Social Impact at CIC St. Louis

Tell us what your organization does.

SendBack is a reverse logistics technology company that provides convenient, at-home return pickups through a user-friendly app. We eliminate the need for boxes, labels, and trips to drop-off locations, while also offering sustainable solutions like donating unused items through our Give Back Bag program. Our mission is to simplify returns while reducing environmental impact.

What do you hope to get out of participating in the CIC St. Louis Social Impact Cohort?

By participating in the CIC St. Louis Social Impact Cohort, I hope to foster strong connections with fellow cohort members and the broader CIC and Cortex communities, building strategic partnerships to drive positive impact. I am also eager to learn from CIC’s global and U.S. expansion efforts, as SendBack prepares to scale our services nationally and internationally.

What advice do you have for other STL organizations aiming to make a positive impact in the community?

My advice to STL organizations aiming to make a positive impact is to prioritize collaboration and build strong partnerships within the community. Leverage local expertise, listen to the needs of those you serve, and focus on sustainable, impactful solutions. Lead with empathy and strive for long-term, meaningful change that benefits everyone involved.

Tell us what your organization does.

Turn the Page STL is St. Louis’ city- and countywide initiative dedicated to increasing the number of children who are reading at grade level or above grade level by third grade. We recognize the complexity and impact of functional illiteracy and view our work through a multigenerational lens. 

What do you hope to get out of participating in the CIC St. Louis Social Impact Cohort?

I hope to deepen my knowledge of our community’s needs through interaction and collaboration with my fellow cohort members.  We can strengthen each other through shared learning. 

What advice do you have for other STL organizations aiming to make a positive impact in the community?

Never stop pursuing more knowledge. Every time you meet and learn from someone, ask them to introduce you to two more people who can help you. This community is interconnected and the potential to make a difference is unlimited.

Tell us what your organization does.

EMBr enhances safety for individuals at risk of overdose by offering both an app and a wearable device. The app connects to existing smartwatches, while the wearable device independently detects overdose symptoms. Together, they enable real-time monitoring and ensure a rapid response and treatment by alerting emergency contacts and medical services.

What do you hope to get out of participating in the CIC St. Louis Social Impact Cohort?

By participating in the CIC St. Louis Social Impact Cohort, I hope to gain valuable insights and resources to advance my work in addressing substance use prevention and overdose intervention. I also aim to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations to create lasting social impact in the community.

What advice do you have for other STL organizations aiming to make a positive impact in the community?

For STL organizations looking to make a positive impact, focus on understanding the specific needs of the community and collaborate with other local groups to amplify your efforts. Stay adaptable and open to new ideas, and prioritize long-term, sustainable solutions that address the root causes of issues. Building trust and strong relationships within the community is key to creating lasting change.

Tell us what your organization does.

RESILIENCE Dance Company (RDC) is a nonprofit organization creating exceptional dance experiences that fuel human connection. Founded in 2019 by Artistic and Executive Director Emily Haussler, RDC serves the community through professional performances, educational programs, and community collaborations in contemporary modern dance. RDC further advocates for working artists, developing resources, practices, and opportunities that holistically support current and future generations of dancers.

What do you hope to get out of participating in the CIC St. Louis Social Impact Cohort?

We are excited to explore avenues for mutual support with our fellow SIC members, and pool our brain power for creative problem solving. We’re further hoping to gain practical skills in finance and development as we enter a growth stage.

What advice do you have for other STL organizations aiming to make a positive impact in the community?

Talk to people! Research and data are important, but nothing replaces real conversations with the people in your community. Problems and their solutions are always evolving; conversations can help you understand shifting needs to maximize the positive impact of your programs.

Tell us what your organization does.

Passback: Where Sports Meets Sustainability
We are creating a circular economy for sports gear & textiles, so every kid can play. 

What do you hope to get out of participating in the CIC St. Louis Social Impact Cohort?

Other than having an incredible space to work outside of my home, I hope to learn from other social entrepreneurs and make lasting connections to build a stronger social impact community in St. Louis and beyond. The collaborative environment will help inspire fresh ideas and approaches to solving the systemic issues we’re all passionate about.

What advice do you have for other STL organizations aiming to make a positive impact in the community?

Just start! Build it, and they will come. Have the courage to take the next step and continue making small ripples. Sooner or later, those tiny impact ripples will find their way back to you. Surround yourself with passionate people and resources that will help you navigate challenges and grow your impact. Remember, it’s not about perfection, but progress and the ability to adapt and improve as you go.

Tell us what your organization does.

Justusedtech is driven by a mission to upcycle tech devices using them as a tool to build digital divide . We come with one solution to solve two major challenges which are e-waste and also the digital divide . Far too long have several young people’s dreams being cut short or slowed down because of not having access to the right tech devices in this digital age, Justusedtech is taking this challenge to solve this problem and also help eradicate the growing e-waste problem. We are 501 C 3 (non profit organization) looking to make a positive impact in St.louis, the country and the world at Large.

What do you hope to get out of participating in the CIC St. Louis Social Impact Cohort?

Our hope is to network and partner with the much more businesses through the Social impact Cohort Network also using the opportunity to network with several CIC members community and growing our collections through partnerships

What advice do you have for other STL organizations aiming to make a positive impact in the community?

Leverage networks and build strong relationships, the next big help or opportunity is just one conversation away. You might hear Many “NO’s” but one Yes can change the whole trajectory of what you are working on ! Keep pushing .

Tell us what your organization does.

Flourish & Thrive Labs is a technology and strategy consulting firm that works with public health agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. As an 8(a) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) certified firm, we bring a unique combination of public sector expertise, data modernization capabilities, and a people-first approach to our work. Our multidisciplinary team has deep experience in policy, evaluation, and program management, and as former local public health professionals, we offer valuable insights into the challenges and needs of frontline staff. We are also pioneering the application of AI and advanced data analytics to support public health decision-making and policy development.

What do you hope to get out of participating in the CIC St. Louis Social Impact Cohort?

Flourish & Thrive Labs is well-positioned for continued expansion, and we are hoping to leverage our experience in the Social Impact Cohort to network with other businesses in the St Louis region and learn best practices on how to grow our business.

What advice do you have for other STL organizations aiming to make a positive impact in the community?

St Louis is home to so many amazing people who have a lot of experience working in the community – reach out and talk to them! Their advice and network are invaluable. 

Tell us what your organization does.

The Monday Partnership helps nonprofits, community groups, and funders work together to tackle social challenges. We focus on building strong partnerships and creating smart strategies that lead to lasting impact. Our goal is to support organizations in making a real difference in their communities.

What do you hope to get out of participating in the CIC St. Louis Social Impact Cohort?

I hope to gain valuable insights and strategies for driving social impact through the CIC St. Louis Social Impact Cohort. Connecting with like-minded leaders will allow me to exchange ideas and foster collaboration on meaningful initiatives. Ultimately, I want to strengthen my ability to create positive, lasting change in the community.

What advice do you have for other STL organizations aiming to make a positive impact in the community?

Focus on building authentic relationships and collaborate with other organizations to maximize your collective impact. Also prioritize understanding the unique needs of the community and tailor your efforts to address those challenges directly.

Tell us what your organization does.

Beyond BELIEVE supports disengaged students in obtaining high school equivalency, and an industry recognized credential, while also addressing the root causes that kept them from being successful.

What do you hope to get out of participating in the CIC St. Louis Social Impact Cohort?

I hope to make meaningful connections with like minded St. Louis-based organizations. I understand that expanding my network creates opportunities for the people that I serve.

What advice do you have for other STL organizations aiming to make a positive impact in the community?

Be open to new ideas. Continuing to do things like we always did them is not working anymore. It’s time to switch things up and be innovative.