|
|
At St. John's, We Know There Is HopeThe traditional picture of California families, with a father, mother and 2.2 children, is blurring...
The struggles these single mothers face is daunting...
For many, these societal and economic changes are difficult to digest. They throw their hands in the air and give up. But not us. At St. John's, we know there is hope for these women. There is a lot of hope... Read more |
 |
|
Please help us continue this important work by making a financial contribution to St. John's... by eating at Plates Café... by using Plates Catering services… by volunteering... and by spreading the word—that St. John's works with homeless mothers and their children, providing them education, supportive services and employment training to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty… to create better tomorrows. To learn more, visit www.stjohnsshelter.org or call us at 916-453-1482. |
 |
First Steps Child Development Center
Now Enrolling!
|
|
|
If your company is looking for a philanthropic opportunity, please contact Sara Amin, volunteer coordinator, at samin@stjohnsshelter.org or 916-453-1482, extension 15. |
|
|
|
|
We hope you will join us as a sponsor this year! Please contact Teri Bennett at teri.bennett3@yahoo.com for sponsorship opportunities and more information about the event. Individual tickets can be purchased at http://simplymadfortea.eventbrite.com/. |
|
A Joyful Christmas Celebration
We are very appreciative for the efforts and support of all of the volunteers who donated and wrapped presents, and to those who supported our annual Adopt-a-Family Program. Kids Helping Kids
We have seen a significant turnout of California State University, Sacramento, St. Francis High School and Jesuit High School students -- a big shout out to those schools and their students! These student volunteers provide invaluable service during our After School Program with homework tutoring and social activities. They also serve as positive role models, help teach the children how to interact with others, and how to learn, grow and give back at the same time. We also have several teens who at one time resided in the Shelter and now return to give back, helping our Children's Program team with day-to-day operations. We appreciate all of the volunteers who help make our Children's Program a happy and safe haven for our children. |
|
|
If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity and want to help the children at St. John's, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Sara Amin, at samin@stjohnsshelter.org or 916-453-1482, extension 15. |
|
ThanksWe are proud to be the recipients of grants from the following organizations thus far in 2012: A huge thank you to Bobbin and Patrick Mulvaney, and their entire team, for putting together and hosting a soup line event for Loaves and Fishes and St. John's on February 19! Fourteen restaurants/chefs participated, and well over 300 people were in attendance!
St. John's Shelter for Women and Children
 |
Given these trends, facts and figures, it's not surprising that the number of homeless mothers and children in Sacramento County is on the rapid rise. Since 2008, the number of homeless families has increased by 15%, while the number of homeless single men and single women has declined by almost 35%. 
First Steps, St. John's child development center and employment training program, provides licensed childcare to the families working in and around Depot Park, including the women in training at Plates Café and Catering. At First Steps, we provide a safe and academically-based environment in which children are encouraged to develop self-esteem, self-expression and self-reliance. Kids participate in a variety of fun, hands-on activities that stimulate their emotional, physical and intellectual development. 
Wells Fargo teamed up with the Sacramento Kings in December to give away 100 bikes to the children of St John's! Backstage, the children were star-struck the minute they brushed elbows with some of their favorite basketball players. They were each given a purple and white shirt and then rushed on to center court, not knowing the surprise that lay ahead. Within two minutes, bicycles of all sizes zoomed out and the children realized that they'd be taking home their very own bike! 
Every year during the holiday season, we are beyond grateful for all of the volunteers and donors who provide invaluable time, talent and treasures for the families at St. John's. On Christmas morning, our families awoke to Santa Claus (Joe Widowski) and special activities led by Joaquin McPeek, Rachel Justice, Betty Kremmer's Group, Ken Hurdle & Family, and Sacramento SPCA Love on Loan. Santa's helpers aided each family in getting a photo with Santa as they received and unwrapped gifts. Christmas lunch was graciously provided by Congregation B'Nai Israel.
In our Shelter alone, St. John's serves an average of 65 children on a daily basis. We are always in need of volunteers to assist with our Children's Program! Students at local high schools and colleges are stepping up to help meet this need through community service projects interwoven with their academic programs.