Paraquad

11/11/2025

Today we honor all who served, and recognize the impact of programs like Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA), which supports veterans with disabilities in achieving meaningful employment and greater independence.

Learn more about Paraquad’s WIPA program at https://paraquad.org/employment-services/wipa



ALT TEXT: Graphic with a deep red background and white text that reads, “Thank You, Veterans! Today we honor all who served and continue advocating for a world where accessibility and independence can empower us all.” The Paraquad logo appears at the bottom right corner.

11/11/2025

Paraquad joined the Show Me St. Louis this morning to talk about our 55th Anniversary celebration this Thursday and the core services we offer. Check it out!

Join Paraquad in honoring decades of empowering independence at their 55th Anniversary Celebration. Discover the impact they've had on the St. Louis community.

11/11/2025

This morning, Paraquad will join the crew at Show Me St. Louis to talk about our Cheers to 55 Years Celebration! this Thursday and celebrate all of the work Paraquad has done for people with disabilities! Tune in at 10:00am on KSDK News to check it out!

Updated with a link to livestream!

Watch live news and on-demand videos from KSDK in St. Louis, Missouri

11/10/2025

📢 You still have time! 📢

RSVP by Wednesday, to join us this Thursday, November 13th for Paraquad’s 55th Anniversary Celebration! ⭐️

We’ll celebrate inclusion, community, independence, and even give away some St. Louis surprises!💙

Secure your spot today: paraquad.org/55th-rsvp 👈



ALT TEXT: Graphic promoting Paraquad’s “Cheers to 55 Years” Anniversary Celebration. At the top, bold text reads “RSVP DEADLINE EXTENDED — RSVP BY WEDNESDAY!” followed by the link “paraquad.org/55th-rsvp.”In the center, a tan envelope holds an invitation card that reads “You’re Invited!” with event details: Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at the Stephen A. Orthwein Center, 5200 Berthold Ave. On the right side, the “Cheers to 55 Years” Paraquad logo appears beside a yellow “RSVP Today!” button and a QR code. Text at the bottom says, “ Guests will have a chance to win prizes inspired by St. Louis favorites, including the St. Louis Zoo, Missouri Botanical Garden, Imo’s Pizza, and St. Louis Cardinals!”

11/08/2025

Paraquad is proud to join this coalition of organizations who will work to make the Missouri State Senate more accessible to people with disabilities. Please see the information on the flyer below.

11/07/2025

The past 55 years wouldn’t be possible without the incredible people supporting us! ⭐️

Hear from Paraquad’s Chairperson of the Board, Eric Willis, on what makes Paraquad’s mission so meaningful, and why inclusion truly matters!💙



ALT TEXT: Graphic with an orange background featuring the Paraquad “Cheers to 55 Years” logo in the top right corner. On the left, white text reads: “I’m truly proud to be part of and support an organization that helps people with disabilities live with independence and confidence. Paraquad’s dedication to making our community more accessible and inclusive inspires me and reminds me how important it is for everyone to have equal opportunities to live, work, and participate fully. What Paraquad does, truly matters!”

On the right side is a photo of Eric Willis, smiling. Beneath his photo, text reads: “Chairperson of Paraquad’s Board — Sr. Director of HR | Spectrum.”

11/05/2025

In his own words from 2023, Paraquad Board Member, Joe Bayer Jr. shared a story that beautifully reflects why our mission continues to matter: connection, community, and life-changing impact. 💙

We’re revisiting this reflection as part of our Archive Dive series, celebrating 55 years of empowering independence and the stories that continue to inspire us every day!📚



ALT TEXT: Graphic titled “Board Member Testimonial: A Story I’ll Never Forget.” On the left side, a circular “Cheers to 55 Years” Paraquad logo appears at the top. Below, text shares a 2023 testimonial written in Joe Bayer Jr.’s own words about a meaningful encounter he had while wearing a Paraquad hoodie.

Full text reads:

“I was running errands when a woman approached me and asked if I was with Paraquad (I was sporting my new Paraquad hoodie).

I excitedly explained that Paraquad helped my father significantly through his journey adjusting to life in a wheelchair, that my company First Integrity Mortgage Services supports and donates quarterly, and that I was now proudly a board member.

She went on to tell me that her daughter was born with a disability and utilized Paraquad for years as a young child for assistance in adaptation and independence; her daughter, now older, supports herself completely.

This mother’s words gave me chills and stuck with me all weekend: ‘If it wasn’t for you guys and your team, I don’t know if we would have made it.’

While there are so many incredible charities in St. Louis — and I know I am biased — Paraquad is one of my absolute favorites, for reasons and moments just like this. To hear about life-changing results due to the wonderful work they do is why being a part of these kinds of organizations is so important.”

On the right side, there’s a photo of Joe smiling outdoors in a red baseball cap, glasses, and a navy blue Paraquad hoodie. The background includes a building with signage. The design features a light green border with gray and blue accents, and a small note that this story is part of an “Archive Dive” series.

11/04/2025

RSVP by Thursday, November 6th!🗓️

Our milestone celebration is coming up soon! We can’t wait to celebrate 55 years of empowering independence and inclusion with you.💙

RSVP now at https://paraquad.org/55th-rsvp 🔗



ALT TEXT: Graphic featuring an envelope with Paraquad’s “You’re Invited!” 55th Anniversary invitation inside. Above the envelope, bold text reads “RSVP by Thursday, November 6!” The invitation highlights Paraquad’s 55th Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the Stephen A. Orthwein Center, with the “Cheers to 55 Years” logo in the corner and gold stars along the edges. A blue bar at the bottom reads “Secure your spot for Paraquad’s 55th Anniversary Celebration!”

11/03/2025

Please see the press release below.

Alt text:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2025

Paraquad Welcomes New CEO Latosha Fowlkes

ST. LOUIS, MO — Paraquad’s Board of Directors announced today the hiring of Latosha Fowlkes as its new Chief Executive Officer effective December 1, 2025. Latosha brings a wealth of nonprofit leadership experience and a strong commitment to disability rights.

“Paraquad stands at an important moment. The nonprofit landscape is shifting rapidly yet what remains unwavering is our shared purpose—to champion independence, accessibility, and opportunity for people with disabilities. Together, we will continue to serve with compassion and courage, while embracing the fresh energy and perspective that Latosha’s new leadership brings,” said Paraquad Board President Eric Willis.

Latosha comes to Paraquad from The Core Collective at Saint Vincent where she implemented a rebranding that reflects an inspiring new vision, mission, strategic plan, all firmly rooted in the organization’s rich legacy. Latosha, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois and Missouri, brings over 20 years of invaluable service and leadership experience to the CEO position at Paraquad.

Interim CEO Elton Thomas will remain with Paraquad through December to support a smooth and thoughtful transition.

“We are deeply grateful to Paraquad’s Interim CEO, Elton Thomas whose steady hand, heart, and integrity have guided us through this leadership transition,” added Willis. “His leadership and dedication continue to have a lasting impact on our organization and community.”

This leadership transition comes at an exciting time for Paraquad, as the organization builds upon its 55-year legacy of fulfilling our mission to champion equity and independence for people with disabilities through services, partnerships, education, and advocacy.

For questions or further information, please contact:

Amy Lewis
Senior Director of Advancement, Paraquad
alewis@paraquad.org | (314) 289-4348

11/03/2025

With the federal government shutdown still ongoing, SNAP benefits may not be funded for November. Paraquad will be sharing resources from various organizations that can help.

Please see the information below from Operation Food Search.

📍This week's MetroMarket schedule is here! Your favorite mobile Farmers Market is hitting the road this week with fresh, affordable groceries near you. See our entire schedule at https://loom.ly/WB7Jhqc

10/30/2025

With the federal government shutdown still ongoing, SNAP benefits may not be funded for November. Paraquad will be sharing resources from various organizations that can help.

Please see the information in this article from KSDK regarding food assistance.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits are set to be halted on Nov. 1 because of the federal government shutdown.