As the back-to-school season approaches, among the countless children excitedly preparing for school, with backpacks full of supplies and eager minds, are homeless children who lack the basic necessities for a successful education. I want to share with you the inspiring story of Vincent, a remarkable 10-year-old from Saint John’s Program for Real Change, who…
Read MoreScott, Dyllon and Randy: Pillars of support, friends, & exemplary figures for young men to look up to
Saint John’s Program for Real Change CEO Julie Hirota shared Randy’s story yesterday. ICYMI, Randy, one of our dedicated employees, was immersed in a hands-on session with two young men from our program. With rapt attention, they intently followed Randy’s lead, absorbing every detail about the tools and the task at hand. Their faces lit up…
Read MoreIntroducing Randy! Licensed Contractor extraordinaire and outstanding role model
Introducing Randy, our fantastic new addition at Saint John’s! Not only is he a stellar facilities and maintenance licensed contractor, but he’s also an incredible human being with a big heart. Today, Randy stepped up for the boys and instead of feeling left out, Mark and Jamar got the chance to work alongside Randy at…
Read MoreEmpowering Change: Celebrating the Graduation of Eight Women from Saint John’s Program for Real Change
With deep reverence and heartfelt joy, Saint John’s Program for Real Change is honored to share an awe-inspiring moment we recently had the privilege of witnessing – the graduation of eight extraordinary women from Saint John’s Program for Real Change. This cherished place serves as a beacon of hope, empowering women who have faced homelessness…
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 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 MoreNew beginnings and REAL CHANGE in action!
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 MoreJulianna’s Story
Julianna came to Saint John’s straight from treatment on September 18th, 2017, as there was no other place to go.
Read MoreAdrianna’s Story
I had the pleasure to sit and chat with Adrianna, a graduate of Saint John’s Program for Real Change, and soon came to realize that she is an incredible example of how to overcome adversity through perseverance and faith.
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