. “Because some of them have lived experiences… they’ve been there. They’re able to be more compassionate.”

That empathy matters. It creates a volunteer environment that is not only helpful, but supportive. It also sends an important message to survivors and community members: you are seen, you are not alone, and people care.

Beyond direct support, Dr. Bennett emphasized that partnerships like this create momentum—showing other organizations and community members what collaboration can look like.

“It creates a synergy,” she shared. “And it opens up doors for other organizations to say, ‘Hey, I want to be a part of that.’”

Supporting JADASA Beyond Events

In addition to volunteer support, Dr. Bennett shared several ways the community can help strengthen JADASA’s ability to meet urgent needs. Like many community organizations, JADASA often relies on donations and resources to provide emergency support for survivors.

She also highlighted a critical gap in supplies: adult-sized protective undergarments (often called “pull-ups” or protective briefs) for children and adults with disabilities who may be too large for diapers but still need support.

“That’s a gap in service right now,” she explained. “We would like to see somebody that can donate [those].”

To volunteer, donate, or connect with JADASA, call 314-269-0100 or visit JADASA.org.

Looking Ahead

At Oasis, we are proud that Give 5 volunteers are part of this important work—and grateful to partner with an organization like JADASA that meets real needs with compassion, innovation, and care.

As Dr. Bennett shared so powerfully, partnerships like this make it clear: communities grow stronger when people show up for one another.