Velma Bailey

Youth Enrichment

Velma Bailey, Founder/CEO of the Saint Louis Torchbearers 2, can be found helping her marginalized community’s youth gain equitable access to resources region-wide—after school, on weekends, and each summer in Fairground Park. Her grassroots nonprofit has helped 500 children build paradigms for lifelong success through partnerships with 50+ organizations. Velma’s work has been widely recognized: the 2022 RWJF/NRPA Health Equity Award, AARP National Creating the Good Award, Gateway to Dreams Inspiring Hope Award, Pay It Forward Award, League of Women Voters Metro STL Harriett Woods Award for Exemplary Community Service, and featured in the Post’s Giving Thanks recognition stories.