New year, new goals, new dreams, new beginnings. It seems this time of year we’re surrounded with thoughts and suggestions for making a new start. Some new beginnings are exciting and fun and others are full of challenges. As women walk through the doors of Saint John’s Program for Real Change for their own “new…
Read MoreDarlene’s Story: Confronting toxic norms and working hard for the life you deserve
Struggling as a single mom for 12 years, Darlene found herself in a place where she desperately needed help. She’d fallen behind in her rent and was facing eviction with nowhere to go. She worked two jobs just to stay in a motel, but that too was more than she could manage on her own….
Read MoreDaria’s Story: Taking time to appreciate the present
Daria’s struggle with homelessness began when she was 16. She spent years couch-surfing or living in her car with hit or miss jobs that helped her survive. Her real ongoing struggle though, was with substance abuse and domestic violence. She even made a geographic move to Oregon, hoping the change might make things better. When…
Read MoreCourage, Consistency and Second Chances: Cyrinana’s Story
Everyone deserves a second chance and that’s the story that Cyrinana has to tell! She arrived at Saint John’s with her three children in April of 2019 after being evicted from her home and struggling with chronic poverty. As a single mom, she was desperate to find a safe place for her kids, and that…
Read MoreReal Change: Getting serious and taking responsibility
It goes without saying that the long road to sobriety is not without its challenges. Terresa walked through the Red Doors of Saint John’s, April 21, 2021. She was still trying to make sense of what brought her to this point and what it would take to move forward. Looking back: “What do I have…
Read MoreBack to School
Thank you for your support of women and children who are achieving great change! Your investment helps break the cycle of poverty through high school completion, job readiness, increased self-knowledge, early childhood education readiness, tutoring and socio-emotional supports for our growing number of children. Saint John’s is committed to learning – for women and for…
Read MoreDr. Mark: A Gift to Saint John’s
What is it that keeps someone coming back to Saint John’s as a volunteer for over 11 years? It’s a few things, but most importantly, it’s the heart of the person.
Read MoreSaint John’s Teen Circle: Making a Difference, One New Friend at a Time
By: Eden Collier When eleven students from St. Francis High School decided to band together to make a difference, we didn’t realize how much the experience would change us.
Read MoreZenn for Good
It truly takes a village to do what we do here at Saint John’s Program for Real Change. Behind the red doors at Saint John’s is an exceptional group of community supporters, donors, volunteers, and staff united in an effort to reduce homelessness in our community. These incredible partners support women who refuse to settle…
Read MorePatricia’s Journey
Patricia’s journey to taking charge of her own life began when she made the decision to escape an abusive relationship that had held her captive for 4 years. Leaving Sacramento, her hometown, she found refuge in Missouri living with her dad. However, the emotional toll of the abuse followed her and not being able to…
Read More