Our Newsletters

November 2023

This Thanksgiving, Your Impact on Making Housinga Right

is the Reason We’re Thankful

November centers around Thanksgiving in our hearts and Thanksgiving as a holiday. Thanksgiving the holiday carries symbols of family, friends, and food, while Thanksgiving in our hearts is not always seen on the surface. We offer our services with a thankful heart -- it sure feels good to put smiles on people’s faces and see that visual of their thankful hearts in return.
 
St. John Center is a hub of gratitude. 

Every day, we are grateful to see the faces of volunteers who join us to welcome the people who come to the Day Shelter and provide them with basic services. We are grateful for the community that sustains this work by providing gifts and grants of financial support. Finally, we are grateful to be a place where people seeking help find the support they need to move home. 

Each time we hand someone a set of keys and a move-in basket, we are awash in gratitude for the community of support that made such a moment possible. Last year, 257 people moved home for good. We are grateful indeed!

Welcome New Staff

Please help us welcome Destinee, LMHA Case Manager with the Permanent Supportive Housing Team. Welcome to the SJC family! 

Wish List

• winter gloves-multipack

• mini toiletries/spray deodorant

• scarves
• handwarmers
• water

You may also consult the Amazon wish list or visit our website for more details. 

For more information, contact Jim Fulkerson at jfulkerson@stjohncenter.org or 502-398-3505.   

Sister Kathleen Sheehan Society

Planning your estate allows you to provide for your loved ones and the organizations that matter most to you. To learn more about including the St. John Center in your estate plan, contact Ashley Murray at (502) 585-3291, ext. 1117, or by email at amurray@stjohncenter.org.

To include a gift to SJC, ask your estate planning attorney to add this suggested wording to your will or living trust.

I give, devise, and bequeath to the St. John Center, a nonprofit with principal offices at 700 E. Muhammad Ali Blvd. <<insert gift>> for the use and benefit of <<where do you want your impact to go?>>. 

Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*

*{{Unsubscribe}}*

October 2023

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is an annual program in November where people come together across the country to draw attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness. We will observe this week November 11-18. This incredible week was first held at Villanova University in 1975. This past year more than 750 community groups, faith-based groups, colleges, and high schools across the country came together during the week to raise awareness about the pressing issue of hunger and homelessness.
No one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head. But the reality is that hunger and homelessness are widespread problems that affect far too many people. At St. John Center (SJC), we are on a mission to help people experiencing homelessness address the barriers to housing and self-sufficiency so they can leave homelessness for good.

With the support of this community, we’ve been providing resources and services for those experiencing homelessness in the Louisville area since 1986. Our vision is a city where all people experiencing homelessness have the resources and support, they need to leave homelessness for good.

How can you bring awareness and advocacy during this week and year-round? 
•    Become a volunteer at SJC or other housing first agencies
•    Host a drive to collect items needed for guests in the day shelter at SJC
•    Make a donation of any amount to support Street Outreach and Permanent Supportive Housing at SJC
•    Write to your elected officials asking for their support in reform that supports Housing First for lower-barrier individuals

Welcome New Staff

Please help us welcome Kirbey Bruce, PSH Case Manager with the Permanent Supportive Housing  Team. Welcome to the SJC family! 

Congratulations, Dawn! Dawn was voted 20 People to Know in Nonprofits from Louisville Business First. Here is the link to her article. 

Wish List

• Winter gloves-multipack

• mini toiletries/spray deodorant

• scarves
• handwarmers
• water

You may also consult the Amazon wish list or visit our website for more details. 

For more information, contact Jim Fulkerson at jfulkerson@stjohncenter.org or 502-398-3505.   

THANK YOU for a successful Give For Good 

With your help, we not only met that goal but doubled it, finishing the day with over $40,650 from 247 gifts. 

Our 2023 Give for Good campaign was the most successful ever seen in SJC's history, and we absolutely could not have done it without the support of our donors. 

Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*

*{{Unsubscribe}}*

September 2023

Renovations are underway

Great things are happening this fall at SJC! Our guest bathrooms are in need of a renovation and we are thrilled that we will be able to do it this fall! Unfortunately it means that the bathroom, laundry room and coffee room won't be availablefor 6-8 weeks, beginning August 28. 

We recognize that this will have a significant impact on our guests. We are working diligently to identify community partners who can help fill the gap and we will operate with portable toilets and handwashing stations outside, so we can stay open and provide other services to our guests. If you refer people to St. John Center for services, we ask that you let them know about this as you do so. 

We plan to have volunteers and staff work together to maintain a safe and productive environment during the renovation. We will still need volunteers to serve in the mail room, at sign in and at the phone station, but will also need volunteers to fill two temporary positions: Renovation Outdoor Monitor and Renovation Toiletries/Line Monitor. If interested, please click here. 

Thank you for your patience with this much needed update. 

Welcome New Staff

Please help us welcome Angel Sivado, who will be an Outreach Worker with the Street Outreach team and Ella Rennekamp, who will be the Community Relations Coordinator for the Mission Development Team. Welcome to the SJC family! 

Congratulations, Ra'Shann! At St. John Center, we are so proud of our Executive Director, Ra'Shann Martin, for being a recipient of the 2023 Nonprofit Visionary Leaders Awards from Louisville Business First. Thank you for your vision, leadership and dedication to St. John Center's mission and the community! 

Wish List

• body wipes

• men's boxers and briefs (M.L,XL)

• mini toiletries

• spray deodorant

You may also consult the Amazon wish list or visit our website for more details. 

For more information, contact Jim Fulkerson at jfulkerson@stjohncenter.org or 502-398-3505.   

Give For Good 

September 14th is Give for Good day! We hope you will remember St. John Center in your giving on that day. When you do, you will help us move our neighbors home! 

In fact, last year with your support, we helped 257 people move home for good.

Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*

*{{Unsubscribe}}*

August 2023

A Safe, Cool Place During the Day

We are in the dog days of summer when the heat index reaches over 100 degrees day after day.  These days are particularly dangerous for people living on the streets.  With your help, St. John Center is here to provide a cool space to rest, a shower..  Last week, your donations of water and popsicles provided immediate relief. And your financial support allowed us to keep in cool inside SJC and to purchase fans and create outdoor misting stations. 

Last year, 2,945 people found refuge from the weather and the street at the Day Shelter and Social Services Center.  They came to the Day Shelter over 50,000 times for basic services like mail and phones and IDs. 

Thank you for the ways you provide support and refuge for our neighbors without  safe, affordable, and supportive housing.  With you, we are here 365 days a year -- in the heat of summer and the cold of winter -- so those seeking help can find hope and move home for good.

Welcome

Devan King, Director of Operations

Ashley Murray, Director of Mission Advancement

In August, St. John Center is welcoming two new members to our senior Leadership Team.  Devan King is joining SJC as our first Director of Operations. In her new role, Devan will provide oversight for all of SJC's programs as well as lead our strategic program initiatives. Ashley Murray is joining SJC as the new Director of Mission Advancement. Ashley will oversee all fundraising and marketing efforts here - and you will be hearing from her each month in the monthly e-newsletter!

As we welcome these new leaders, SJC thanks outgoing Associate Director, Mary Luke Noonan, and outgoing  Director of Mission Advancement, Jane Walsh, for their service and wishes them well in their new endeavors. 

Wish List

• disposable razors

• paper towels

• bleach for laundry

You may also consult the Amazon wish list or visit our website for more details.  For more information, contact Jim Fulkerson at jfulkerson@stjohncenter.org or 502-398-3505.   

Give For Good 

September 14th is Give for Good Louisville day! We hope you will remember St. John Center in your giving on that day. When you do, you will help us move our neighbors home! 

In fact, last year with your support, we helped 257 people move home for good.

Join us on September 14th and Give for Good!

Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*

*{{Unsubscribe}}*

July 2023

A New Year at SJC

On July 1, St. John Center welcomed a new fiscal year.  We enter this time full of gratitude for the people and organizations who supported our mission during a time of tremendous need and tremendous growth. You made the work of the last 12 months possible. Thank you!

This month SJC also celebrates several long-time staff members who have moved into new leadership positions within the organization.  

Sarah Buckler, who has been with SJC since 2011, has accepted the newly created position of Director of Housing. In this position she will oversee the expansion of our Permanent Supportive Housing Program.

Tom Parmenter, who has been a Housing Coordinator in the Day Shelter, will be replacing Sarah as Permanent Supportive Housing Manager.

T.J. Martin, joined SJC in 2016 and has worked as a Housing Case Manager and Street Outreach Program Manger in his time here. TJ will serve as SJC's first Director of Homeless Services.  He will provide leadership for both the Day Shelter and Social Services Center and the Street Outreach Program in this role. 

Brian McAdams, who has served as an Outreach Worker, will replace T.J. as the Street Outreach Program Manager.

With your help, SJC is entering the new fiscal year with the right people doing the right work. Together, we will continue to meet each person exactly where they are and accompany them on the road home.

Wish List

• Men's boxers

• disposable razors

• Coffee, creamer, sugar

You may also consult the Amazon wish list or visit our website for more details.  For more information, contact Jim Fulkerson at jfulkerson@stjohncenter.org or 502-398-3505.   

Thank You!

You helped us go the Extra Mile for the people we serve! SJC's spring raffle raised over $16,000 to provide services and support for people experiencing homelessness. Thank you to everyone who joined us at Mile Wide Beer Co. on June 21 for Happy Hour.  It was good to be together!

Congratulations to the raffle winners! Smith Rodes won the Beach Vacation, Katie Bell won the Ozarks Vacation, and Jane Tyler won the GE Profile Kitchen Suite.

Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*

*{{Unsubscribe}}*

June 2023

Thank You to These Board Leaders

In July, St. John Center begins a new fiscal year and welcomes new board members.  In June we are saying goodbye to two board members who have served two full terms, 6 years, each. In their time with us, St. John Center has welcomed over 10,000 people through our doors. In the last three years, 885 people moved home for good! 

We are grateful to Anne-Britton Arnett, VP of Information Management and Analytics at Humana, who served as Raisin the Rent Chair in 2023 and Chaired the board in 2022. We are also grateful to Roy Welch, an attorney at Welch Law Office, who served on the Governance and Development Committees over the years. We are thankful to Danielle Wakaba, Key Hackley, and Andy Kaelin for their service.

There's Still Time to Go the Extra Mile

Raffle Tickets are still available for all the Extra Mile Raffle prizes! Don't miss your chance to help St. John Center go the extra mile for the people we serve.

Beach Lovers will want to take a chance on a four-night stay for up to four people at one of three beautiful beach destinations: Turks & Caicos; Punta Mita, Mexico; or Belize. 

Only 100 chances will be sold at $100 each!

Ozark Adventure! Take a chance on on a 4-night stay and lots of family adventures  for up to six guests.

Only 100 chances will be sold at $100 each!

Kitchen suite from GE Appliances including a 27.7 Cu. Ft. french-door Refrigerator, a stainless steel Dishwasher , and a 27” Built-In Combination Convection Microwave/Convection Wall Oven.

Only 100 chances will be sold at $100 each!

The drawing will take place on June 21st at 6 PM at Mile Wide Beer Co, 636 Barret Ave in Louisville. You don't have to be present to win, but we hope you will join us for Happy Hour from 5 - 7 PM on June 21st!  Mile Wide is donating a $1 from all sales of their core beers during Happy Hour!  Learn more at the link below!

Kentucky Charitable Gaming License Number: ORG-0000323

Wish List

• Men's boxers

• disposable razors

• Coffee, creamer, sugar

You may also consult the Amazon wish list or visit our website for more details.  For more information, contact Jim Fulkerson at jfulkerson@stjohncenter.org or 502-398-3505.   

Did You Know?

St. John Center welcomed 2,756 people to the Day Shelter and Social Services Center in 2022.  That's a 30% increase over 2021.

As more and more people come to us during the day for showers, ID services, housing counseling and navigation and access to other social services - we are grateful for the community that support us.

Thank you for all you do!

Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*

*{{Unsubscribe}}*

May 2023

Help Us Go the Extra Mile

St. John Center needs your help to go the extra mile for the people we serve.  As we near the end of our fiscal year, we’re asking you to help us by taking a chance on our “Extra Mile” raffle. Tickets go on sale at midnight on May 10th and your raffle chance purchase will directly fund outreach, day shelter, social services and permanent housing for people experiencing homelessness in our community.  

Beach Lovers will want to take a chance on a four-night stay for up to four people at one of three beautiful beach destinations: Turks & Caicos; Punta Mita, Mexico; or Belize. 

Only 100 chances will be sold at $100 each!

Ozark Adventure! Take a chance on on a 4-night stay and lots of family adventures  for up to six guests.

Only 100 chances will be sold at $100 each!

Kitchen suite from GE Appliances including a GE Profile 27.7 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant French-Door Refrigerator, a GE Profile Fingerprint Resistant Top Control with Stainless Steel Interior Dishwasher , and a GE Profile 27” Built-In Combination Convection Microwave/Convection Wall Oven. Only 100 chances will be sold at $100 each!

The drawing will take place on June 21st at 6 PM at Mile Wide Beer Co, 636 Barret Ave in Louisville. You don't have to be present to win, but we hope you will join us for Happy Hour from 5 - 7 PM on June 21st!   Learn more at the link below!

Kentucky Charitable Gaming License Number: ORG-0000323

Wish List

• New/gently used towels and washcloths

• disposable razors

• men's spray deodorant

You may also consult the Amazon wish list or visit our website for more details.  For more information, contact Jim Fulkerson at jfulkerson@stjohncenter.org or 502-398-3505.   

Did You Know?

According to the Coalition for the Homeless, Louisville has experienced a 41% increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness and a 4,837% increase in the number of people seeking services other than shelter between 2018 and 2021.  Learn more about these disturbing trends and the Coalition's recommendations at the link below.

Our Contact Information
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*

*{{Unsubscribe}}*