Upcoming Events
See What's Happening
These upcoming events are all about connection, creativity, and collaboration. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the experience.
Trunk or Treat
Join artist Erin McGrath Rieke for Live Painting at Honda Frontenac during the Third Annual Trunk or Treat.
RedBike Outreach
RedBike Outreach distributes food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Those interested in volunteering, contributing supplies, or supporting the outreach through donations may contact me for more information.
RedBike Outreach
RedBike Outreach distributes food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Those interested in volunteering, contributing supplies, or supporting the outreach through donations may contact me for more information.
RedBike Outreach
RedBike Outreach distributes food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Those interested in volunteering, contributing supplies, or supporting the outreach through donations may contact me for more information.
November Discussion Group
ONLINE DISCUSSION GROUP
WOMEN ON SCREEN
FILM, TELEVISION & MEDIA THAT EMPOWER WOMEN
Thursday, November 19, 2026
7:00–9:00 PM CT
Online
November’s online discussion turns toward the stories that have expanded the possibilities for women on screen.
Film and television have enormous influence over the ways we understand gender, power, beauty, aging, ambition, sexuality, motherhood, friendship, leadership, anger, vulnerability, and independence. For generations, women were frequently positioned as supporting characters in stories centered around men, or confined to familiar roles that offered little room for contradiction or complexity.
That landscape has changed considerably, although not evenly.
This discussion will examine films, television series, documentaries, performances, and other forms of visual media that have allowed women to occupy more complicated territory. We will look at characters who are permitted to be ambitious without apology, imperfect without punishment, funny without becoming caricatures, sexual without existing solely for the male gaze, older without disappearing, and powerful without being required to become traditionally masculine.
We will also ask a more difficult question: What does it actually mean for media to “empower” women?
Is a strong female character necessarily an empowered one? Does empowerment require triumph? Can a deeply flawed or even unlikeable woman represent progress simply because she is allowed the same narrative complexity traditionally afforded to male characters?
The conversation will move beyond individual characters to consider who is creating the stories themselves. Women writers, directors, producers, actors, documentarians, and showrunners have increasingly changed not only who appears on screen, but whose perspective determines how a story is told.
SPEAKER & FACILITATOR
Erin McGrath Rieke
Artist, writer, mental health advocate, peer counselor, and founder of Just E Productions
Erin will open the evening with a brief presentation exploring the evolution of women in film and television, the cultural expectations placed on female characters, and examples of storytelling that have challenged traditional representations of women.
The remainder of the evening will be an open, facilitated conversation among participants about the films, television programs, performances, and characters that have influenced the way we think about women.
ATTENDEES
This discussion is open to adults interested in film, television, media, gender, culture, storytelling, feminism, representation, and the changing ways women are portrayed on screen.
You do not need professional or academic experience with film or media studies to participate.
Participants are encouraged to come prepared with a film, television series, documentary, performance, character, writer, director, or creator they believe has contributed something meaningful to the representation of women.
You are equally welcome to attend simply to listen.
EVENING SCHEDULE
7:00–7:10 PM | Welcome & Introductions
Introductions, overview of the evening, and an opportunity for participants to briefly share a film, television series, character, or performance that has stayed with them.
7:10–7:30 PM | How Women Have Been Written
A brief look at the evolution of women in film and television and some of the recurring roles women have historically been expected to occupy.
We will consider how familiar archetypes such as the wife, mother, ingénue, femme fatale, victim, caretaker, romantic interest, and “strong female character” have shaped cultural expectations about women.
We will also examine what happens when writers and filmmakers begin allowing women to exist outside those categories.
7:30–7:50 PM | Opening Presentation
Women on Screen: Power, Complexity & Representation
We will consider:
• what makes a female character feel fully realized rather than symbolic
• the difference between strength and empowerment
• ambition, anger, sexuality, vulnerability, motherhood, and independence on screen
• aging and the visibility of women beyond youth
• the cultural expectation that female characters remain likeable
• the difference between being the subject of a story and simply appearing within it
• the influence of women writers, directors, producers, and showrunners
• how race, class, sexuality, disability, identity, and cultural background affect which women are represented and how their stories are told
7:50–8:15 PM | Film & Television Discussion
A facilitated conversation about portrayals of women that have challenged expectations or changed the way participants thought about female characters.
Questions may include:
Which female characters have stayed with you long after the story ended, and why?
What makes a portrayal of a woman feel honest rather than idealized?
Why are complicated male characters often celebrated while complicated women are still described as unlikeable?
Can a character be empowering even if she makes terrible decisions?
How has the portrayal of women over forty, fifty, or sixty changed on television and film?
What happens to a story when women are writing, directing, or producing it?
Are there films or television series you understand differently now than when you first watched them?
8:15–8:25 PM | Break
Participants are encouraged to step away, get water, stretch, or simply take a few quiet minutes before we continue.
8:25–8:50 PM | Open Group Discussion
Participants will be invited to bring their own examples into the conversation.
We may discuss beloved characters, performances that challenged us, films we once admired but now view differently, stories that surprised us, and representations that still feel limited or frustrating.
The goal is not to create a definitive list of “empowering” media.
In fact, some of the most interesting examples may be the ones we disagree about.
Instead, we will consider what it means for women to be given enough narrative space to be complicated, contradictory, ambitious, selfish, tender, difficult, frightened, powerful, uncertain, funny, aging, sexual, imperfect, and recognizably human.
8:50–9:00 PM | Closing Conversation & Recommendations
We will close by sharing films, television series, documentaries, performances, writers, directors, and creators participants would recommend to one another.
We will also consider a final question:
What kinds of women’s stories do we still want to see?
Participants will leave with a collaborative list of viewing recommendations gathered throughout the evening.
COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS
This is an open and respectful discussion.
Participants are encouraged to disagree thoughtfully, remain curious about perspectives different from their own, and allow room for complexity.
Criticism of a film, character, creator, or cultural idea is welcome. Personal attacks are not.
Participants should be mindful that discussions of film and television may involve references to sexism, sexual violence, domestic violence, discrimination, body image, trauma, reproductive issues, mental illness, and other potentially sensitive subjects.
No participant will be expected to disclose personal experiences.
Listening is participation.
You may step away from the conversation at any time.
CONTENT NOTICE
This discussion may include references to sexism, misogyny, sexual assault, domestic violence, harassment, discrimination, reproductive issues, mental illness, body image, trauma, and other subjects depicted in film and television.
Please participate in whatever way feels appropriate for you.
RedBike Outreach
RedBike Outreach distributes food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Those interested in volunteering, contributing supplies, or supporting the outreach through donations may contact me for more information.
RedBike Outreach
RedBike Outreach distributes food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Those interested in volunteering, contributing supplies, or supporting the outreach through donations may contact me for more information.
RedBike Outreach
RedBike Outreach distributes food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Those interested in volunteering, contributing supplies, or supporting the outreach through donations may contact me for more information.
RedBike Outreach
RedBike Outreach distributes food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Those interested in volunteering, contributing supplies, or supporting the outreach through donations may contact me for more information.
RedBike Outreach
RedBike Outreach distributes food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Those interested in volunteering, contributing supplies, or supporting the outreach through donations may contact me for more information.
October Discussion Group
Join us for a thoughtful discussion on how violence against women is portrayed in the media, examining survivor credibility, victim blaming, institutional accountability, and the influence of public narratives. Part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
RedBike Outreach
RedBike Outreach distributes food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Those interested in volunteering, contributing supplies, or supporting the outreach through donations may contact me for more information.
RedBike Outreach
RedBike Outreach distributes food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Those interested in volunteering, contributing supplies, or supporting the outreach through donations may contact me for more information.
The Art of Staying (Closing)
The Art of Staying is a month-long art and awareness campaign honoring Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Throughout September, Just E Productions will share artwork, personal stories, educational resources, and conversations exploring awareness, prevention, recovery, and connection.
The campaign invites us to learn, share, create, and stay while helping build a community in which no one has to struggle alone. Proceeds from the Art for a Cause campaign will help support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
RedBike Outreach
RedBike Outreach distributes food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Those interested in volunteering, contributing supplies, or supporting the outreach through donations may contact me for more information.
City of Maplewood Proclamation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT
Erin McGrath Rieke
erin@justeproductions.org
ST. LOUIS COUNTY AND CITY OF MAPLEWOOD TO RECOGNIZE SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
Two public presentations on September 22 will honor lives affected by suicide and promote awareness of 988 crisis support
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The St. Louis County Council and the City of Maplewood will formally recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month during two public meetings on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
At 3:00 p.m., Councilwoman Lisa Clancy will present a St. Louis County Council resolution recognizing Suicide Prevention Month. The presentation will take place in the County Council Chamber at the Lawrence K. Roos Government Building, 41 S. Central Avenue in Clayton.
At 7:00 p.m., Maplewood Mayor Barry Greenberg will read and present the City of Maplewood’s Suicide Prevention Month proclamation during the Maplewood City Council meeting. The presentation is listed as agenda item 10a and will take place in the Council Chamber at Maplewood City Hall, 7601 Manchester Road.
Maplewood resident and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Missouri volunteer advocate Erin McGrath Rieke will accept the recognitions. McGrath Rieke is a suicide-attempt survivor whose advocacy draws upon years of work in mental-health education, crisis awareness and suicide prevention.
“Suicide Prevention Month is not simply another awareness month to me. It is deeply personal. I have lost someone I loved to suicide, and I barely survived it myself. I know how darkness can swallow a person’s world and make survival feel impossible. I also know that healing is possible, even when you cannot yet imagine a life beyond the pain,” McGrath Rieke said. “We must talk openly about suicide because shame thrives in silence. These proclamations remind us to recognize suffering and make help easier to reach.”
The resolution and proclamation will honor those who have died by suicide, people who have survived attempts, those currently experiencing suicidal thoughts, survivors of suicide loss, families, caregivers, advocates, crisis responders and mental-health professionals.
They will also raise awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Anyone experiencing a mental-health, suicide or substance-use crisis, or anyone concerned about another person, may call or text 988 or use the online chat service at 988lifeline.org. The service is available around the clock.
The Office of the St. Louis County Executive is also preparing a separate Suicide Prevention Month proclamation. Details regarding its presentation will be announced when confirmed.
Members of the public and media are welcome to attend either meeting.
EVENT DETAILS
St. Louis County Council Resolution
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
St. Louis County Council Chamber
Lawrence K. Roos Government Building
41 S. Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
City of Maplewood Proclamation
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Maplewood City Hall, Council Chamber
7601 Manchester Road
Maplewood, MO 63143
ABOUT ERIN McGRATH RIEKE
Erin McGrath Rieke is a St. Louis-based artist, writer, peer counselor and mental-health advocate. She serves as a volunteer advocate with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Missouri and works with organizations addressing mental illness, suicide prevention, addiction, trauma, LGBTQ+ youth advocacy, and housing instability. As a suicide-attempt survivor, she speaks publicly about suicidal illness, survival and the possibility of building a meaningful life beyond crisis.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
St. Louis County Council Resolution
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 20, 2026
MEDIA CONTACT
Erin McGrath Rieke
erin@justeproductions.org
ST. LOUIS COUNTY AND CITY OF MAPLEWOOD TO RECOGNIZE SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
Two public presentations on September 22 will honor lives affected by suicide and promote awareness of 988 crisis support
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The St. Louis County Council and the City of Maplewood will formally recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month during two public meetings on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
At 3:00 p.m., Councilwoman Lisa Clancy will present a St. Louis County Council resolution recognizing Suicide Prevention Month. The presentation will take place in the County Council Chamber at the Lawrence K. Roos Government Building, 41 S. Central Avenue in Clayton.
At 7:00 p.m., Maplewood Mayor Barry Greenberg will read and present the City of Maplewood’s Suicide Prevention Month proclamation during the Maplewood City Council meeting. The presentation is listed as agenda item 10a and will take place in the Council Chamber at Maplewood City Hall, 7601 Manchester Road.
Maplewood resident and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Missouri volunteer advocate Erin McGrath Rieke will accept the recognitions. McGrath Rieke is a suicide-attempt survivor whose advocacy draws upon years of work in mental-health education, crisis awareness and suicide prevention.
“Suicide Prevention Month is not simply another awareness month to me. It is deeply personal. I have lost someone I loved to suicide, and I barely survived it myself. I know how darkness can swallow a person’s world and make survival feel impossible. I also know that healing is possible, even when you cannot yet imagine a life beyond the pain,” McGrath Rieke said. “We must talk openly about suicide because shame thrives in silence. These proclamations remind us to recognize suffering and make help easier to reach.”
The resolution and proclamation will honor those who have died by suicide, people who have survived attempts, those currently experiencing suicidal thoughts, survivors of suicide loss, families, caregivers, advocates, crisis responders and mental-health professionals.
They will also raise awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Anyone experiencing a mental-health, suicide or substance-use crisis, or anyone concerned about another person, may call or text 988 or use the online chat service at 988lifeline.org. The service is available around the clock.
The Office of the St. Louis County Executive is also preparing a separate Suicide Prevention Month proclamation. Details regarding its presentation will be announced when confirmed.
Members of the public and media are welcome to attend either meeting.
EVENT DETAILS
St. Louis County Council Resolution
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
St. Louis County Council Chamber
Lawrence K. Roos Government Building
41 S. Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
City of Maplewood Proclamation
Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Maplewood City Hall, Council Chamber
7601 Manchester Road
Maplewood, MO 63143
ABOUT ERIN McGRATH RIEKE
Erin McGrath Rieke is a St. Louis-based artist, writer, peer counselor and mental-health advocate. She serves as a volunteer advocate with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Missouri and works with organizations addressing mental illness, suicide prevention, addiction, trauma, LGBTQ+ youth advocacy, and housing instability. As a suicide-attempt survivor, she speaks publicly about suicidal illness, survival and the possibility of building a meaningful life beyond crisis.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
RedBike Outreach
RedBike Outreach distributes food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Those interested in volunteering, contributing supplies, or supporting the outreach through donations may contact me for more information.
988 Day
I want people to know that 988 is available for anyone who feels overwhelmed, alone, or in crisis. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential, judgment-free support 24 hours a day for those experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, mental health or substance-use concerns, or simply needing someone to listen. Call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org, to connect with a trained crisis counselor who can listen, help assess immediate safety, and guide you toward additional support.
RedBike Outreach
RedBike Outreach distributes food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and other essential supplies to neighbors experiencing homelessness. Those interested in volunteering, contributing supplies, or supporting the outreach through donations may contact me for more information.
The Art of Staying
The Art of Staying is a month-long art and awareness campaign honoring Recovery Month and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Throughout September, Just E Productions will share artwork, personal stories, educational resources, and conversations exploring awareness, prevention, recovery, and connection.
The campaign invites us to learn, share, create, and stay while helping build a community in which no one has to struggle alone. Proceeds from the Art for a Cause campaign will help support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
August Discussion Group
Overdose Awareness: Breaking Stigma, Building Compassion
Thursday, August 20, 2026
7:00–8:00 p.m. CT
Online | Free
Advance registration required
Overdose Awareness: Breaking Stigma, Building Compassion
Thursday, August 20, 2026
7:00–8:00 p.m. CST
Online | Free
Advance registration required
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1997624184711?aff=oddtdtcreator
Discussion Group Itinerary
6:55 p.m. | Virtual Room Opens
Participants may sign in early, confirm their audio settings, and settle into the online space.
7:00 p.m. | Welcome and Introductions
Opening remarks, facilitator introductions, and an overview of the evening’s purpose.
7:05 p.m. | Creating a Safe and Respectful Space
Review of community agreements, including confidentiality, respectful listening, nonjudgmental language, and each participant’s right to listen without sharing.
7:10 p.m. | Understanding Overdose
A brief introduction to overdose as a preventable medical emergency, the realities of substance use disorder, and the importance of responding with urgency and compassion.
7:20 p.m. | Guided Community Discussion
Participants will be invited to reflect on how overdose has affected individuals, families, and communities. Discussion will also examine the silence, shame, grief, and misunderstanding that often surround substance use and overdose loss.
7:35 p.m. | Challenging Stigma
A facilitated conversation about the language used to describe addiction and overdose, how stigma prevents people from seeking help, and how communities can replace judgment with dignity and care.
7:45 p.m. | Prevention, Harm Reduction, and Response
An overview of overdose prevention, naloxone awareness, recognizing a possible overdose, and the importance of contacting emergency services. Participants will learn how practical support can save lives.
7:55 p.m. | Reflection and Closing
Participants will be invited to share one thought, question, or action they are taking away from the discussion. The facilitator will provide prevention, treatment, grief-support, and crisis-resource information.
8:00 p.m. | Program Concludes
This discussion may include sensitive subjects related to substance use, overdose, grief, and loss. Participants may step away or decline to speak at any time. Personal experiences shared during the group should remain confidential.
Attendance is free, but advance registration is required. Registered participants will receive the online meeting link before the event.
Art for A Cause: Q2 Angel Band Project
Quarter Two: The Angel Band Project
During the second quarter, Art for a Cause benefits The Angel Band Project.
The Angel Band Project uses music and creative expression to support survivors of sexual violence. This campaign honors survivors and highlights the role that art, community, and personal expression can play in healing.
Campaign dates, featured artwork, and participation details will be announced throughout the quarter.
Art for a Cause : Q1 — RedBike Outreach
Quarter One: RedBike Outreach
During the first quarter, Art for a Cause supports RedBike Outreach.
This campaign focuses on compassion, direct community support, and meeting people where they are. Through featured artwork and special programming, Just E Productions will raise awareness and direct proceeds to RedBike Outreach.