INSIDE THIS ISSUE: What’s it like to be a kid at Saint John’s?| Scoop Scoot | August's Guest Chef Dinner | Party for Change | Red Door Reflections |
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What’s it like to be a kid at Saint John’s? |
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These smiling, happy faces say it all! It's good to be a kid at Saint John's. For children, time is critical – they can’t recreate their childhood. So, while moms are experiencing Real Change so are the kids. |
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The children who come to Saint John’s face enormous obstacles. They are at increased risk for the adverse effects of hunger, poor physical and mental health and missed educational opportunities. They lack stability, often moving one or more times each year, leading to disruptions in schooling and negatively impacting academic achievement. Many of our children arrive at Saint John’s suffering from anxiety or depression.
Collectively, these obstacles contribute to overall ACEs scores (Adverse Childhood Experiences). Our children have ACEs scores of 4-7 out of 10 upon entrance suggesting that, in most circumstances, high risk childhood trauma has already occurred, and healing intervention is urgently needed.
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Here at Saint John's we offer individual and family therapy for all of the children as they arrive with their moms. Our amazing childcare staff provides a loving and developmentally-appropriate environment where they can thrive as kids. With three meals and two snacks a day, a consistent bedtime and friends their own age, our kids flourish. They’re happier knowing their mom is safe, sober and building a beautiful life for them. We want kids to be kids for as long as possible!
We invite you to eavesdrop on a few conversations we had with a few of our kids this week!
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Meet Sha'niya, Makaii, Lynesha, and Troy |
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Meet Sha’niya, age 6 and Makaii, age 4. We talked about some of their favorite things like colors and food and what it’s like to be at Saint John’s. Sha’niya likes pink and said her favorite food is spaghetti because it tastes good. She also was quick to say that her favorite thing to play with in our childcare center is Mr. Potato Head and making funny faces on him!
Makaii boldly stated that black and green were his favorite colors, both found on the shirt he was wearing. He loves grapes because they are so sweet. His favorite pastime while in childcare is making cars go fast around the track. When asked what he liked best about his mom, he smiled and said, “She gives good hugs!”
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Two of our elementary kids shared some of their summer experiences with us. Lynesha, age 10, is the oldest of five children here with her mom. She told us she’s happy that school is out in one breath, but was quick to say in another how much she loves math because for her it’s not that hard. She’s having a great time going to the YMCA every day, especially swimming with her friends. In fact, for her, the best part of Saint John’s is having friends around all the time.
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Troy is 11 and will be in 6th grade. He shared about a recent field trip the kids took to Old Sacramento and the California State Railroad Museum. His face lit up as he described all the trains he saw and the fun activities he participated in while there. His favorite memory about living at Saint John’s is the fireworks show he recently enjoyed with his family in celebration of the 4th of July. We asked Troy what he appreciated most about his mom and without hesitation he said, “She loves me.”
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Kids will be kids, no matter where home is. For our very special kids, their home is here, and we are working hard every day to help them shape their stories as well – stories that don’t include homelessness. |
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Join us at Scoop Scoot this Friday, July 16! |
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Saint John's is so grateful to be a beneficiary for this year's Scoop Scoot, raising money for Saint John's Square's brand new playground! Join your friends and neighbors this Friday evening, July 16 and enjoy the beautiful William Land Park, delicious Vic’s Ice Cream, and a complimentary beer garden. This event is for the entire family and just $10 until Wednesday, July 14 when online registration closes at midnight. In person registration available Thursday and Friday. For more information and to register today, click the link below! Thank you Scoop Scoot!
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August 5 Guest Chef Dinner Featuring Allora |
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Join us Thursday, August 5, 2021 for our Guest Chef Dinner featuring Allora. Known for their modern seafood rich in Italian heritage and local ingredients, Allora celebrates both Italy and Sacramento's bounty. Along side Allora, Plates Café and Catering will host an unforgettable evening with wine varietals by Andis Wines and live music by Darbytown. Topped off with inspirational stories and a raffle, it'll be a night to remember!
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Party for Change is our only major fundraising event this year and is not-to-be-missed! This elegant black tie soiree will feature fabulous cuisine and wine, music by Las Vegas DJ E-Noc, dance and aerialist performances by the Sacramento Contemporary Dance Theatre, a fantastic live auction and more! For sponsorship opportunities, reach out to Bethany Knudsen at info@saintjohnsprogram.org.
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Today is the perfect day to support Real Change. |
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One of the best moments of my week is hearing a mother at Saint John’s announce, “I’m getting my kids back.” As a mother of Gracie (age 19) and Ben (age 16), I consider myself very fortunate to have them in my life every single day.
The kids at Saint John’s played a major role in my decision to accept the CEO role just over one year ago. As I watched them play on our playground and interact with each other and their mothers, I knew I needed to do whatever I could to continue to build the bonds between moms and kids as well as give kids everything possible while they spend time at Saint John’s.
Over the next 12-18 months, our staff is taking a critical look at our programming to best decide what else we need. Some of the goals include understanding and implementing more behavioral health and parenting support for kids, connecting with the community partners to develop greater relationships with trusted adults, and resources for kids and moms when they depart from Saint John’s and of course, figuring out how to prevent kids from becoming homeless in the first place.
Though my engagement with the kids at Saint John’s is insignificant in their days here, I try to make a space for them in my life. Even if I only can offer stickers or small toys from the “Happy Box” in my office, or giving them a “high-five” (or ten!) when I pass by them in the hallway, they need every adult to interact with them in a positive way while they are here on campus. Kids grow up fast and they are watching us all the time. They need us more than we realize and that’s how we make a difference.
With gratitude,
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For more information, please contact info@saintjohnsprogram.org.
Saint John's Program for Real Change
Nonprofit, 501(c)(3)
Tax ID: 68-0132934
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