Oprah and the Emerging Faces of this Recession - St. John's Shelter ...
Oprah and the Emerging Faces of this Recession - St. John's Shelter ...
Oprah and the Emerging Faces of this Recession - St. John's Shelter ...
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First Quarter 2009<br />
Transforming lives.<br />
Transforming <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
One woman, one child<br />
at a time.<br />
<strong>Oprah</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Emerging</strong> <strong>Faces</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> <strong>Recession</strong><br />
Most reading <strong>this</strong> article are aware that<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s was one <strong>of</strong> three Sacramentobased<br />
homeless services providers featured<br />
by The <strong>Oprah</strong> Winfrey Show on February<br />
25th. The show told <strong>the</strong> story <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> devastating<br />
impacts <strong>this</strong> economy, foreclosures<br />
in particular, is having on families.<br />
The viewing party held at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Shelter</strong> included<br />
over 200 graduates, volunteers <strong>and</strong><br />
clients—in addition to KCRA <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sacramento<br />
Bee! (Please see <strong>the</strong> “News” section<br />
at www.stjohnsshelter.org to view <strong>the</strong> local<br />
media coverage we received. Thanks to<br />
Jami Warner who made <strong>the</strong> coverage happen!)<br />
Wonderful hors d’oeuvres were underwritten<br />
<strong>and</strong> provided by <strong>the</strong> Firehouse<br />
Restaurant, Town <strong>and</strong> Country Catering,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Kitchen Academy, Gold Rush Grille,<br />
select students from <strong>St</strong>. Francis High<br />
School, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Folsom Chamber <strong>of</strong> Commerce.<br />
Anderson Audio Visual <strong>and</strong> Gary<br />
Johnson underwrote <strong>the</strong> AV so we could<br />
have 200-plus watching at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Shelter</strong> simultaneously.<br />
(If you aren’t already doing<br />
business with <strong>the</strong>se fabulous organizations,<br />
please consider doing so!) It was a<br />
very special <strong>and</strong> memorable afternoon for<br />
all <strong>of</strong> us—to know that <strong>St</strong>. John’s had been<br />
included in <strong>this</strong> important <strong>and</strong> just-emerging<br />
dialogue <strong>and</strong> that <strong>Oprah</strong> recognizes <strong>the</strong><br />
plights <strong>of</strong> those we serve.<br />
While <strong>the</strong> national exposure was<br />
tremendous, <strong>the</strong> local exposure was even<br />
more tremendous… so few people realize<br />
what is going on in our own backyard. <strong>St</strong>.<br />
John’s is now turning away over 240<br />
women <strong>and</strong> children every day, up from<br />
80 per day last year. Please know that<br />
your support is needed now, more than<br />
ever before, to help us meet <strong>the</strong> rapidly<br />
growing dem<strong>and</strong> for our services. With an<br />
additional $25 a day, we can serve an<br />
one more woman or child in <strong>the</strong> shelter.<br />
Please consider making a contribution at<br />
www.stjohnsshelter.org or by mailing it to <strong>the</strong><br />
address included in <strong>this</strong> newsletter. Please<br />
also consider volunteering at <strong>St</strong>. John’s, where<br />
we employ <strong>the</strong> help <strong>of</strong> more than 300 volunteers<br />
each <strong>and</strong> every month to support <strong>the</strong>se<br />
families in becoming self-sufficient.<br />
There are some “less direct” ways you<br />
can help us as well. You can purchase your<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice supplies from www.GiveSomething-<br />
Back.com, a supporter <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s! (Please<br />
see <strong>the</strong>ir article on <strong>the</strong> next page.) You<br />
can also make a purchase from local artist<br />
Gayle Rappaport-Weil<strong>and</strong>s who is donating<br />
50% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> proceeds from <strong>the</strong> sale <strong>of</strong> her<br />
art to <strong>St</strong>. John’s! (Please also see her article<br />
on <strong>the</strong> next page.) You can support our<br />
3rd Annual Celebrating Mo<strong>the</strong>rs Tea Party<br />
on May 8th at <strong>the</strong> Hyatt downtown. (See<br />
enclosed invitation.) And you can share our<br />
story with your friends <strong>and</strong> colleagues.<br />
We cannot meet <strong>this</strong> dem<strong>and</strong> alone—<br />
we need <strong>the</strong> help <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> entire community.<br />
Most gratefully,<br />
Michele <strong>St</strong>eeb<br />
Executive Director<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s is now turning away<br />
over 240 women <strong>and</strong> children<br />
every day, up from 80 per day<br />
last year. Please know that<br />
your support is needed now,<br />
more than ever before, to help<br />
us meet <strong>the</strong> rapidly growing<br />
dem<strong>and</strong> for our services.<br />
Your donations to <strong>St</strong>. John’s,<br />
received between March 1<br />
<strong>and</strong> April 30, up to $50,000,<br />
will be matched by<br />
Alan Shawn Feinstein,<br />
as part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Foundation’s<br />
2009 Challenge to End Hunger!<br />
Inside you’ll find <strong>the</strong> stories <strong>of</strong> some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> families interviewed<br />
by Lisa Ling…<strong>the</strong> emerging faces <strong>of</strong> <strong>this</strong> recession.<br />
Our Mission: Support homeless women <strong>and</strong> children to<br />
advance from a point <strong>of</strong> crisis to a position <strong>of</strong> self-sufficiency.
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong> Program for Women <strong>and</strong> Children<br />
Even though our name is Give Something Back (www.GiveSomethingBack.com), we<br />
don’t ask people to give anything up when <strong>the</strong>y shop with us. We provide <strong>the</strong>m with quality<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice supplies at superstore prices, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>n donate our pr<strong>of</strong>its to community groups,<br />
including <strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong>.<br />
We support a wide range <strong>of</strong> non-pr<strong>of</strong>its, from arts to environmental to animal rescue<br />
organizations. Through an annual balloting process, we let our customers decide where<br />
<strong>and</strong> how much we donate to each group. We also set aside some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> donations so that<br />
our organization can choose which groups to support.<br />
After seeing The <strong>Oprah</strong> Winfrey Show featuring those helped by <strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong>,<br />
we’re more committed than ever to supporting organizations that provide basic needs<br />
– food, shelter, health care. This economy has made life rougher for almost all <strong>of</strong> us, but<br />
when you see individuals without a home to sleep in, a place to shower, food to eat,<br />
<strong>and</strong>/or a place to recover when <strong>the</strong>y’re sick, it’s simply<br />
unconscionable.<br />
When Michele shared with us that <strong>St</strong>. John’s is turning away<br />
over 240 women <strong>and</strong> children every day, I thought, “We must<br />
provide more support to <strong>this</strong> organization because <strong>the</strong> need<br />
is much more than dire.”<br />
We urge you to provide more support as well. One way<br />
you can help is by doing business with our company, <strong>and</strong><br />
voting for <strong>St</strong>. John’s when you receive our annual ballot. It<br />
won’t cost you a cent more on your <strong>of</strong>fice supplies, <strong>and</strong><br />
you’ll be increasing your support <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s.<br />
2<br />
Local Artist Gayle Rappaport-<br />
Weil<strong>and</strong>s Inspired by <strong>Oprah</strong> to<br />
Assist <strong>St</strong>. John’s<br />
Gayle, whose award-winning watercolors <strong>and</strong> acrylic<br />
mixed media paintings are being shown at <strong>the</strong> Sacramento<br />
County Administration Center, was so inspired to help <strong>St</strong>.<br />
John’s when she saw us on The <strong>Oprah</strong> Winfrey Show that she<br />
has <strong>of</strong>fered <strong>St</strong>. John’s 50% <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> proceeds <strong>of</strong> her current<br />
show. You can view <strong>the</strong> show (<strong>and</strong> make a purchase!) at <strong>the</strong> Sacramento County Administration<br />
Center (SCAC) located at 700 H <strong>St</strong>reet in <strong>the</strong> main lobby. You can also view Gayle’s<br />
work, <strong>and</strong> contact her directly, through her website at www.grappaport.com. Her show<br />
runs through April 1st—no foolin’—<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please call<br />
874-8110 for additional information.<br />
Why We Support <strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong> – <strong>and</strong> Why<br />
You Should, Too<br />
By Tracy Bowers, Sacramento Manager, Give Something Back Business Products<br />
If you are interested in donating a vehicle to <strong>St</strong>. John’s,<br />
please contact Jen Macias at jmacias@stjohnsshelter.org.<br />
Christmas Adopt-<br />
A-Family Program a<br />
Resounding<br />
Success!!<br />
Thank you to all who participated<br />
in our Adopt-A-Family<br />
program! It was a huge success,<br />
thanks to so many generous organizations<br />
<strong>and</strong> individuals.<br />
A special thanks to Intel who<br />
adopted 50 <strong>St</strong>. John’s graduate<br />
families <strong>and</strong> to Christmas Convoy<br />
who adopted eight graduate<br />
families!<br />
Below is a photo <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong><br />
our graduate families, <strong>the</strong> Llamas<br />
family, who was able to celebrate<br />
Christmas because <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> generosity<br />
<strong>of</strong> Kathy<br />
McKim, her<br />
family<br />
<strong>and</strong> Girl<br />
Scout<br />
Brownie<br />
Troop<br />
1888.<br />
Our Donation Policies<br />
<strong>and</strong> Hours<br />
Please note that due to limited<br />
staffing, we cannot accept donations<br />
outside <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> following hours:<br />
• Tuesday: 1-6 pm<br />
• Wednesday: 1-6 pm<br />
• Thursday: 1-6 pm<br />
• Saturday: 10-4 pm<br />
Lastly, please note that due to a<br />
combination <strong>of</strong> factors ranging from<br />
state regulation to need, we cannot<br />
accept <strong>the</strong> following donations:<br />
• Used Toys<br />
• Happy Meal Toys<br />
• Office Equipment<br />
• Used Baby Equipment<br />
• Soiled/Heavily-Worn Clothing<br />
• Non-Essential Household Items<br />
• Expired Food<br />
Thank you for your support!
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong> Program for Women <strong>and</strong> Children<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>iles <strong>of</strong> Families Interviewed<br />
by Lisa Ling for The <strong>Oprah</strong> Winfrey Show<br />
El<strong>and</strong>a Wash, Age 42<br />
Children: Sha’ronda Williams (15) <strong>and</strong> Ja’nayziah Williams (13)<br />
Mercy Bracamonte, Age 39<br />
Children: Shanice (16) <strong>and</strong> Paris (15)<br />
Mercy became homeless when<br />
she was laid <strong>of</strong>f from a local mortgage<br />
company where she had worked for<br />
three years. She lost her apartment<br />
when she could no longer afford to<br />
pay <strong>the</strong> rent. She sent her children to<br />
live with <strong>the</strong>ir fa<strong>the</strong>r to give her some<br />
time to figure out next steps. She was<br />
living in her car for four weeks, <strong>and</strong><br />
doing a bit <strong>of</strong> couch surfing, when she<br />
finally got into <strong>St</strong>. John’s on December<br />
11th. By <strong>this</strong> time, however, her<br />
son had run away several times. CPS<br />
became involved <strong>and</strong> put her son in<br />
foster care.<br />
Mercy is a certified medical<br />
receptionist <strong>and</strong> a certified massage<br />
<strong>the</strong>rapist. She is working to get<br />
housing <strong>and</strong> to find a job. With <strong>the</strong>se<br />
things in place, she can achieve her<br />
#1 goal, which is to have her son <strong>and</strong><br />
her daughter returned to her, to be a<br />
family once again.<br />
Save <strong>the</strong> Date:<br />
Saturday, May 2, 2009<br />
Tee <strong>of</strong>f for <strong>St</strong>. John’s!<br />
Two enthusiastic Sac <strong>St</strong>ate<br />
students are coordinating<br />
a golf tournament with all<br />
proceeds going to<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s.<br />
El<strong>and</strong>a became homeless in April when her l<strong>and</strong>lord received a foreclosure<br />
notice from <strong>the</strong> bank. (El<strong>and</strong>a had been a faithful tenant until <strong>the</strong>n.) At just<br />
about <strong>the</strong> same time, she lost her job. She <strong>and</strong> her girls were living from motel<br />
to motel from April through January,<br />
when <strong>the</strong>y were finally able to<br />
get into <strong>St</strong>. John’s after months <strong>of</strong><br />
calling.<br />
El<strong>and</strong>a has a computer certificate<br />
from her time in junior college.<br />
Within three weeks <strong>of</strong> coming to <strong>St</strong>.<br />
John’s, she secured a job at Home<br />
Depot. Her goal is to get housing<br />
for her family <strong>and</strong> to begin school in<br />
<strong>the</strong> summer to become a paralegal.<br />
Elaine Ramirez, Age 30<br />
Children: Isaac Ramirez (9), Kerrin Smo<strong>the</strong>rs (3), <strong>and</strong> Mir<strong>and</strong>a Smo<strong>the</strong>rs (1)<br />
Elaine became homeless in November when her employer <strong>of</strong> three years<br />
(a private school for special needs children) demoted her due to missing too<br />
much work. (She had her gallbladder removed.) They cut her pay from $14.46 to<br />
$9.00/per hour. With rent, a car payment, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> costs <strong>of</strong> raising three children<br />
<strong>and</strong> taking care <strong>of</strong> her mo<strong>the</strong>r, Elaine defaulted on her rent <strong>and</strong> was evicted.<br />
She <strong>and</strong> her children, <strong>and</strong> her mo<strong>the</strong>r, moved in with her mom’s friend, in a one<br />
bedroom apartment. They endured for one month, but it became too difficult<br />
on everyone. In early December, <strong>the</strong>y<br />
began calling <strong>St</strong>. John’s. She called every<br />
day for one month <strong>and</strong> was finally able<br />
enter <strong>the</strong> program in early January.<br />
Elaine’s goal is to find housing for<br />
her family <strong>and</strong> to become an in-home<br />
care giver for disabled adults.<br />
Please contact<br />
Jennifer Lee at<br />
jlee009@yahoo.com<br />
for more information.<br />
3
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong> Program for Women <strong>and</strong> Children<br />
My<br />
Patricia Kindred,<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s alumna<br />
<strong>St</strong>ory<br />
I was born in a house <strong>of</strong> horror. Each day was<br />
like an R-rated episode <strong>of</strong> Law <strong>and</strong> Order: Special<br />
Victims Unit. The men on my fa<strong>the</strong>r’s side are<br />
alcoholics, child molesters <strong>and</strong> rapists. As<br />
<strong>the</strong> eldest, I was <strong>the</strong> child battered <strong>the</strong><br />
most <strong>of</strong>ten <strong>and</strong> most severely.<br />
I was about nine years old when<br />
my fa<strong>the</strong>r moved out <strong>of</strong> New Jersey<br />
to California to escape <strong>the</strong> police.<br />
As far as I know, <strong>the</strong>y never found<br />
him. What I do know is that no matter<br />
who I told about my abuse, no one<br />
believed me. Over time, I stopped telling<br />
people. I honestly thought that it must have<br />
gone on in every home. It wasn’t until I hit high school that I started<br />
getting suspicious that mine was not a normal family. When I turned<br />
twenty-one, I had a baby girl named Priscilla. Also about that time, I<br />
became a Christian … <strong>and</strong> finally realized <strong>the</strong> abuse was wrong <strong>and</strong> that<br />
it wasn’t my fault. At 34, I had ano<strong>the</strong>r daughter, Naomi. We bounced<br />
all over <strong>the</strong> country trying to protect <strong>and</strong> take care <strong>of</strong> my children <strong>and</strong><br />
finally came to <strong>the</strong> Sacramento area in 1994.<br />
For fifteen years, we were somehow able to stay toge<strong>the</strong>r by living<br />
with friends <strong>and</strong> staying in motels in between. However, our resources<br />
were finally wiped out. A friend told me about <strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong>. In November<br />
2007, after several weeks <strong>of</strong> calling, <strong>St</strong>. John’s welcomed us <strong>and</strong><br />
made us feel at ease right away.<br />
Our time at <strong>St</strong>. John’s taught my family many things. My oldest<br />
daughter, Priscilla, began working in <strong>the</strong> computer lab <strong>and</strong> gained confidence<br />
<strong>and</strong> job skills. My youngest was able to get serious about her high<br />
school education <strong>and</strong> finally have consistency in her teaching. For me,<br />
most importantly, <strong>the</strong> staff at <strong>St</strong>. John’s listened to my story <strong>and</strong> believed<br />
me!<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s worked hard to locate housing for my family, but it was<br />
made more difficult since my oldest daughter is an adult <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>refore<br />
she would be seen as a “single” <strong>and</strong> would not qualify under family housing.<br />
However, keeping my family toge<strong>the</strong>r was our top priority. We had<br />
been through so many difficult times <strong>and</strong> had come to depend on each<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Eventually, thanks to tremendous advocacy on <strong>the</strong> part <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s,<br />
Saybrook Housing agreed to accept our family, all three <strong>of</strong> us! We moved<br />
into our own two bedroom apartment <strong>and</strong> began to start our lives over,<br />
as an independent family. I have learned that recovery is not just for<br />
alcoholics or drug users, it’s for anyone who has been abused or hurt.<br />
Even though my family lives at Saybrook, <strong>St</strong>. John’s is still a big part<br />
<strong>of</strong> our lives. Priscilla volunteers in <strong>the</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s computer lab helping<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r women learn computer skills. I come back once a week to take <strong>the</strong><br />
Self-Esteem class <strong>and</strong> to help where I can. We see <strong>St</strong>. John’s as part <strong>of</strong> our<br />
family, a family that we have chosen <strong>and</strong> who has chosen us. For <strong>this</strong>, I<br />
am forever grateful.<br />
Mary Ann Olivas,<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s resident<br />
My name is Mary Ann Olivas. I am 24 years old. I currently<br />
reside at <strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong>, along with my 2½ year<br />
old daughter, Aviana. I’m also eight <strong>and</strong> a half months<br />
pregnant with a second child, a boy. I came to <strong>St</strong>. John’s<br />
<strong>the</strong> first week <strong>of</strong> December—I was broken, tired <strong>and</strong><br />
alone, with no money, nowhere to stay, <strong>and</strong> nowhere to<br />
turn. I had no hope for anything positive to come out <strong>of</strong><br />
staying in a shelter with my 2½ year old daughter. To my<br />
surprise, it was nothing like what I expected. <strong>St</strong>. John’s<br />
was warm <strong>and</strong> had a comfortable feeling to it. People<br />
were welcoming to me <strong>and</strong> Aviana with big smiles <strong>and</strong><br />
open arms. I have met great people <strong>and</strong> have made some<br />
unexpected, but good, friendships. The staff here is also<br />
great support. They treat you with respect no matter<br />
where you came from or what you look like. I am happy<br />
to call <strong>the</strong>m friends <strong>and</strong> my support network.<br />
During Christmas, volunteers came from all over<br />
Sacramento. They donated not only <strong>the</strong>ir time but <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
good cheer <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir support to make it a special Christmas<br />
for <strong>the</strong> 115 women <strong>and</strong> children <strong>the</strong>n living here.<br />
They came with presents, clo<strong>the</strong>s, shoes <strong>and</strong> crafts for <strong>the</strong><br />
children to be able to make Christmas presents for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
families. In <strong>the</strong> week leading up to Christmas, volunteers<br />
joined us to decorate cookies, drink hot chocolate, <strong>and</strong><br />
sing karaoke. This was, by far, one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> best Christmases<br />
I ever had! Aviana got to see Santa not just once but a<br />
few times.<br />
Aviana gets tons <strong>of</strong> love here. And in return, she has<br />
brightened many days here for everybody. She brings<br />
comfort to those who have gone through what we<br />
have. She calls <strong>this</strong> place home, which is so comforting<br />
to me. I am grateful for <strong>the</strong> three hot meals we eat <strong>and</strong><br />
all <strong>the</strong> necessities <strong>the</strong>y provide for us. <strong>St</strong>. John’s asks for<br />
nothing but that we continue to progress towards our<br />
goals. While here, I’ve saved enough money to get on my<br />
feet <strong>and</strong> possibly get my own place. I have found hope<br />
for a positive future for me <strong>and</strong> my kids. I would like to<br />
thank <strong>St</strong>. John’s staff, case managers, customer service,<br />
volunteers, <strong>and</strong> all <strong>the</strong> residents for making my life <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> lives <strong>of</strong> my children so much better! Without your<br />
support, I’d be lost!<br />
4<br />
“Recovery is not a place, a destination to be reached. It is a journey…<br />
A journey <strong>of</strong> hope <strong>and</strong> healing <strong>and</strong> peace.” - Unknown
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong> Program for Women <strong>and</strong> Children<br />
In Our Words<br />
A Big Thanks<br />
for Your Help at<br />
Christmas!!<br />
We realize that it seems like such a<br />
long time ago, but we couldn’t go without<br />
mentioning <strong>the</strong> amazing Christmas<br />
we enjoyed at <strong>St</strong>. John’s. There are so<br />
many people to thank! Please know<br />
that we appreciate all who so generously<br />
gave money, time, food, gifts,<br />
Rocky Road, cookies, gift cards, toys,<br />
etc. Just to name a few. . .<br />
• Thank you to <strong>the</strong> 20/30 Club for<br />
delivering so many gifts for <strong>the</strong><br />
graduate families <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s!<br />
• Thank you to Ed Nichols for doing<br />
everything <strong>and</strong> anything we<br />
needed <strong>and</strong> h<strong>and</strong>ling all <strong>the</strong> last<br />
minute details.<br />
• Thank you Orangevale Open for<br />
<strong>the</strong> beautiful scarves <strong>and</strong> all <strong>the</strong><br />
socks!<br />
• Thank you to Connie Emerson <strong>and</strong><br />
her children for raising money to<br />
purchase Christmas presents.<br />
• We had so many Christmas gift<br />
wrappers … Thank you!<br />
• Thank you to Joe for bringing Santa<br />
to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Shelter</strong> … as well as for helping<br />
in <strong>the</strong> kitchen <strong>and</strong> for donating<br />
so much time to <strong>St</strong>. John’s!<br />
• Thank you to Rio Americano’s<br />
Civitas program for <strong>the</strong>ir enthusiasm<br />
<strong>and</strong> delicious dinners!<br />
What’s <strong>the</strong> nicest thing anyone’s<br />
ever done for you?<br />
Jailyn Crenshaw, 3 years old<br />
My Mom is so nice because she tucks me into<br />
bed every night <strong>and</strong> gives me a BIG kiss!<br />
Charitee Brainard, 11 years old<br />
My Mom is so nice because even when I make mistakes, she<br />
doesn’t yell. She talks to me about it. And she always forgives me.<br />
Elijah Utsey,11 years old<br />
On Christmas, my Mom wasn’t able to buy us gifts so Francis<br />
House paid for my family <strong>and</strong> me to stay at Motel 6. A really nice<br />
friend from <strong>the</strong> running club, Michelle, bought us all gifts. I got<br />
my very own video game system. It was <strong>the</strong> best Christmas ever!<br />
Lane Valdez, 8 years old<br />
When my sisters <strong>and</strong> my dad saved me<br />
when I fell <strong>of</strong>f a dirt bike.<br />
Dejah Crenshaw, 4 years old<br />
My sister Kiara because she gives big hugs<br />
<strong>and</strong> helps me take a bath. Kiara is <strong>the</strong> best<br />
big sister ever!<br />
Shadijah Utsey, 8 years old<br />
Everyone at <strong>St</strong>. John’s is so nice because <strong>the</strong>y gave me <strong>and</strong><br />
my family a place to stay so my family <strong>and</strong> I don’t have to<br />
be on <strong>the</strong> streets. I love it here because I know that all <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s staff really cares about me <strong>and</strong> my family.<br />
“Seven Reasons To Love Myself,” a project completed<br />
in our Art <strong>and</strong> Poetry class.<br />
5
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong> Program for Women <strong>and</strong> Children<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s Saints<br />
By Twyla Teitzel, Volunteer Services Coordinator<br />
Alex Kleeman at Rio Americano<br />
High School!!<br />
Whenever one <strong>of</strong> our children has<br />
a birthday coming up, Alex<br />
generously bakes cupcakes<br />
for <strong>the</strong> child to take to<br />
school to share with<br />
his or her classmates.<br />
Thanks to Alex, our<br />
children can feel<br />
just <strong>the</strong> same as <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
classmates do on <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
birthdays! This has such a<br />
positive impact on <strong>the</strong> children<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir emotional wellbeing.<br />
Thank you, Alex. Your generosity<br />
<strong>of</strong> time <strong>and</strong> talent is so inspirational!<br />
AT&T!!<br />
Thank you so much to Yen Marshall<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Women <strong>of</strong> AT&T. Yen <strong>and</strong> her<br />
hardworking <strong>and</strong> dedicated volunteers<br />
have been providing food <strong>and</strong><br />
much needed financial donations to<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s. Yen has also mobilized her<br />
son’s Boy Scout troop<br />
<strong>and</strong> her daughter’s<br />
Girl Scout troop, in<br />
addition to AT&T, to<br />
contribute to <strong>St</strong>. John’s<br />
in a variety <strong>of</strong> ways.<br />
We would not be able<br />
to make ends meet<br />
without <strong>the</strong> support<br />
<strong>and</strong> dedication <strong>of</strong><br />
volunteers like Yen.<br />
6<br />
UPS delivers … again!!<br />
Thank you UPS for all <strong>the</strong> gifts your<br />
generous employees gave to <strong>the</strong> women<br />
<strong>and</strong> children <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s over <strong>the</strong> holidays.<br />
Thanks to your generosity, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> generosity<br />
<strong>of</strong> so many individuals <strong>and</strong> businesses,<br />
our women <strong>and</strong> children had an absolutely<br />
wonderful Christmas.<br />
We’d also like to thank UPS for providing<br />
us with a grant that has enabled us to upgrade<br />
some four-year-old technology at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Shelter</strong>! UPS, thank you<br />
for continuing to go above <strong>and</strong> beyond for <strong>the</strong> women <strong>and</strong> children<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s!<br />
Rio RAIDERS!!<br />
A special thanks to John Butterfield<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Civitas Club, as well as <strong>the</strong><br />
Peace Club, <strong>the</strong> Key Club <strong>and</strong> many<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r clubs for all <strong>of</strong> your hard work<br />
in organizing a wonderful monthly<br />
dinner for <strong>the</strong> women <strong>and</strong> children <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s. Dinner was fantastic, <strong>and</strong><br />
we are already looking forward to next<br />
month! We’d also like to thank Ms.<br />
Reed <strong>and</strong> Ms. Armstrong at Rio for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
dedication to <strong>the</strong> students <strong>and</strong> whose<br />
leadership continues to spark <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
student’s enthusiasm for giving back to<br />
<strong>the</strong> community.<br />
Junior League <strong>of</strong> Sacramento!!<br />
Thank you so much to Mindi <strong>St</strong>ewart<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Junior League <strong>of</strong> Sacramento<br />
for <strong>the</strong>ir ongoing support <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s.<br />
Their latest show <strong>of</strong> support is that<br />
groups from <strong>the</strong> League now come out<br />
twice each month to prepare <strong>and</strong> serve<br />
dinner for <strong>the</strong> women <strong>and</strong> children <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>.<br />
John’s (versus once per month last year)!<br />
If you are interested in providing<br />
a meal to <strong>the</strong> residents <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>.<br />
John’s, please call or email Twyla<br />
at 916-453-1482 or<br />
tteitzel@stjohnsshelter.org.<br />
Jesuit High School!!<br />
The Team Parker Jesuit boys gave so much<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir time to <strong>St</strong>. John’s over <strong>the</strong> holidays,<br />
<strong>and</strong> we can’t thank <strong>the</strong>m enough! The boys<br />
wrapped gifts, sorted donations <strong>and</strong> served<br />
food. We’d also like to thank Mercy Parker-Helget<br />
for organizing all <strong>the</strong> events. Thanks Team!
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong> Program for Women <strong>and</strong> Children<br />
Claire Gliddon, Sacramento<br />
Coordinator for Project Linus!!<br />
Project Linus provided over 100<br />
h<strong>and</strong>made blankets to <strong>the</strong> women <strong>and</strong><br />
children <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s. This was a wonderful<br />
holiday gift for <strong>the</strong> ladies <strong>and</strong><br />
children. The blankets were beautiful<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> families were so thankful <strong>and</strong><br />
appreciative. Thank you, Claire, <strong>and</strong><br />
everyone at Project Linus!<br />
<strong>St</strong>aci Zolnikov!!<br />
<strong>St</strong>aci recently completed her Civitas internship at <strong>St</strong>. John’s. In<br />
addition to working every Tuesday afternoon at <strong>St</strong>. John’s, <strong>St</strong>aci<br />
organized a Thanksgiving food drive. She <strong>and</strong> her<br />
friends collected enough food to feed over 25 After-<br />
Care families! Thank you, <strong>St</strong>aci. We so appreciate<br />
your dedication to <strong>St</strong>. John’s. And, thank you to Allie<br />
Armstrong, <strong>the</strong> Civitas coordinator for connecting us<br />
with <strong>St</strong>aci!<br />
Alan, Naturewood <strong>and</strong> RC Willey!!<br />
Alan approached Naturewood <strong>and</strong> RC<br />
Willey on our behalf. Now when <strong>the</strong>ir customers<br />
purchase new furniture, <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
<strong>of</strong>fered <strong>the</strong> opportunity to donate <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
no longer needed furniture to <strong>the</strong> After<br />
Care Clients <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s. Thank you, Alan!<br />
Alan is currently working on<br />
securing some much needed<br />
warehouse space to store <strong>the</strong> donated<br />
furniture for <strong>the</strong> clients until <strong>the</strong>y are<br />
ready to move out. If you can help,<br />
please contact Twyla at 453-1482.<br />
The <strong>St</strong>rong Family!!<br />
Thank you to Justin <strong>and</strong> S<strong>and</strong>ra for <strong>the</strong><br />
$500.00 donation to <strong>St</strong>. John’s! Justin <strong>and</strong><br />
S<strong>and</strong>ra organized a used cell phone drive along<br />
with <strong>the</strong>ir son’s Boy Scout troop <strong>and</strong> generously<br />
donated <strong>the</strong> proceeds to <strong>St</strong>. John’s.<br />
If you are interested<br />
in hosting<br />
a “drive” for <strong>St</strong>.<br />
John’s, please<br />
contact Twyla<br />
Teitzel, tteitzel@<br />
stjohnsshelter.<br />
org, for our most<br />
pressing needs,<br />
or you can visit<br />
our Web site to<br />
review our Wish<br />
List. (The most<br />
pressing items<br />
are in bold.)<br />
Dr. Mitra Choudri,<br />
family <strong>and</strong> friends,<br />
donating coats from<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir coat drive to <strong>the</strong><br />
women <strong>and</strong> children<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s. Thanks<br />
to all who made <strong>this</strong><br />
happen!<br />
Thank you to Point West Rotary<br />
Club for making Karaoke night<br />
at <strong>St</strong>. John’s possible!<br />
NCBW 100!<br />
In addition to having<br />
presented us with a $1000<br />
check in December, NCBW<br />
100 (National Coalition <strong>of</strong> 100<br />
Black Women, Inc.) presented<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s with an array <strong>of</strong><br />
much needed items: kleenex,<br />
soap, paper towels, batteries,<br />
body wash, toothpaste,<br />
toothbrushes <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>y also<br />
presented us with a generous<br />
cash donation. Thank you<br />
so much to <strong>the</strong> Sacramento<br />
Chapter <strong>of</strong> NCBW 100. NCBW<br />
is a non-pr<strong>of</strong>it volunteer<br />
organization dedicated to<br />
community service, leadership<br />
development <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
enhancement <strong>of</strong> career opportunities<br />
through networking<br />
<strong>and</strong> programs. As part <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir National Day <strong>of</strong> Service<br />
on January 19, 2009, NCBW<br />
chose <strong>St</strong>. John’s to be <strong>the</strong><br />
recipient <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir generosity.<br />
Thank you Elnora, Denise,<br />
Cheryl <strong>and</strong> all your wonderful<br />
members for your kindness<br />
to <strong>the</strong> women <strong>and</strong> children<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s.<br />
Thank You!<br />
7
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong> Program for Women <strong>and</strong> Children<br />
And <strong>the</strong> Blue Ribbon goes to ...<br />
BLUE RIBBON Personnel<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> California<br />
<strong>St</strong>affing Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals!!<br />
Thank you so much to Jodi Krieger <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> California <strong>St</strong>affing<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essionals who hosted our annual Christmas celebration. With over 400 people<br />
joining us to celebrate Christmas, including clients <strong>and</strong> alumnae, <strong>the</strong> event was a<br />
major undertaking!<br />
We are so thankful to Jodi <strong>and</strong> her team for securing a tent, tables <strong>and</strong> chairs to<br />
support <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> people wanting to attend, <strong>and</strong> for supplying a wonderful meal,<br />
entertainment, gifts, party favors, dancing, crafts, <strong>and</strong> just plain fun!<br />
This event is just like a family reunion as it reconnects our graduates with one<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r <strong>and</strong> with our current clients. It is a wonderful experience for both <strong>the</strong> clients <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Shelter</strong>, as well as <strong>the</strong> staff, to see our graduates doing so well.<br />
Jodi shared <strong>the</strong> following quote about <strong>the</strong>ir day: “The staff at <strong>St</strong>. John’s are amazing<br />
individuals. The love <strong>and</strong> energy <strong>the</strong>y put forth each day to support <strong>the</strong>ir clients is<br />
unprecedented. Each <strong>and</strong> every one <strong>of</strong> us walked away from <strong>this</strong> experience smiling<br />
ear to ear, content in knowing that for that one day we were able to help make a difference<br />
in someone’s day.”<br />
If your civic group,<br />
church, business or club<br />
would like to host one <strong>of</strong><br />
our quarterly alumnae<br />
association events, please<br />
contact Twyla, Volunteer<br />
Coordinator at tteitzel@<br />
stjohnsshelter.org or<br />
916-453-1482. As Jodi will<br />
attest, hosting <strong>the</strong>se events<br />
is a rewarding <strong>and</strong> fun<br />
experience!<br />
Thank you, Santa Mark!<br />
8<br />
Thank you to everyone who helped<br />
make Christmas 2008 a most<br />
memorable Christmas for all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
families we serve!
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong> Program for Women <strong>and</strong> Children<br />
Career Planning <strong>and</strong> Placement Corner<br />
By Maureen Gagliardi<br />
2008 ended with many successes in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Career Planning <strong>and</strong> Placement Center.<br />
The Career Center served <strong>the</strong> needs <strong>of</strong> over<br />
300 women by providing <strong>the</strong>m with an<br />
opportunity to grow personally, socially,<br />
academically <strong>and</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essionally.<br />
Many <strong>of</strong> our women returned to fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir education, whe<strong>the</strong>r it be through<br />
completing high school, enrolling in City<br />
College or signing up for vocational training<br />
programs. We celebrated a diverse<br />
number <strong>of</strong> graduations, ranging from<br />
Women’s Empowerment to CSUS Career<br />
Counseling to completing truck driving<br />
school. In addition, women have become<br />
employed at organizations including<br />
<strong>St</strong>arbucks, Peet’s C<strong>of</strong>fee, Macy’s, Home<br />
Depot, Delta Dental, Costco, United Way<br />
<strong>and</strong> various call centers <strong>and</strong> in-home health<br />
care programs. Though <strong>the</strong> unemployment<br />
rate is increasingly high, it has not stopped<br />
our women from seeking employment <strong>and</strong><br />
continuing to progress on <strong>the</strong> path to selfsufficiency.<br />
In January 2009, <strong>the</strong> Career Center<br />
assisted 23 women in completing applications<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Martin Lu<strong>the</strong>r King 365<br />
Grant. This grant was <strong>of</strong>fered to women<br />
<strong>of</strong> all ages <strong>and</strong> color to assist <strong>the</strong>m with<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir search for employment. There were<br />
over 200 applications submitted across<br />
<strong>the</strong> County. Twenty-four were selected<br />
<strong>and</strong>, <strong>of</strong> those, seven were from <strong>St</strong>. John’s<br />
<strong>Shelter</strong>! It was a great experience for all.<br />
We continue to seek similar grant opportunities<br />
for our women. Please contact me<br />
at mgagliardi@stjohnsshelter.org if you are<br />
aware <strong>of</strong> anything.<br />
We have continued our important<br />
partnership with CSUS <strong>and</strong> now have<br />
four women attending <strong>the</strong> weekly Career<br />
Counseling Course at Sacramento <strong>St</strong>ate.<br />
Three <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> women are residents <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>.<br />
John’s <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> fourth is an After-Care client<br />
who was recently laid <strong>of</strong>f from her job.<br />
This year promises to be a challenging<br />
year for all <strong>of</strong> us. However, <strong>the</strong> women at <strong>St</strong>.<br />
John’s <strong>Shelter</strong> remain positive <strong>and</strong> hopeful.<br />
Each <strong>and</strong> every day, <strong>the</strong> Career Center is full<br />
<strong>of</strong> women actively seeking a better future<br />
for <strong>the</strong>mselves <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir children.<br />
We thank all <strong>of</strong> you who have donated<br />
your money <strong>and</strong> time to assist us in our<br />
mission to support <strong>the</strong>se families in getting<br />
back on <strong>the</strong>ir feet.<br />
We hope that you will consider<br />
employment opportunities for<br />
our women … <strong>and</strong> that you will<br />
continue to support <strong>St</strong>. John’s<br />
Career Center by making a<br />
financial contribution <strong>and</strong>/or by<br />
volunteering with us.<br />
Please contact Maureen Gagliardi<br />
at ei<strong>the</strong>r (916) 453-1482 or<br />
mgagliardi@stjohnsshelter.org.<br />
Career Center Welcomes 2009 Interns<br />
Once again we are blessed to have<br />
interns who come to <strong>the</strong> Career Center<br />
each week to assist our women. Returning<br />
is Michelle Upchurch, a former client, <strong>and</strong><br />
most recently a member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s<br />
Alumnae Association Board <strong>of</strong> Directors.<br />
Michelle is a full-time student at Sacramento<br />
City College, a mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> two <strong>and</strong><br />
a devoted alumna <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s. Michelle<br />
interns on Monday, Wednesday <strong>and</strong> Friday<br />
mornings. A former client, she knows<br />
first-h<strong>and</strong> what <strong>the</strong>se women are going<br />
through <strong>and</strong> what it will take for <strong>the</strong>m to<br />
reach <strong>the</strong>ir potential. She assists <strong>the</strong>m with<br />
client orientations <strong>and</strong> pre-employment<br />
skills training. Michelle is an asset to our<br />
program <strong>and</strong> respected by <strong>the</strong> staff <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
clients. Her presence, her enthusiasm <strong>and</strong><br />
her spirit are invaluable.<br />
Also returning is Priscilla Tilton, also<br />
a graduate. During <strong>the</strong> time she <strong>and</strong> her<br />
family were at <strong>St</strong>. John’s, Priscilla basically<br />
ran <strong>the</strong> computer lab. She has an Associate<br />
Degree in Interior Design with an emphasis<br />
on Computer Aided Drafting <strong>and</strong> Design<br />
(CADD). While Priscilla continues to seek<br />
employment, she assists in <strong>the</strong> Career Center<br />
every Thursday. She is so creative <strong>and</strong><br />
talented, <strong>and</strong> we are so fortunate to have<br />
her in our program!<br />
Trish Fountain, a CSUS graduate<br />
student in <strong>the</strong> Masters Career Educational<br />
Counseling Program, a wife <strong>of</strong> 30 years <strong>and</strong><br />
mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> two grown children, interns on<br />
Monday <strong>and</strong> Wednesday afternoons. She<br />
provides individual <strong>and</strong> group counseling<br />
<strong>and</strong> assists <strong>the</strong> women with <strong>the</strong>ir resumes<br />
<strong>and</strong> career assessments. The women look<br />
forward to seeing her—<strong>and</strong> so do we!<br />
Dorothy Gordon, a <strong>St</strong>. John’s graduate<br />
<strong>and</strong> mo<strong>the</strong>r <strong>of</strong> three, recently joined our<br />
team as an intern. Until one month ago,<br />
Dorothy was employed full-time; however,<br />
she was laid <strong>of</strong>f along with several <strong>of</strong> her<br />
co-workers. While she continues to seek<br />
employment, she has <strong>of</strong>fered to intern on<br />
Tuesday mornings to assist <strong>the</strong> women<br />
with basic computer skills <strong>and</strong> online application<br />
forms. Dorothy is ano<strong>the</strong>r wonderful<br />
example <strong>of</strong> “giving back” to <strong>St</strong>. John’s<br />
<strong>Shelter</strong>.<br />
We are always in search <strong>of</strong> additional volunteers for <strong>the</strong> Computer Lab,<br />
in particular on Thursdays, Saturdays <strong>and</strong> Sundays.<br />
If <strong>this</strong> is something that might be <strong>of</strong> interest to you, please contact Maureen Gagliardi<br />
at mgagliardi@stjohnsshelter.org or at (916) 453-1482.<br />
9
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong> Program for Women <strong>and</strong> Children<br />
Meet Tiffany Fields, Our New Director<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Shelter</strong> Operations<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s is such a wonderful program. It drew my attention<br />
like opposite polls <strong>of</strong> a magnet. My family <strong>and</strong> I had been<br />
reading about different non-pr<strong>of</strong>it organizations in Sacramento<br />
County as we were in <strong>the</strong> process <strong>of</strong> relocating here. <strong>St</strong>. John’s stood out like a<br />
sore thumb… a program with a track record <strong>of</strong> assisting homeless women <strong>and</strong> children<br />
in getting back on <strong>the</strong>ir feet … <strong>this</strong> was a dream <strong>of</strong> which I wanted to be a part.<br />
My career began with various marketing assignments for a large development<br />
firm. My responsibilities grew in my first weeks <strong>the</strong>re, <strong>and</strong> I was quickly elevated to a<br />
management position. After a couple <strong>of</strong> years, I started my own marketing company<br />
serving small businesses. At a business leadership conference, I met a woman whose<br />
story changed my life forever. This woman shared her history as a survivor <strong>of</strong> domestic<br />
violence. She spoke <strong>of</strong> a wonderful program that helped her <strong>and</strong> her children escape<br />
abuse <strong>and</strong> allowed her to get on her feet. She told me that without that program, her<br />
success would not have been possible. Her story was so inspirational to me. I realized<br />
that I wanted to be a part <strong>of</strong> a program that could benefit o<strong>the</strong>rs so intimately.<br />
I began <strong>the</strong> quest several years ago as a family developer for a statewide adoption<br />
<strong>and</strong> foster agency. I specialized in fitting families to children in need <strong>of</strong> a loving home.<br />
After my time working with foster <strong>and</strong> adoptive services, I was <strong>of</strong>fered a job at a nonpr<strong>of</strong>it<br />
agency specializing in domestic violence <strong>and</strong> sexual assault. I was responsible for<br />
all operations <strong>of</strong> two domestic violence <strong>and</strong> sexual assault shelters. During my tenure,<br />
we incorporated trauma-informed services in <strong>the</strong> shelter, including dual services in Domestic<br />
Violence/Substance Abuse, <strong>and</strong> Domestic Violence/Mental Health. <strong>Shelter</strong> staff<br />
were diversified <strong>and</strong> trained on trauma-informed services, which focused on <strong>the</strong> client’s<br />
lifetime <strong>of</strong> traumatic experiences, ra<strong>the</strong>r than a single incident that brought <strong>the</strong>m to<br />
need shelter.<br />
My calling has now led me to one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> most well-respected agencies in <strong>the</strong> greater<br />
Sacramento area, <strong>St</strong>. John’s. I am thrilled <strong>and</strong> honored to be a part <strong>of</strong> such a wonderful<br />
team. I promise to bring compassion, experience, a strong work ethic <strong>and</strong> a heart <strong>of</strong><br />
service to <strong>St</strong>. John’s. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at<br />
tfields@stjohnsshelter.org or at 916-453-1482.<br />
<strong>St</strong>ate Senator Gloria<br />
Negrete McLeod Visits<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s<br />
December 7, 2008 will be remembered<br />
as a special day for <strong>the</strong> residents <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong>. Senator Gloria Negrete<br />
McLeod <strong>and</strong> her press secretary, Alfonso<br />
Sanchez, made a visit to <strong>St</strong> John’s <strong>Shelter</strong>.<br />
Senator McLeod was greeted <strong>and</strong><br />
given a tour by several <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> women in<br />
our On <strong>the</strong> Job Training Program. She<br />
listened intently to <strong>the</strong>ir stories <strong>and</strong> to<br />
how, in just 90 days, <strong>St</strong>. John’s was helping<br />
<strong>the</strong>m to get back on <strong>the</strong>ir feet. She<br />
was so kind <strong>and</strong> gracious <strong>and</strong> spent extra<br />
time to pose for photos with <strong>the</strong> women<br />
<strong>and</strong> children. It was an afternoon full <strong>of</strong><br />
excitement <strong>and</strong> a day that will long be<br />
remembered.<br />
We wish to acknowledge <strong>and</strong> thank<br />
Senator McLeod for her generous contribution<br />
to <strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong>. And we commend<br />
her for her continued support <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> women in our region <strong>and</strong> around <strong>the</strong><br />
state who are homeless but not helpless—women<br />
who desire<br />
to make better<br />
lives for<br />
<strong>the</strong>mselves<br />
<strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
children, but<br />
who need a<br />
h<strong>and</strong> up.<br />
Huge Thanks to<br />
Lynn Zender!<br />
Lynn, who retired from<br />
The Effort in 2007, served as<br />
our interim Director <strong>of</strong> <strong>Shelter</strong><br />
Operations for <strong>the</strong> past six<br />
months. She made a significant<br />
difference during her<br />
tenure at <strong>the</strong> <strong>Shelter</strong> … for<br />
which we are very grateful.<br />
Thank you, Lynn! We’ll miss<br />
you!<br />
Help Us Save Money!<br />
We hope you enjoy receiving updates from<br />
us as much as we enjoy keeping you posted on<br />
all that is happening at <strong>St</strong>. John’s! Please help<br />
us save money by providing us with your email<br />
address so we can send you, at no cost to us,<br />
<strong>the</strong> email version <strong>of</strong> our newsletter. And by <strong>the</strong><br />
way, we promise to keep your email address<br />
to ourselves! Email addresses can be emailed<br />
to accounting@stjohnsshelter.org.<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s enjoys a Kings game, thanks to <strong>the</strong> Kings!<br />
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Wish<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong> Program<br />
List<br />
for Women <strong>and</strong> Children<br />
Donations are gratefully accepted Tuesdays from 1 to 6 pm, Wednesdays from 1 to 6 pm,<br />
Thursdays from 1 to 6 pm, <strong>and</strong> Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm.<br />
Due to your overwhelming generosity with donations, <strong>and</strong> with <strong>the</strong> limited space we have available to store<br />
donated items, we are not able to accept donations outside <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se hours.<br />
Immediate Needs:<br />
• New porta-cribs<br />
• New bassinettes<br />
• Forks<br />
• 45- or 54-gallon heavy duty<br />
black trash bags<br />
• All sizes <strong>of</strong> towels<br />
• <strong>St</strong>orage space: We really need<br />
some empty warehouse storage<br />
space to store <strong>the</strong> furniture<br />
donations<br />
<strong>Shelter</strong> Needs:<br />
• Vacuum cleaner<br />
• African-American hair products<br />
• Bleach<br />
• Ajax<br />
• Laundry detergent<br />
• Bunk beds<br />
• Batteries—AAs, Ds, Cs <strong>and</strong> AAAs<br />
• Dishwashing liquid<br />
• Brooms/mops/dust brooms<br />
• Air freshener<br />
• Commercial washers <strong>and</strong> dryers<br />
Kitchen:<br />
• Non-latex gloves<br />
• Durable eating utensils (forks, spoons,<br />
knives)<br />
• Soup bowls<br />
• Plates<br />
• Drinking glasses<br />
• Blender<br />
• Table setting napkins<br />
Children’s Program:<br />
• Durable play pots <strong>and</strong> pans, <strong>and</strong> food, for<br />
our play kitchen<br />
• Pencil sharpeners for <strong>the</strong> after-school<br />
program<br />
• Paintbrushes for toddler art <strong>and</strong> teenage<br />
art projects<br />
• Disinfecting wipes (Lysol wipes)<br />
• Pacifiers<br />
• Teething rings<br />
• Baby wipes<br />
• Healthy kids’ snacks<br />
• Bottles<br />
• Sippie cups<br />
• Bean bags<br />
• Nap-size pillows with removable<br />
pillowcases<br />
• Gel pens (for children to use in <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
diaries)<br />
• Fabric (to make curtains to cover our<br />
windows during naptime) instead <strong>of</strong> using<br />
sheets to cover <strong>the</strong> windows<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s needs your financial<br />
assistance to make ends meet. By making<br />
a $750 commitment each month, you will<br />
support a mo<strong>the</strong>r in making a better life for<br />
herself <strong>and</strong> her children.<br />
Office Supplies:<br />
• Electric pencil sharpeners<br />
• Office chairs<br />
• Ink cartridges (Epson cx 5400 &<br />
HP Desk-Jet 5440 - 93 & 92)<br />
Name Amount Enclosed $<br />
Address<br />
Phone<br />
Email Address<br />
Please return with your check or money order to:<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong> Program for Women <strong>and</strong> Children, 2443 Fair Oaks Blvd. #369, Sacramento, CA 95825-7684<br />
Donations may also be made with a credit card online at www.stjohnsshelter.org<br />
<strong>St</strong>. John’s <strong>Shelter</strong> Program for Women <strong>and</strong> Children is a nonpr<strong>of</strong>it, 501(c)3 organization. We rely on donations from <strong>the</strong> community,<br />
local business <strong>and</strong> civic groups to continue to provide assistance <strong>and</strong> hope to homeless women <strong>and</strong> children. We do not loan or sell your<br />
information. Tax ID#: 68-0132934<br />
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2443 Fair Oaks Blvd. #369<br />
Sacramento, CA 95825-7684<br />
Ph. 916-453-1482<br />
Fax 916-453-1425<br />
www.stjohnsshelter.org<br />
Board <strong>of</strong> Directors<br />
• Kathy McKim (Chair), AT&T<br />
• Kim Box (Vice Chair), Hewlett-Packard<br />
• Greg Gonzales (Treasurer), Sutter Health<br />
• Andrea Anderson, SureWest<br />
• Debbie Aspling, United <strong>St</strong>ates Air Force<br />
• Ruthie Bolton, Olympian<br />
• Julie Carter, Day Carter Murphy LLC<br />
• Janelle Fallan, Sacramento Association <strong>of</strong> REALTORS®<br />
• Chet Hewitt, Sierra Health Foundation<br />
• Peter Hugenroth, Trane<br />
• Veronica Knudson, Methodist<br />
Hospital <strong>of</strong> Sacramento<br />
• Ralph Nevis, Day Carter Murphy LLC<br />
• Adina <strong>St</strong>anfill, <strong>Shelter</strong> Alumna<br />
• Dan Wilson, Fremont Presbyterian Church<br />
• Joanna Wessman, Publisher,<br />
Sacramento Business Journal<br />
Thanks Again to <strong>the</strong> Center<br />
for Contemporary Art!!<br />
The Center hosted Home for <strong>the</strong> Holidays<br />
throughout <strong>the</strong> month <strong>of</strong> December. The<br />
exhibition featured dream homes made by <strong>the</strong><br />
families <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong>. John’s. We have heard from so many<br />
<strong>of</strong> our supporters that <strong>the</strong> exhibition was incredibly<br />
touching <strong>and</strong> beautifully put toge<strong>the</strong>r. A big thanks to <strong>the</strong> Sacramento<br />
<strong>St</strong>ate Art Department <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> entire Board <strong>of</strong> Directors <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Center who made <strong>this</strong> wonderful event happen!<br />
The <strong>St</strong>. John’s<br />
Hip Hop group<br />
performed two<br />
evenings at <strong>the</strong><br />
Center!<br />
One <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> artists<br />
discussing<br />
her work<br />
Our 3rd annual<br />
Celebrating<br />
Mo<strong>the</strong>rs Tea Party<br />
will be held on May<br />
8th at <strong>the</strong> Gr<strong>and</strong> Hyatt<br />
downtown.<br />
Volunteers<br />
Desperately Needed<br />
in All Areas,<br />
But in Particular:<br />
• Drivers with muscle to pick up<br />
furniture donations <strong>and</strong> deliver<br />
furniture to our graduate families<br />
• Individuals or groups to sort <strong>and</strong><br />
organize donations<br />
• Someone who can make curtains<br />
for <strong>the</strong> playroom<br />
• Childcare volunteers on weekends<br />
from 2:00 pm - 5: 30 pm<br />
If you’re able to assist us, please<br />
call or email Twyla at<br />
916-453-1482 or<br />
tteitzel@stjohnsshelter.org<br />
See inside for details.<br />
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