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Honoring Veterans through Service

St. John Center has been serving homeless veterans since we opened our doors in 1986.  Representatives from the Veterans Administration see guests at the shelter every week.  SJC staff members have also served in the military. 

Jamie Bush, a member of the Center’s Outreach Team, spent 7 1/2 years in the U.S. Army. Plant Manager Emmanuel Fonlupt served four years in the French army and is a veteran of the Gulf War.

However, one doesn’t have to be a veteran to serve veterans.  Laura Farkas, a housing case manager, is pursuing a master’s degree in social work with a military specialization.  “Working with all of my clients is rewarding because I am able to help those who need it.  But my veteran and military clients often need assistance navigating the military system because it can be confusing.” 

Jamie’s service made a lifelong impact.  “I think everyone on the planet should have to serve two years in the military,” he explained.  “It is a social experiment because it involves all cultures, religions, ethnicities, and genders.  It will forever be imprinted on me.” 

“Military service teaches you loyalty, responsibility, pride, and fraternity,” said Emmanuel.  “I have respect for veterans wherever they have served.”  He is especially proud that his 18-year-old daughter is currently serving in the U.S. Army. 

Did You Know?

In fiscal 2019, 218 homeless veterans visited St. John Center?  42 received housing vouchers from the VA, and 20 were added to SJC housing programs.

"St. John Center honors veterans every day by supporting our homeless veterans on their paths toward permanent housing," said executive director Maria Price.  "In just nine years, the percentage of homeless veterans using SJC services fell from 29 to 12, representing a major victory in the community’s efforts to end homelessness and the VA’s commitment to supportive housing.  This is no time to retreat in our efforts.  Let’s keep moving forward in support of our veterans!"

Humana Hosts Thanksgiving Dinner

St. John Center is extremely grateful for Humana’s support in providing Thanksgiving dinner for participants in the shelter’s Permanent Supportive Housing program.

This year’s event marks the 6th straight year that volunteers from the Humana IT Associate Engagement Team will treat the men to a holiday feast (turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, rolls).

The Humana crew sets up, serves, cleans up, and spends time talking with the Center’s housing clients. Thank You to Humana for your on-going partnership!

Thank You

St. John Center is grateful to receive the following third quarter (July 1 – Sept. 30) grant awards.

• Cralle Foundation
• Fifth Third Bank
• Gardner Foundation
• Incarnation Catholic Church
• Norton Healthcare
• Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
• V.V. Cooke Foundation

Much to Celebrate 

The community supporting St. John Center celebrated the long-awaited completion of the Dan and Rosie Lockard Annex with an Open House on October 2.  The board and staff of St. John Center enjoyed the opportunity to thank you for supporting this ambitious project. 

As part of the celebration, we shared a video honoring the contributions the Lockard Family to this mission.  The Dan and Rosie Lockard Annex was named in honor of the couple’s significant support for the project.

Brothers Bill and Dan Lockard hosted an annual golf scramble which raised in excess of $600,000 for St. John Center over 22 years.  Jane Lockard is also a former board member and has been a weekly volunteer for more than 20 years.

“Much of the work at St. John Center is restorative, and this construction project is, too. Our clients tell us that their dignity is restored when they move into their own housing, obtain a job, or simply when they are called by name while visiting the shelter,” said SJC executive director Maria Price.  “Ed Kruger, of our architectural firm Bravura, seemed to understand this when he set about designing a renovated and expanded space that highlights some of the original beauty of the building.  The design and special touches are befitting the beauty of our clients and dignity of our work.”

Giving for Good

Thank you to everyone who supported the St. John Center with a gift during Give for Good Louisville on Sept. 12.  Your generous donations totaled $22,208 and provide a critical base of support for Street Outreach, the Day Shelter and Social Services Center, and the Permanent Supportive Housing Program. 

Join our Monthly Giving Circle

When you join the Monthly Giving Circle, you become part of the sustaining structure of our work.  You allow us to allocate resources where they are most needed all year long – because we know we can count on you month after month.

Click here to make an online donation or to join the Monthly Giving Circle by making a recurring monthly gift to St. John Center.

Thank You!