From 23 years as a sous chef at five star restaurants and country clubs to feeding over 100 homeless women and children a day, Chef Scott rises at 5 am daily and joins a crew of volunteers to feed some of Sacramento’s most vulnerable and marginalized population; the clients of Saint John’s Program for Real…
Read MoreThe Gift of Recovery: My Story
Written by Paul Mitchell April 29, 1987. It was a Wednesday, two days after my 17th birthday. I remember both days. On one I was at school early, trying to find someone who would get me high for my birthday, not wanting to use whatever drugs I had hidden away. On the other I was…
Read MoreCELEBRATING CYNTHIA B.
“Saint John’s taught me that I’m responsible for my own life. I never grasped that before. I learned to take charge.” Cynthia’s spiral into 28 years of addiction began at the age of 12. She bounced from one abusive relationship to another until her former boyfriend posed a serious threat to her relationship with her…
Read MoreCELEBRATING EMILY L.
“Saint John’s taught me to never give up on life. The hope everyone gives you as they share their story, give their advice – it brightens that spark you lost.” For years, Emily lived on other people’s couches, battling a vicious drug addiction. Her wake-up call came when Child Protective Services took her children away….
Read MoreCelebrating Cornisha H.
“You have to want something different to happen in your life. Until I came to Saint John’s, I didn’t know I had options. I’m not walking on eggshells anymore.” Cornisha was afraid to leave – afraid she wouldn’t be able to take care of her two children on her own, and afraid she’d have no…
Read MoreCELEBRATING STEPPHANIE N.
Stepphanie faced destitution after losing her home and quality of life to foreclosure and poor credit. She needed to recover, and Saint John’s was the place for her to do that. She embraced the program and thrived in employment training at Plates Café. Just eight months later, she began working at Sacramento State University’s Restaurant…
Read MoreFlying High at the 2nd Annual Party for Change
Flying high this year, the 2nd Annual Party for Change, was held in one of the spectacular hangars at the Sacramento Executive Jet Center. This unique, spacious setting provided an exciting environment where guests could share an exquisite meal while revealing their generosity and celebrating the 30th anniversary of Saint John’s Program for Real Change…
Read MoreDoors and Dreams
From City Hall (pictured above) to 555 Capitol Mall, About a Bite Bakery and places all over town, Red Doors are popping up and the buzz is building over our Celebrating30! Campaign. We have helped 30,000 women and children work hard and attain new lives over these past 30 years, but our work is far…
Read MoreTwo gifts in one…
The other day I heard a familiar voice in our reception area. Going out to see who it was, I was thrilled to find a dear friend and her adorable children. She explained they had come to fulfill one of our “needs list” items, and had a dozen brand new kids backpacks, stuffed with school…
Read MoreUnique ways to support Saint John’s
Here are four unique ways to support Saint John’s program: TWEET For Change In this age of social media, an easy and terrific way to support your favorite organizations (*hint* Saint John’s!) is by following, liking, retweeting and sharing. Each time you share one of our posts, you’re creating the opportunity for members of your…
Read More