At SJW, it is our Mission to get our Valley community’s economically disadvantaged, homeless and those in life transitions or experiencing crisis, employed in quality jobs that will help them become healthy and independent individuals and contributing community members.
Regardless of the economic climate, we believe that there are always available jobs for those who are willing to work. That’s why St. Joseph the Worker is currently the largest 100% community funded employment organization in Arizona, responsible for employing more individuals in real, paying jobs than any other workforce organization in Arizona.
In 1988, a group of individuals arrived at André House to receive a free meal and began voicing their frustrations about the lack of basic employment resources available to them, “we want to work but don’t have the tools.” Wanting to help those people and others like them, Father Michael Baxter opened St. Joseph the Worker a few months later to give people the resources they need to obtain quality employment.
At St. Joseph the Worker, we have a very special tradition; every time one of our clients obtains a job, they ring our "Success Bell". During this time, the whole office stops what they're doing (no matter what they're doing) and we celebrate their new employment with a hug, a handshake, and a story. Though you may not be able to ring the bell with them or give them a hug, you can read all their stories here.
After years of battling substance abuse and having endured two prison sentences, Jeffrey has been sober and celebrating recover since 2017. We met Jeffrey years ago at his halfway house, but due to the Coronavirus, Jeffrey needed a new job. Knowing we’d still be here for him, he called. This is is his story.
After moving to Arizona to escape a life ruled by abuse and trauma, Calvin discovers our Employment Bridge Program. With our help and his willingness to work, Calvin pays off two of his debts, increases his credit score, and saves over $2,000.
Though poverty is a profound tragedy no matter who it effects, for the elderly, it can be even more devastating than with other demographics. Read about Rob overcoming his age and finding a job with SJW.
