Saint John’s Program for Real Change has helped to provide Real Change in the lives of more than 30,000+ women and children since its beginning in 1985.
Our year-round residential program helps women in crisis and their children reach stability and sustainability through comprehensive, trauma-informed and responsive services. Our proven methods help families improve health and safety, function independently, reintegrate into the workforce and reach financial self-sustainability.
30,000+ Lives Changed
As the largest program of its kind in Sacramento, we serve upwards of 500 women and children each year. We provide hundreds of comprehensive service hours per month to every family we serve.
2023 Impact
In 2023, we served 461 clients — 300 women and 161 children.
Homelessness in Sacramento
According to a 2022 report by Sacramento Steps Forward, 9,728 people experience homelessness on any given night in Sacramento County. That number increased by 67% from 2019 to 2022.
All of the women we serve live below the poverty level and are dealing with multiple and complex issues that are barriers to holding a job and becoming self-sustaining:
- 72% require substance use treatment
- 72% Have experienced domestic violence
- 54% are justice system involved
- 56% are living with a mental health disorder
- 41% do not have a high school diploma
- 14% of mothers are in the process of reunification with their children
Many women also have physical health problems, unaddressed dental/vision needs, diabetes and poor nutrition.
Left unaddressed, the effects of these conditions can last a lifetime and cycle into the next generation through their children. Our program is not easy, and it is not for everyone. But we have seen it create Real Change in the lives of our alums and their families.