Gail Olson

Community Revitalization

One of God’s greatest commands is “We are to love our neighbors as ourselves.” While Gail can’t look out her kitchen window and see the North St. Louis community of College Hill, they are her neighbors. Gail started volunteering in College Hill 25 years ago, after being introduced to Lutheran Housing Support (LHS), which was beginning revitalization efforts. She established the College Hill Foundation (CHF). Under the leadership of LHS, Gail and CHF helped LHS begin their work.

In 2007, Gail started Women on Mission (WOM) (womstl.org), a women’s giving circle. Membership dues are pooled into a grant. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that would provide their services in College Hill are invited to apply. WOM members decide the grants.

In 2018, Gail started Seeds of Grace Lavender Farm. Beginning with 100 plants, today there are over 2000. This began as neighborhood beautification. The lavender is sold, with profits going into the community.

CHF hired Executive Director Fred Kimbrough from LHS, which lost its funding seven years ago. CHF continues the work started by LHS.

None of this could have been done without God’s guiding hand and all of the friends and family who have supported these efforts.