Saint john's is a demonstrated and objectively measured model that strives to transforms single-mother-led families in crisis into productive members of society. One of the most direct ways to reduce poverty and increase economic mobility is to help single mothers break down barriers and improve their employability skills so they can earn a livable wage and support their family. Saint john's focuses exclusively on women and children, the most rapidly-growing segment of the homeless population both regionally and nationally. Every day, up to 270 mothers and children (1000 each year) can be served. Women seeking real change come to us from across california. Our women average 34 years old with two children (35% were teen moms). Ethnic background. 43% are caucasian,15% are hispanic,12% are mixed race and a disproportionate number of our families are african american, 24% (compared to 10% in sacramento county).Most of our families are facing multiple and complex barriers to self-sustainability that seem so insurmountable that they have lost all hope. 59% struggle with mental illness, 79% are addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, 75% have experienced domestic violence, 65% have criminal history, 62% lack a high school diploma and 100% live below poverty level and lack a stable work history. 47% of their school-age children suffer from anxiety or depression and 36% manifest aggressive behavior. Moreover, housing is a major barrier.Our holistic and immersive approach changes the lives of single women and mothers with children through a comprehensive, 12-18 month program that is a true continuum of care. An unparalleled supportive residential environment helps families address the root causes of their homelessness, and the tools needed to exit the cycle of poverty and dependence, which permanently transforming their lives. The continuum of care includes mental health services, physical health services, education, in-depth on-the-job training, job coaching and placement. In addition, the development of social support networks, extensive childcare/child development services, and transportation, all of which help women eradicate entrenched behavior, leading them self-sustenance, and real change. Thoughtfully designed to support women in taking responsibility for themselves and their children, each family receives an average of 675 hours of services each month (8,100 hours each per year). Intensive, "real world," on-the-job training occurs at our successful social enterprise (plates cafe & catering) and qualifies women to enter the culinary, hospitality, and retail fields. In 2021, saint john's square was developed and opened to provide up to 11 houses to provide transitional housing for up to 22 heads of household. This was accomplished with grant funds from california department of housing and community development for housing-project homekey and the city of sacramento. The women living in the square are working and preparing themselves for successful lives outside of saint john's.

In 2016, the california department of corrections and rehabilitation (cdcr) contracted with saint john's to run a service-rich program for women moving from prison back into communities. In December of 2017 we opened california's fifth custody to community transitional re-entry program (cctrp) providing housing and services for up to 50 women with less than 2.5 years left on their sentence. Early estimates are that this program reduces recidivism by more than 50%. In July 2021, saint john's and cdcr entered into our second 5 year contract for this program.

The plates cafe, catering & red door desserts of saint john's program for real change were developed to provide women with extensive hands-on employment training. Women complete between 360-504 hours of training, building a strong work ethic and the soft-skills required to be successful in employment. 96% of the women who complete these programs are placed in jobs. Over 70% of plates/revenue is generated through off-site catering events and red door desserts memberships. All proceeds benefit the organization.