October 1, 2024 | Issue 6 |
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Join us for SJW’s Be the Impact Happy Hour on November 1st from 4:30-6:30 PM! Connect with fellow changemakers who share your passion for making a real difference in our community. You’ll learn about the life-changing work SJW is doing across the valley and hear powerful stories from clients who have overcome incredible obstacles. Wesley, one of our inspiring clients, will be signing copies of his newly published children’s book— a dream made possible through his journey with SJW and the generous support of people like you.
This event is crucial as we work to replace government funding that expires in December. We need significant support to keep our vital programs running, and raising $300,000 at this event will give us a strong start. Thanks to a generous $100,000 matching gift, every dollar you donate will be doubled! We hope you join us and make a lasting impact!
~ Carrie |
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Meet Wesley. His story is a powerful example of hope, tenacity, and the transformative impact of second chances. Join us at Be the Impact, where he will share his inspiring journey firsthand. After enduring months of living in his car while maintaining steady employment, Wesley entered SJW’s Workforce Villages program in February 2024. With the support of our program, he saved 80% of his income, moved into his own apartment, and achieved a lifelong dream—publishing his first children’s book, Bobby the Old Orange Ball.
Be the Impact Event Details When: November 1st, 4:30-6:30 PM, Where: The Grove, 4300 E. Camelback Road, Suite 100, Phoenix. Self and Valet Parking available |
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This unforgettable rooftop happy hour will feature live music, breathtaking views, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a bourbon tasting experience from O.H.S.O. Brewery and Distillery, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. It’s also an opportunity to meet Wesley, hear his inspiring story, get a signed copy of his book, and see firsthand how your support can transform lives.
Can’t attend? You can still participate by making a donation, bidding in the silent auction, and buying a 50/50 raffle ticket. |
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SJW’s Employment Without Barriers program is designed to assist individuals from all backgrounds to find and maintain stable employment. We help clients with their job search, from identifying job leads in their preferred industry to resume writing, interview preparation, and navigating the application process. We ensure our clients are fully prepared for success by providing interview kits, professional clothing, hygiene products, and transportation assistance. Once they secure a job, we provide essential resources such as uniforms, work gear, tools, certifications, transportation support, and more. Check out our impact from last month:
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SJW’s Workforce Villages program provides 90-day transitional housing for individuals experiencing housing insecurity, allowing them to live rent-free while working towards financial independence. To participate, clients must be employed full-time, earning at least $17 per hour. During their stay, they meet weekly with Housing Specialists and attend workshops on personal finance, life skills, and meal budgeting. Clients must save 70% of their income, accumulating an average of $4,500 by the program’s end—enabling them to secure housing and build an emergency fund. SJW continues to support graduates for the first year after they transition to independent living. Last month’s numbers:
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From Homelessness to Hope – Meet Maurice |
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| Maurice’s journey is a powerful testament to the life-changing impact of your support.
Once facing the same housing challenges as those he now helps, Maurice, a justice-impacted individual, struggled to secure stable housing despite his full-time job. Maurice found SJW and entered the Workforce Village program. With dedication and the support of his housing specialist, he saved $4,800 in just 90 days and found an affordable, background-friendly apartment. Today, he has his own place and serves as a Shelter Supervisor, helping others on their path to stability. Stories like Maurice’s are only possible because of donors like you. Thank you!
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Our CEO, Carrie Masters, joined FOX 10 Phoenix to highlight our mission and our impact on the community! She explained how our classes – Personal Finance 101, Professional Success Skills, and Meal Budgeting and Planning – have been so successful with our clients that we decided to offer them FREE to our community! Click the photo or HERE to watch.
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SJW CEO Carrie Masters recently made a brief appearance on KJZZ Radio, highlighting the crucial role grants play in advancing our mission. She discussed how the $125,000 grant from Thunderbirds Charities is helping to support SJW’s programs and uplift our community. Don’t miss it—click the photo or HERE to listen and learn how we’re making a difference!
SJW Chief Operating Officer, Daren Strunk, joined AZ Family 3TV & CBS 5 News in-studio to promote our new Palm Lane office in Phoenix and the life skills classes we are now offering to the community. If you missed it, watch this powerful segment HERE! |
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Last year, St. Joseph the Worker assisted nearly 7,000 people in their job search, offering critical resources like interview kits. For individuals re-entering the workforce, especially those who have faced systemic barriers or are justice-impacted, showing up prepared can be the key to success. Our interview kits give job seekers practical tools that boost confidence, organization, and professionalism during interviews. Thank you to the Notre Dame Club of Phoenix and our supporters for collecting supplies. And special thanks to the TicketManager team for assembling 228 kits last month!
However, we still need your help collecting more supplies to continue supporting our clients on their path to employment. Here’s how you can help: DONATE ITEMS or CONTACT US to volunteer your time to help assemble the kits.
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More Ways to Make a Difference: -
Hiring Opportunities For Our Clients: If you’re a hiring manager or know of businesses that are hiring, we want to connect with you!
- Refer Job Seekers: Know someone looking for a job? Refer them to us.
For more information, please contact us. Let’s explore how you can get involved in a way that works best for you! |
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Monthly Donor Club – Workforce Champions |
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We invite you to become a key part of our mission by joining the Workforce Champions Club, our Monthly Donor Program. Your ongoing support is not just a contribution but a vital part of our year-round resources, allowing us to make a sustained impact, plan efficiently, and maximize cost-effectiveness. As a valued monthly donor, you’ll receive exclusive benefits.
Save the Date: the next coffee with CEO Carrie Masters is on November 6th, from 9:30-10:30 am at our 7th Street and Palm Lane office. RSVP HERE.
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SJW Has a Four Star Rating! |
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We proudly announce that St. Joseph the Worker has earned a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, the highest possible rating for nonprofit accountability and transparency. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to using your donations responsibly and making the most significant impact possible. For every dollar you donate, 90 cents goes directly to our client programs, ensuring that your generosity supports life-changing services for those in need. When you give to SJW, you can feel confident that your contribution is making a real difference in our community.
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We invite you to explore the various ways you can contribute to our work: - Redirect your Arizona Tax Credit to SJW: $470 as an individual and $938 when filing jointly.
- Stocks and bonds
- Donor-advised funds
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Wills or estate plans
Contact us to learn more. |
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We are deeply grateful for the generous support of our corporate and foundation partners. Their commitment to our mission significantly impacts our ability to serve our community and expand our reach. |
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