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About

Viewpoints was founded in 2019.

 

Their mission had two goals: to end homelessness for men listed on the sex offense registry, and to ease the transition from incarceration to the community. This population suffers from the severe stigma associated with the sexual crime category. The shame, indignity, and dishonor placed on these people by society at-large is, in many ways, far worse than any such stigma associated with other crimes. People on the registry face employment and housing barriers, a lack of mental health resources, and the challenge of residency restrictions that require them to live 1,000+ feet away from schools, parks, daycare centers, etc. These combined factors leave few affordable housing options. In at least one case study it has shows that stable housing and community integration reduces the chance of reoffending for offenders.

The assistance provided by Viewpoints is designed to help these men forge a new beginning after years of incarceration, and this includes the necessity of housing.

Since its founding, the organization has grown to include three housing locations in the city of St. Louis. The organization has housed more than 60 men and provided services to over 100 registered persons in need. 

We hope you will consider supporting our efforts by donating, volunteering, or simply sharing our mission with someone you know. 

Meet the Board

Debra Grund

President

Debra is a founder of Viewpoints and a master networker. She served as Event & Catering Coordinator for United Hebrew, and founded United Hebrew Catering. She founded a childrens Peruvian dance group to celebrate cultral food,dance and Spanish language classes. She is an active member in the Jewish community. Debra encourages the importance of education, and her commitment to learning is evident in the business degree and certifications she has earned.

Erik McInnis

Secretary

Erik McInnis is a retired Officer of Marines with a 22 year career specializing in Aviation Command and Control. Aside from his specialty, Erik also received a Masters Degree in Applied Mathematics, and has taught the calculus sequence at the United States Naval Academy. Additionally, he has multiple combat tours, and his final billet was that of Airfield Operations Officer at Miramar, CA. Erik is the Missouri Representative for NARSOL, and his focus is on fighting misinformation about sex offenses using verifiable facts and research.

Julie Rideeoutte

Treasurer

Julie is a passionate advocate for unhoused justice-involved people and a proud Native American. She is active in the MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) Movement that advocates for the end of violence against indigenous women and girls. She has 10+ years of experience in the financial sector and is currently studying criminal justice at the University of Phoenix.

Sandy Zuehlke

Board Member

Sandy has her certificate in non-profit management. She was active in CASA for years, advocating for children in the foster care system. She has always been known for helping those that society has forgotten. She joined Viewpoints because it serves people that society has pushed to the margins, men convicted of sex crimes. She believes everyone has the potential to become productive members of the community. She currently pastors incarcerated people, specifically those whom have no visitors or outside contacts.

Clayton James

Board Member

Clayton has been listed on the registry for 23 years. His educational background lies in Computer Maintenance/ Repair and Management Information Systems. He is passionate about serving and educating individuals on the registry. He also owns and operates a comic publishing company.

Michelle Smith

Board Member

Michelle is an advocate and activist organizer who experienced incarceration during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her interactions with the criminal legal system revealed to her some of the shortcomings of the justice system and of society at large. In addition to serving Viewpoints as a key board member, she is the Director of Community Engagement & Outreach at Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.

Meet the Staff

Julie Rideeoutte

Book Keeper

Julie is a passionate advocate for unhoused justice-involved people and a proud Native American. She is active in the MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) Movement that advocates for the end of violence against indigenous women and girls. She has 10+ years of experience in the financial sector and is currently studying criminal justice at the University of Phoenix.

Debra Grund

Director of Operations/Compliance Coordinator

Debra is a founder of Viewpoints and a master networker. She served as Event & Catering Coordinator for United Hebrew, and founded United Hebrew Catering. She founded a childrens Peruvian dance group to celebrate cultral food,dance and Spanish language classes. She is an active member in the Jewish community. Debra encourages the importance of education, and her commitment to learning is evident in the business degree and certifications she has earned.

 

Rieley Wade

Case Manager

Riley is a dedicated and professional case manager with experience working with individuals struggling with substance use disorder and other mental illnesses. She has a degree in psychology and is working toward her masters degree in Forensic Psychology.