Welcome

St. John Center is an emergency day shelter and social services center located in Louisville, KY. Its mission is to create an atmosphere that encourages homeless men to envision a life of hope, take shelter, and find rest by treating each person with dignity and respect, and supporting them in addressing the problems that lead them to homelessness.   This mission is accomplished by implementing three complementary programs: the day shelter and social services center, a residential recovery program for those with drug and alcohol addictions, and a permanent supportive housing program for the chronically homeless.    St. John Center is where homeless men seek help, find hope, and move forward.    

Original art and 10 founding members mark the launch of the Sister Mary Kathleen Sheehan Legacy Society, a designation for individuals or families who name St. John Center in their wills.

 

The painting entitled “The Angels of St. John Center,” created by longtime St. John Center supporter and board member Mary Bryan, was unveiled June 17 at the second annual donor appreciation event. Sr. Kathleen received the first print of the image that features an angel protecting St. John Center and names representative of the thousands of “angels” who support the agency with financial contributions.

 

Sr. Kathleen challenged the audience with these words: My hope and prayer for all of us is that we will continue to be symbols of hope for those in desperate need of love, that we find a common bond, and are inspired to bring about a world where peace and justice will prevail.

 

Charter Legacy Society members Nancy and Larry Otto were present to receive their print. Other charter members include Leona and Stewart Wolfson, James E. Westbay, Jennifer and Mark Nickel, Sarah and Ron Sweat, and Maria Price.

 

“During this past year St. John Center was particularly touched by an angel in the person of Christina Evers,” said Ron Sweat, Director of Mission Advancement.  Ms. Evers, who died in 2009, had long been a supporter and remembered St. John Center with a generous gift from her estate.

 

“This agency has been well supported by a cloud of witnesses for 24 years,” reflected Maria Price, Executive Director. “Leaving a gift of any size is a final gesture of generosity that leaves a lasting imprint of love.”

 HATS OFF TO OUR VOLUNTEERS!

St. John Center wants to thank all of our hard working volunteers!  The Volunteer Appreciation Party in April is a small way to show you our gratitude.  The homeless men in Louisville rely on about 150 of you to provide 9,000 hours of service each year.  Simply serving a cup of coffee or signing in a guest with humility and respect can work wonders. Keep up the good work!  

Move in Day! 

"I feel like I stepped onto a different planet," said Donnie Harmon who moved into his own apartment after being homeless for six years. Donnie joined five other men who jingled their keys with pride.  St. John Center Case Manager Vickie Burks said, "It makes me feel good inside that these men are off the streets.  What a great way for everyone to come together."  The new residents received some "comforts of home" such as food, kitchen towels and blankets from volunteers. 

Thomas Harper hasn't had a place of his own in three years.  "It's so nice, I can't wait to kick back and enjoy," said Harper.  He, like so many of the men served by the St John Center, spent countless nights on the streets or standing in line at area shelters hoping to get a warm bed for the night.   All that is in the past.  The men have a new way of looking at life.  Safety, security, peace and quiet, pride and independence are words that have returned to describe their current life.  In fact, Donnie said that his new place is FIT FOR A KING!