Upcoming SJC Events
2/4/2026 Shelter Closed for Staff Training
3/14/2026 @ 6:00pm Raisin’ the Rent
1/22/2026
“One of the most extraordinary aspects of our humanity is our capacity to learn, grow and change. “Sheryl Chard
SJC Updates: Staff Retreat, Raisin the Rent & Volunteer Opportunities:
Dear Volunteers,
We hope this message finds you well. We have a few important updates and opportunities to share with you.
Staff Retreat Closure:
St. John Center will be closed on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, for a staff retreat. All volunteer shifts will be canceled for the day, with the exception of the 8:00–10:00 AM mailroom shift, during which clients may check their mail.
____________________________________________________________________________
U of L Poverty Simulation:
The U of L Poverty Simulation offers incoming medical students a powerful, hands-on opportunity to better understand the real-life challenges faced by individuals experiencing poverty and housing instability. We are seeking 4–6 volunteers to help with the next HSC Poverty Simulation on Friday, February 13, from 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., held in the Clinical and Translational Research Building (CTR), rooms 101/102. Volunteers will meet at St. John Center prior to the simulation. Please let me know if you are interested in signing up and supporting this impactful learning experience.
____________________________________________________________________________
Raisin the Rent – Save the Date:
Please mark your calendars for Raisin the Rent on Saturday, March 14, 2026—our annual fundraiser—and help us make this year’s event our most successful yet.
We are currently seeking donations of:
- Auction items
- Luxury vacation packages
- $100 gift cards to local restaurants
If you have an item to donate, or know of a business or individual who may be interested in contributing, please reach out to Ashley, Jim, Keesha, or Roger. Together, we can make this year’s Raisin the Rent truly special. 
___________________________________________________________________________
Open Volunteer Shifts:
Every moment you give helps change lives. We have several open volunteer shifts and would love for you to sign up for a time that works best for you. Please note that there is a new volunteer sign-up link for 2026.
View available shifts: Click here to view open shifts Sign up to volunteer: Click here to sign up for shifts
Thank you for being such an important part of the St. John Center community. We are deeply grateful for your time, compassion, and continued support.
Annual Volunteer Survey:
Our Year-End Volunteer Survey is now open, and we would love to hear from you! Your feedback plays a vital role in shaping the future of our volunteer program.
Take the survey online or stop by the volunteer room for a paper copy.
Please complete the survey no later than Friday, January 23, 2026. We would love to have 40 responses.
Volunteer Opportunity: Costco Pickup (Fridays, 9–11 AM)
We are looking for volunteers who are available on Fridays between 9–11 AM to assist with Costco pickups. This opportunity will not require weekly availability—Costco will notify us when items are ready for pickup.
If you’re interested and have availability, please let us know. Thank you for supporting our clients in this meaningful way!
Join the St. John Center All-Star Band:
The St. John Center All-Star Band is coming together to support our mission through music! We’ll be hosting a fundraising concert, with hopes of growing the band and expanding awareness beyond Louisville.
We’re thrilled to be led by Kor’ee Jackson, an accomplished musician and inspiring leader.
We are inviting St. John Center volunteers and employees to join the band. If you play an instrument and want to be part of something special, we’d love to hear from you!
Interested? Contact me at 502-262-4726 or slevy37@gmail.com.
January Volunteer Raffle:
This January, we’re celebrating service, community, and gratitude. In honor of MLK Day and National Popcorn Day (January 19), our volunteer raffle prize is a popcorn pot with popcorn—a fun and heartfelt way to say thank you.
Your service reflects the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy, and we are deeply grateful for each of you.
Stay Connected with St. John Center!
Don’t miss a moment at St. John Center!
Follow us on Facebook for updates, stories, and volunteer spotlights.
Join our Volunteer Group to receive:
Community connection Shift updates Event announcements
Big hearts. Big impact. Thank you for all you do to help St. John Center shine with hope and care.
1/14/2026
“The road to freedom must be uphill, even if it is arduous and frustrating. Out of this crucible of service, a creative specialist in social change must emerge.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
SJC Updates: Strategic Planning, Staff Retreat, Raising the Rent & Volunteer Opportunities:
Dear Volunteers,
We have several important updates and opportunities to share with you. Thank you, as always, for being such a vital part of the St. John Center community.
Strategic Planning Invitation
We invite current volunteers, former volunteers, and former staff to join us for an important strategic planning session as we look ahead and shape the future of our work at St. John Center.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
4:30–6:30 PM
Your insight and experience are truly valued, and your voice will help guide our next steps. Light refreshments will be provided.
Please RSVP if you are able to attend—we hope to see you there!
Staff Retreat Closure
St. John Center will be closed on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 for a staff retreat. All volunteer shifts will be canceled except the 8–10 AM mailroom shift, when clients may check their mail.
Raising the Rent – Save the Date!
Mark your calendars! Raising the Rent will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, and we need your help to make it our best event yet.
We are currently seeking:
- Auction items
- Luxury vacation packages
- $100 restaurant gift cards to local restaurants
If you have items to donate—or know a business or individual we can reach out to—please let Ashley, Jim, Keesha, or Roger know.
Together, we can make this year’s Raising the Rent an incredible success.
Open Volunteer Shifts
Every moment you give helps change lives. We have open shifts available and invite you to sign up for a time that works best for you. Please note: there is a new link for 2026 volunteer shifts.
View available shifts: Click here to view open shifts Sign up to volunteer: Click here to sign up for shifts
Thank you for being such an important part of our community. We are truly grateful for you.
Annual Volunteer Survey
Our Year-End Volunteer Survey is now open, and we would love your feedback. Your input helps shape the future of our volunteer program.
Take the survey online or stop by the volunteer room for a paper copy: Volunteer Survey Please complete the survey no later than January 23, 2026.
Volunteer Needed: Costco Pickup (Fridays, 9–11 AM):
We are looking for volunteers who are available on Fridays between 9–11 AM to assist with Costco pickups. This will not be every Friday—Costco will notify us when items are available for pickup. If you are interested and have availability, please let us know. Thank you for supporting our clients in this important way!
_______________________________________________________
Join the St. John Center All-Star Band!
As many of you know, we have formed the St. John Center All-Star Band—a project that has been more than 10 months in the making!
At St. John Center, our mission is to help people experiencing homelessness overcome barriers to housing and self-sufficiency so they can leave homelessness for good. One exciting way we’re advancing that mission is through music. We will be hosting a concert to raise funds for St. John Center, and this project has the potential to grow beyond that—possibly traveling to other cities to raise funds and awareness for unhoused individuals in their communities.
We are thrilled to have Kor’ee Jackson as the conductor and leader of the band. A proud Louisvillian, Kor’ee attended Eastern Kentucky University, where he was both a starting running back on the football team and First Chair violinist in the orchestra. He holds a degree from EKU and a master’s degree from the University of Louisville. Kor’ee is highly respected by our band members and is an incredible motivator, leader, and teacher. We are truly lucky to have him.
Now we need you!
We are inviting St. John Center volunteers and employees to join the band. If you play any instrument and would like to be part of something truly special, we would love to have you. This is a unique opportunity to combine your talents with your heart for our mission.
If you’re interested, please contact me at 502-262-4726 or slevy37@gmail.com, and I’ll be happy to share all the details.
Thank you,
Steve Levy
Band Organizer
Volunteer Raffle:
This January, we’re celebrating service, community, and gratitude. In honor of MLK Day and National Popcorn Day (January 19), our volunteer raffle prize is a popcorn pot with popcorn—a fun way to say thank you for the meaningful work you do.
Your service embodies the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy, and we are so grateful for each of you.
Stay Connected with St. John Center!
Don’t miss a moment at St. John Center!
Follow us on Facebook for updates, stories, and volunteer spotlights.
Join our Volunteer Group for: Community connection Shift updates Event announcements
Big hearts. Big impact. Thank you for all you do to make St. John Center shine with hope and care.
#BigHearts #BigImpact #SJCVolunteers #StJohnCenter #LouisvilleVolunteers #GiveBack #TeamSJC
1/8/2026
Dear Volunteers,
As we reflect on 2025, it is impossible not to feel overwhelmed with gratitude for all that was accomplished—and for the incredible role you played in every step of the journey.
This year brought so many meaningful changes and milestones. Sheehan Landing was completed, providing 80 individuals with a permanent place to call home. Outreach launched an innovative new QR code system, giving the community a direct way to request outreach support for individuals who are unhoused. These are powerful steps forward, and they would not be possible without your continued support.
Because of your generosity, our clients were able to enjoy incredible Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, made possible through your donations and the kindness of Indi’s Chicken. Sheehan Landing also held its very first holiday store, allowing residents to shop with dignity for themselves and their loved ones—an experience that brought so much joy. This year, each client also received two TARC tickets in their Christmas package, and their surprise and gratitude were truly heartwarming to witness.
We also came together for the annual St. John Center memorial, honoring, celebrating, and saying goodbye to clients who passed away. It was a meaningful time of remembrance and reflection.
We also saw St. John Center step up in a new way by becoming an overnight shelter during inclement weather, ensuring our clients had a safe and warm place during the most difficult conditions.
So many “firsts” happened in 2025, and through it all, you showed up. You supported every cause, every change, and every new challenge with compassion, patience, and understanding. You have stood by St. John Center and Sheehan Landing, and most importantly, by the clients we serve. They look forward to seeing you each day, and so do we.
Words truly cannot express how grateful we are for everything you do for St. John Center, Sheehan Landing, and the clients whose lives you touch. Thank you for your time, your hearts, and your unwavering dedication.
I hope your 2026 is just as fantastic as you are.
With deep gratitude,
-Keesha
SJC UPDATES:
Strategic Planning Invitation:
We invite current volunteers, former volunteers, and former staff to join us for an important strategic planning session as we look ahead and shape the future of our work at St. John Center.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
4:30–6:30 PM
Your insight and experience are truly valued, and your voice will help guide our next steps. Light refreshments will be provided.
We hope you can join us. Please RSVP if you’re able to attend.
Staff Retreat:
St. John Center will be closed on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 for a staff retreat; all volunteer shifts will be cancelled except the 8–10 AM mailroom shift, when clients may check their mail.
Raising the Rent:
Mark your calendars! Raising the Rent will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, and we need your help to make it our best event yet.
We are currently seeking auction items, luxury vacation packages, and $100 restaurant gift cards to local restaurants. If you have items you’d like to donate—or know a business or individual we can reach out to—please let Ashley, Jim, Keesha, or Roger know.
Together, we can make this year’s Raising the Rent an incredible success.
Thank you for your continued support of St. John Center!
Open Volunteer Shifts:
Every moment you give helps change lives. Shifts are available and we invite you to sign up for a time that works for you. There’s a new link to sign up for 2026 shifts.
View available shifts: Click here to view open shifts Sign up to volunteer: Click here to sign up for shifts
Thank you for being such an important part of our community. We are grateful for you.
Annual Volunteer Survey:
Our Year-End Volunteer Survey is open, and we’d love your feedback. Your input helps shape the future of our volunteer program.
Take the survey online or stop by the volunteer room for a paper copy:
Volunteer Survey
Important: Call Transfer Guidance for Donations & In-Kind Gifts:
We’ve noticed there has been some confusion about where to transfer phone calls related to donations. To help ensure callers are directed quickly and accurately, please use the guidance below:
All calls inquiring about:
- Donating money to St. John Center
- Raising the Rent items
- Other in-kind donations
Should be transferred to:
Ashley Murray, ext. 137
Please do not transfer these calls to the Finance team.
If you are ever unsure where a call should be directed, please reach out to a staff member for assistance. We truly appreciate your help in making sure our callers receive the support they need. Thank you so much for your attention to this and for all that you do.
Volunteer Needed: Costco Pickup (Fridays, 9–11 AM):
We are looking for volunteers who are available on Fridays between 9–11 AM to assist with Costco pickups. This will not be every Friday—Costco will notify us when items are available for pickup. If you are interested and have availability, please let us know. Thank you for supporting our clients in this important way!
Join the St. John Center All-Star Band!
As many of you know, we have formed the St. John Center All-Star Band—a project that has been more than 10 months in the making!
At St. John Center, our mission is to help people experiencing homelessness overcome barriers to housing and self-sufficiency so they can leave homelessness for good. One exciting way we’re advancing that mission is through music. We will be hosting a concert to raise funds for St. John Center, and this project has the potential to grow beyond that—possibly traveling to other cities to raise funds and awareness for unhoused individuals in their communities.
We are thrilled to have Kor’ee Jackson as the conductor and leader of the band. A proud Louisvillian, Kor’ee attended Eastern Kentucky University, where he was both a starting running back on the football team and First Chair violinist in the orchestra. He holds a degree from EKU and a master’s degree from the University of Louisville. Kor’ee is highly respected by our band members and is an incredible motivator, leader, and teacher. We are truly lucky to have him.
Now we need you!
We are inviting St. John Center volunteers and employees to join the band. If you play any instrument and would like to be part of something truly special, we would love to have you. This is a unique opportunity to combine your talents with your heart for our mission.
If you’re interested, please contact me at 502-262-4726 or slevy37@gmail.com, and I’ll be happy to share all the details.
Thank you,
Steve Levy
Band Organizer
Volunteer Raffle:
Congratulations to Mary Ann W. on winning the Wayy Big Hoodie!
Stay Connected with St. John Center!
Don’t miss a moment at St. John Center!
Follow us on Facebook for updates, stories, and volunteer spotlights.
Join our Volunteer Group for: Community connection Shift updates Event announcements
Big hearts. Big impact. Thank you for all you do to make St. John Center shine with hope and care.
#BigHearts #BigImpact #SJCVolunteers #StJohnCenter #LouisvilleVolunteers #GiveBack #TeamSJC