Since 1985, Saint John’s Program for Real Change has operated the largest residential program for women and children experiencing homelessness in the Greater Sacramento region, providing the tools necessary for clients to attain lives of well-being and economic self-sustainability. By addressing the root causes of homelessness through an immersive, comprehensive program, Saint John’s offers a path to economic prosperity for the most vulnerable members of our community, continuing to demonstrate that Real Change is possible when unhoused clients receive the support and services necessary to heal and address complex and cooccurring barriers to self-sustainability.
With the support of community partners and volunteers, Saint John’s provides services 24 hours/day, 365 days/year, offering shelter, meals, childcare, and comprehensive support services, including the following:
- BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES: Client needs are met with up to 21 hours each week of substance use disorder treatment services, as well as comprehensive mental health and wellness programming. Individual, family, and/or group therapy are available for both women and children. For many, the experience of homelessness stems from, and exacerbates, addiction and mental health challenges. Developing positive coping strategies for trauma and other adverse life experiences is a critical component to improving health and stability.
- SUPPORTIVE SERVICES: Women receive individualized case management and courses on life-skills, financial literacy, parenting, and healthy relationships. Support is also provided to reunify families when children have been placed in protective custody.
- ON-THE-JOB TRAINING: Over the course of our program, women gain up to 400 hours of hand-on employment training through our social enterprises, Red Door Desserts and Plates Catering. By learning responsibility, accountability, work ethic, and teamwork, women develop the skills for gainful employment.
- CAREER EDUCATION: Our Career Education and Placement Center provides career guidance, employability workshops, high school diploma preparation and attainment, job readiness services, and computer literacy courses. As a result, formerly homeless women prepare to embark on a path toward a successful career.
- CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING: While women are rebuilding their lives, their children receive childcare and after-school services, with the critical social/emotional needs of children being met by trained staff who support a child’s integration into a school community and support children in improving their academic and personal success. At Saint John's, families experience the benefits of living in a safe, structured, and predictable environment.
In 2023, Saint John’s also launched a Housing Assistance Program offering financial assistance with rent payments or a security deposit. This program is available to any individual in the region regardless of gender who is experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Saint John’s also operates a Female Community Reentry Program for currently incarcerated women in partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.