Dear Friends and Supporters of Saint John's:

 
Thanks to all of you who so generously donated in support of getting our kids
school-ready! School started a few weeks ago, and the kids were so excited to board the school bus fully outfitted with new school uniforms, new shoes, jackets, backpacks, school supplies and yes, even back-to-school haircuts! Thank you!
 
It's been another month of activity here at Saint John's, with 15 women graduating from our Employment Training Program last week, two clients hired in new jobs, a Plates renovation with new tables and new specials, and, as usual, lots of REAL CHANGE in the lives of our women and children. We so appreciate all of you who partner with us to make this happen, each and every day!
Marc Cawdrey
Interim CEO, Saint John's Program for Real Change
Congratulations Graduates!
Top row, left to right:  Felicia A. , Natasha E .,  Fillie B. Sarah M. , Simona H.  Middle row, left to right:  Ashiana T., Jennifer V., Amanda W., Kara S.,  Alexandria J.  Bottom row, left to right:  Melissa C., Aimee F., Paige G., Regina E., Ariel S.
Some 250 friends, family and community supporters joined us on a perfect summer evening on the lawn at Plates Cafe for our SOLD OUT (!) Guest Chef Dinner on September 5th to honor our Fall 2019 Employment Training Program Graduates! These 15 women provide so much inspiration to us all - their journeys have been long and difficult, often against seemingly insurmountable odds, yet they persevered. This very special evening filled our hearts with love and inspiration as we all bore witness to the amazing lives that have been transformed, and the promising future each one of these ladies has worked so hard to create for herself.  
 
Thanks to our Keynote Speaker Carrie Steinseifer Bates for her words of compassion and encouragement, to Chef Scott Ostrander of Origami Asian Grill for the delicious four-course meal, to Darbytown for the live music, to Voluptuary Wine for the organic and natural varietals and to G. Rossi Florist for the beautiful centerpieces and flowers for our graduates.

You can view all of the pictures from the evening HERE, on our Facebook Page.
We hope you'll join us at our next  Guest Chef Dinner, October 3 at  Plates Cafe!

Tickets are $50 for dinner and wine tasting

$300 Guest Chef Dinner Club ($100 Savings!) 
(4 Tickets to each remaining 2019 Guest Chef Dinner 10/3 and 12/5)

$700 Table Sponsor 
(8-10 Guests, 2 Bottles of Wine, Logo Placement/Event Recognition)
Party for Change is Coming! 
Join us on Saturday, November 2, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. for this elegant black tie gala, now considered one of Sacramento's premier events-of-the-season! You'll enjoy a gourmet meal-with-a-meaning, delicious varietals, exhilarating entertainment, live music and dancing, all in support of one of our region's most vulnerable communities, formerly homeless families. Presented by Allstate and hosted by  Sacramento Jet Center , you won't want to miss this spectacular celebration!
 
For sponsorship opportunities and tickets, please visit the  Party for Change web page or contact Sasha Wirth or Bethany Knudsen, 916-453-1482.
Plates Renaissance! 
New Tables at Plates Cafe
Have you seen our new tables at  Plates Cafe? Our dining room has recently been transformed, with all tables now refinished to show off their natural wood glow! And now, every Wednesday Plates will feature "Victor's Creation," something special from our new Sous Chef Victor Rosario! Recently featured entrees include Pork Katsu, a deliciously tangy Chicken Caprese Sandwich and a Seasonal Heirloom Tomato Salad with lardons, micro cilantro and Crenshaw melon served over a green goddess dressing!

Plates is offering a 10% discount on all catering events held prior to September 30th.  Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, mixers, corporate events, at our place or yours, no job is too big or too small - we do it all! Our  catering menu is now online! Contact Erin Landreth  or call
(916-381-2233) to book your event.
Seasonal Heirloom Tomato Salad
Pork Katsu
Volunteer Spotlight: Sister Act!

There is so much behind-the-scenes work that makes a place like Saint John's Program for Real Change work. The public can see and read about the mission and the results, but what it takes to actually make it all run is almost overwhelming to consider. 
 
Enter Carol Hood and her sister, Margaret Morris, our Volunteers of the Month, a dynamic duo who have made an indelible mark and impression in their volunteer service to our Integrated Health Services department.  Saint John's Program for Real Change cannot run without the support of wonderful volunteers like Carol and Margaret. These ladies exemplify the spirit of love and hope that permeates our community. 

Thank you Carol and Margaret! Read more about how they've made an impact at Saint John's in our most recent blog post by guest blogger Ellen Gemma  HERE .

From preparing/serving a meal to helping in the office, in childcare, in our donation center or if you have a special skill, there are lots of ways to  volunteer ! For more information, contact our Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager
Building for the Future Project 
Helping Others Soar!
In 2017 we purchased and renovated an 11,000-square-foot building adjacent to our campus, allowing us to increase our capacity to serve from 180 to 270 women and children per day. We have secured funding commitments for $3 million of this $4 million Building for the Future Project, with a goal of raising the remaining $1 million by December 31, 2019.

By giving generously today, you will help secure the future of programs that hold the promise of an end to homelessness for so many. Naming a bedroom, office, bench or a commemorative brick to line our walking path offers a great tribute to an individual, family or corporation - connecting your name with the meaningful work that happens every day at Saint John's Program for Real Change.

Please visit  www.saintjohnsprogram.org/buildingforthefuture  to peruse the many giving opportunities. For more specifics on each opportunity, please call Sasha Wirth or Bethany Knudsen at 916-453-1482.
JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!
Congratulations to Ariel S. on her new job at Gyro 2 Go, and  Alicia B. for being hired by Grocery Outlet!  You ladies are an inspiration to all those that are following in your footsteps on their journeys to confidence and self-sustainability!
Ariel S.
Alicia B.
Alicia B.
2019 Quarterly Grant Report

We are incredibly grateful to the following community partners who have awarded Saint John's a financial commitment this quarter to support the women and children of our program on their journeys to creating Real Change. 


With much appreciation, we thank you! 
Grantor
Amount
William G. Irwin Foundation
$100,000
Wells Fargo Builds
$15,000
Rotary Club of South Sacramento
$1,000
Allstate Foundation
$75,000
Sprouts Foundation
$5,000
Union Pacific Foundation
$7,500
TJX Foundation
$5,000
Emergency Food Shelter Program (EFSP)
$64,380
Our Needs...Your Help

To make a donation, or to find out more, please contact our VP and Chief Development Officer, Sasha Wirth at [email protected] or simply visit the Saint John's Amazon Wish List to make your donation today.

Upcoming Events
How Can I Get Involved?

Volunteer 

 

Join the Circle 

 

Donate Money or Goods 

 

Dine with us 

Today is the perfect day for a new beginning. Together, we will give more women and children the opportunity to start a new life - a life filled with hope, joy and endless opportunities. With your gift today, you will provide a family at Saint John's not only a safe home, but also a hand up through an educational program that empowers mothers to provide for themselves and their families.

For more information, please contact  [email protected]

Saint John's Program for Real Change
Nonprofit, 501(c)(3)
Tax ID: 68-0132934
Connect with us: