Volunteer Voice Exchange | St. John Center

Upcoming SJC Events

4/2026 Month of SJC’s 40th Anniversary

6/10/2026 Trivia and Toiletries, 6:30 @ St. Albert

5/5/2026

“If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

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Thank You & Hope You Had a Great Derby Weekend:

We hope you had a wonderful Derby weekend!

Whether you were at the track, celebrating with friends, or enjoying the festivities from afar, we hope it was a fun and memorable time. We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who stepped up and filled a volunteer shift during such a busy weekend. Your willingness to show up and serve—especially when schedules are full—means so much.

We are truly grateful for your continued support and the care you bring to our community.

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I will be out of the office on vacation starting Friday, May 15, and will return on Tuesday, May 26.

During my absence, please reach out to Ashley Murray at amurray@stjohncenter.org with any questions, concerns, or volunteer-related needs. She will be happy to assist you while I am away.

Thank you for your understanding, and for everything you do to support our mission. I look forward to reconnecting when I return.

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We currently have a number of volunteer shifts available and would be grateful for your help in covering them. Your involvement plays an important role in supporting our mission, and we would be pleased to have you participate.

To get involved, please use the 2026 registration link to select a shift that works best for you. After signing up, kindly check your email for a confirmation of your scheduled shift.

View available: Click here to view open shifts
Sign up (2026 link): Click here to sign up for open shifts

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In celebration of St. John Center’s 40th anniversary, we are proud to introduce the Volunteer 40 Plan—an initiative designed to honor the power of service and community engagement.

We invite supporters, volunteers, partners, corporations, faith-based and secular organizations, and civic groups to commit to 40 hours of service over the course of the year, either individually or as part of a team. This effort provides a meaningful opportunity to give back while supporting the continued advancement of St. John Center’s mission.

If you know an individual or group that may be interested in participating in the Volunteer 40 Plan, please feel free to reach out—I would be glad to make a connection.

This initiative reflects the strength of our community and the impact we can achieve together through shared commitment and service.

For questions or to get involved, please connect with Keesha or Ashley.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

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Congratulations Hayden H. You’re the lucky winner of the Hunter backpack and walking sticks.

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Volunteer Appreciation Raffle – Week #4

We’re excited to continue celebrating you—our incredible volunteers—with this week’s raffle!

This week’s prize: Philips Sonicare power toothbrushes.

Your time, dedication, and generosity make a meaningful difference every day, and we are truly grateful to have you as part of our community.

Good luck—we look forward to announcing this week’s winner!

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Protect Access to Day Shelter Services:

St. John Center is facing a proposed $117,000 (43%) cut in FY27 Metro funding—support that helps cover essential day shelter operations like security, cleaning, and maintaining a safe space. Without it, we may have to reduce hours or close on weekends, limiting access for those who rely on these services.

We encourage you to contact your Metro Council member and advocate for continued funding: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/email-council-member

Dear Council Member [Last Name],

I’m writing to express concern about the proposed FY27 Metro budget cuts to homeless services, including support for day shelters like St. John Center.

Day shelters provide critical services—safe space, basic needs, and connections to resources. Reduced funding could limit access for those who need it most.

Please consider maintaining or restoring this funding to ensure our community members have a safe place to go.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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We need your help!

Right now, we’re running low on essential coffee supplies—and for many we serve, a warm cup of coffee is more than just a drink. It’s comfort, routine, and a small moment of normalcy in their day.

We are in urgent need of:
• Coffee
• Creamer
• Sugar
• Styrofoam cups

If you’re able to give, please consider purchasing directly from our Amazon wish list:
https://a.co/dJQb2rP

Every item makes a difference and helps us continue providing a welcoming space for our community. Thank you for your generosity and support!

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Don’t forget to check out the St. John Center Store!

Every purchase you make goes beyond just great merchandise—it directly supports our mission to provide shelter, outreach, and housing assistance to individuals in our community.

From t-shirts to everyday essentials, each item helps make a real impact.

Wear your support. Share the mission. Change a life.

Shop now: https://www.stjohncenter.org/store/

4/29/2026

“How do you say “thank you” for sunshine or health…for clear days or gentle rains…for happiness, joy or love? You say it by sharing what you have. You say it by making the world a better place in which to live. -Thomas D. Willhite

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In Loving Memory of Dr. Alan Johnson:

Dear Volunteers,

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Alan Johnson, a longtime and dedicated volunteer of St. John Center.

Dr. Johnson gave so much of his time, compassion, and care to our community over the years. His presence made a lasting impact on both the individuals we serve and all who had the privilege of working alongside him. He will be deeply missed.

During this difficult time, we ask that you please keep his wife, Barbara, and his entire family in your thoughts and prayers.

There will be a Celebration of Life in Louisville at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (4700 Lowe Rd) on May 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will take place from 10:00–11:00 AM at the church prior to the service.

You may view his obituary here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/alan-johnson-obituary?id=61257169

Thank you for continuing to carry forward the spirit of kindness and service that Dr. Johnson so beautifully exemplified.

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Protect Access to Day Shelter Services:

We encourage you to contact your Metro Council member and advocate for continued funding: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/email-council-member

Dear Council Member [Last Name],

I’m writing to express concern about the proposed FY27 Metro budget cuts to homeless services, including support for day shelters like St. John Center.

Day shelters provide critical services—safe space, basic needs, and connections to resources. Reduced funding could limit access for those who need it most.

Please consider maintaining or restoring this funding to ensure our community members have a safe place to go.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

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With Derby weekend approaching, we know many of you may have plans to enjoy the festivities or may run into traffic challenges getting around the city. Because of this, we anticipate that a number of volunteer shifts may go unfilled.

If Derby isn’t your thing and you’re able to travel safely, we would greatly appreciate your support this weekend. We currently have several open shifts and could really use extra hands to continue serving our clients without interruption.

If you’re available, please consider signing up for a shift. Your time and commitment make a meaningful difference, especially during busy weekends like this.

Thank you, as always, for your dedication and support!

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In honor of St. John Center’s 40th anniversary, we are excited to introduce our Volunteer 40 Plan—a special initiative celebrating the power of community and service.

We are inviting supporters, volunteers, partners, corporations, faith-based and non-faith-based organizations, and civic groups to commit to 40 hours of service throughout the year, either individually or as part of a team. This challenge is a meaningful way to give back while helping us continue advancing St. John Center’s mission.

If you know an individual or group who may be interested in participating in the Volunteer 40 Challenge, please let me know, and I will be happy to connect with them.

This initiative celebrates the spirit of our community and highlights the impact we can make together through collective action.

If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please see Keesha or Ashley.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

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We have several open volunteer shifts coming up and would love your support in filling them! Your time truly makes a difference, and we’d be excited to have you join us. Please use the 2026 sign-up link

to reserve your spot, and don’t forget to check your email for your shift confirmation after signing up.

View available: Click here to view open shifts
Sign up (2026 link): Click here to sign up for open shifts

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Congratulations Bruce R. You’re the lucky winner of the Rascal’s Fun Zone tickets.

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Volunteer Appreciation Raffle – Week #3

We’re excited to share this week’s raffle prize as we continue celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Month!

This week’s prize: A Hunter backpack and walking sticks—perfect for your next outdoor adventure.

All volunteers are automatically entered into the drawing as a small token of our gratitude. Your time, energy, and commitment make a meaningful impact every day, and we’re so thankful to have you as part of our community.

Good luck—we’re looking forward to announcing this week’s winner!

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As part of our ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen our volunteer community, we’d love your help!

If you know someone who might be interested in volunteering with us—whether it’s a friend, family member, coworker, or group—please consider sharing our online volunteer orientation link with them. It’s a great way for potential volunteers to learn more about our mission, what we do, and how they can get involved.

Your support in spreading the word truly makes a difference and helps us continue serving those who rely on us every day.

Thank you for being such an important part of our community!

Volunteering

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Stay Connected with Your St. John Center Community

Stay informed about everything happening at St. John Center by following us on Facebook. Our page features inspiring stories, important updates, and volunteer spotlights that showcase the meaningful impact you make each day.

We also invite you to join our Volunteer Facebook Group, where you can:

Connect with a supportive network of fellow volunteers
Receive updates on open shifts and upcoming events
Discover new opportunities to get involved

Join here: Facebook Volunteers

Thank you for your continued commitment to St. John Center. Your dedication and service play a vital role in our mission, and we are truly grateful for the time and energy you contribute to our community.

Volunteering

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Stay Connected with Your St. John Center Community

We also invite you to join our Volunteer Facebook Group, where you can:

Connect with a supportive network of fellow volunteers
Receive updates on open shifts and upcoming events
Discover new opportunities to get involved

Join here: Facebook Volunteers

4/21/2026

“It’s not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.” – Helen R. Walton

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Dear Volunteers,

We hope you had a great weekend—whether you attended Thunder Over Louisville or enjoyed some other activities, even with the chilly weather. As we head into a new week, we’re grateful for each of you and truly appreciate all you do for St. John Center.

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Join Volunteer 40!

In celebration of our 40th year, we’re inviting you to give 40 hours of service a year-long call to service – individually or as part of a team. Every hour you give creates hope, stability, and connection for people experiencing homelessness. Together, we can make a lasting impact.

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Please note that the shelter will be closed on Wednesday, April 22nd and Thursday, April 24th for our Quarter 4 Staff Retreat.

All volunteer shifts will be canceled during this time except for the 8:00–10:00 AM mail shift, which will remain open to allow clients to check their mail.

We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as our team takes this time for planning and growth. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for all that you do!

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We currently have several open shifts available and would greatly appreciate your support in filling them. Please use the 2026 sign-up link

to reserve your spot, and be sure to check your email for shift confirmations.

View available shifts: Click here to view open shifts
Sign up (2026 link): Click here to sign up for open shifts

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Congratulations Maureen M. You’re the lucky winner of the Noah’s Ark water park tickets.

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Volunteer Appreciation Raffle – Week # 2

We’re excited to announce this week’s raffle prize as part of Volunteer Appreciation Month!

This week’s prize: Tickets to Rascal’s Fun Zone in Whiteland, IN—perfect for a fun-filled day of games, activities, and entertainment!

All volunteers are automatically entered into this week’s drawing as a small token of our appreciation for everything you do. Your time and dedication truly make a difference, and we’re so grateful to have you as part of our community.

Good luck—we can’t wait to announce the winner! Vol prize.jpg

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If you know someone interested in volunteering, please feel free to share our online volunteer orientation link: https://www.stjohncenter.org/volunteering/

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Stay Connected with Your St. John Center Community

We also invite you to join our Volunteer Facebook Group, where you can:

Connect with a supportive community of fellow volunteers
Receive updates on open shifts and upcoming events
Explore new opportunities to get involved

Join here: Facebook Volunteers

We want to personally thank you for volunteering with us. Your hard work is instrumental to our success. We see your dedication in every step. It’s because of volunteers like you that we can turn our vision into reality. We are incredibly grateful for your time and energy.

4/13/2026

“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” – Marianne Williamson

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Dear Volunteers,

We hope everyone enjoyed a refreshing and restful spring break, whether you spent time traveling, relaxing at home, or simply enjoying the change of season. As we move into a new week, we’re grateful to have you back and appreciate all you continue to do for St. John Center.

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Annual Volunteer Celebration

Thank you to everyone who came out and allowed us to celebrate YOU! Our volunteers are truly the heart of St. John Center, and we are so honored that you continue to give your time, compassion, and dedication to our community. We truly have the very best volunteers Congratulations to this year’s award recipients: Red, White & Brew Award – Quinn Chipley Maria Price Excellence Award – Sr. Eva Kowalski Bill Lockard Dedication Award – Marie Pierce. Your commitment and service inspire us every day. Thank you for all that you do!

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New Phone System:

We have implemented a new automated phone system to improve call routing and overall efficiency. Callers to the main desk will now hear a menu that directs them to the appropriate staff member or department. If a caller does not hear the option they need, their call will still be routed to the main desk for volunteer assistance. This enhancement is expected to reduce the volume of calls received at the phone desk.

Callers to the main phone line will hear the following options:

Housing (Anna Walsh)
Donations (Jim Fulkerson)
Volunteering (Keesha Gardner)
Mail (Mailroom, ext. 151)
Birth Certificates and IDs (Kirby Chait)
Accounts Receivable (Traci Profitt)

Additional options:

Press 9 to leave a voicemail in the general mailbox (after hours)
Press 0 to connect with a staff member

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Mail Policy Changes:

To reduce barriers for clients, we’ve updated how mail inquiries are handled.

Effective immediately:

Clients may call to check their mail status with the mailroom volunteer at extension 151.
Volunteers and staff may only respond “yes” or “no” when confirming if mail is available.
Please do not share the number of items received or the sender of the mail.

Important Reminders:

Clients picking up mail in person must present a valid photo ID or obtain a mail verification slip from the intake office.
Please do not discard mail verification slips, as this could lead to misuse.
Only staff members (not volunteers) may verify client identity.

Stay tuned for information about checking mail for Outreach clients.

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Package Procedures:

All packages must be checked in by staff (not volunteers).
Staff will log packages in the binder at the front desk.
Once logged, packages will be placed in the mailroom for storage and pickup.

Keesha has been connecting with volunteers to review these updates in more detail, and signage will be posted in the mailroom for reference. If you have any questions, please reach out to Keesha or Ashley.

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Volunteer Feedback & Suggestion Box:
We’ve added a Complaint/Suggestion/Feedback/Donation Box in the volunteer room to better gather your input. Please give us your feedback about all the changes that were implemented.

Paper forms are available on the desk, and digital forms can be accessed below:

Volunteer Complaint Form: https://forms.gle/vtiM2LaHr4mBx9337
Volunteer Suggestion & Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/AL6YGTUspeJpfsHV7

Thank you for your continued compassion and dedication to our clients. We are grateful for all that you do!

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we are so excited to celebrate each and every one of you!

In honor of this special month, we’ll be hosting a weekly raffle throughout April as a small token of our gratitude for all that you do. Your time, compassion, and dedication make a meaningful difference every single day, and we are truly thankful for you.

This week’s prize is 4 tickets to Noah’s Ark Water Park—perfect for a fun day out!

As a thank you for your service, all volunteers will be automatically entered into the drawing each week—no additional steps needed.

If you know someone who is looking for volunteer opportunities, please feel free to share our online volunteer orientation link with them: https://www.stjohncenter.org/volunteering/

Thank you again for your continued support and for being such an important part of our community. We appreciate you more than words can express! Prize .jpg

Reminder: Please Clean Up After Your Shift:

We kindly ask that you please take a few moments at the end of your shift to clean up your area and ensure the station is ready for the next day.

Please remember to:

Place all coffee mugs in the coffee room
Throw away any trash
Tidy up your workspace for the next volunteer

Let’s all pitch in to help keep our space clean, organized, and ready to go. Your efforts make a big difference for everyone! Thank you for your continued support and teamwork.

Stay Connected with Your St. John Center Community

We also invite you to join our Volunteer Facebook Group, where you can:

Connect with a supportive community of fellow volunteers
Receive updates on open shifts and upcoming events
Explore new opportunities to get involved

Join here: Facebook Volunteers

Because of you, our community is stronger and more compassionate. Thank you for showing up, lending a hand, and making a difference every single day. We are continually inspired by the generosity and care you bring to this work. Thank you for being such an important part of what makes our mission possible.