St. Joseph the Worker

Who is St. Joseph the Worker?

St. Joseph the Worker – Working to End Homelessness since 1988

SJW’s Mission is to assist homeless, low-income and other disadvantaged individuals in their efforts to become self-sufficient productive members of society through permanent, full-time employment. During the first six months of fiscal year 2017, 3883 individuals secured full-time jobs with an $11.27 an hour starting wage rate; 42% of the jobs offered benefits. Many more individuals received services with job search assistance, readiness resources, and referrals as well as encouragement and support. With 20 Off-Campus satellite locations throughout Maricopa County, jobs were secured over and above.

As a volunteer, you are a vital part of the team! Volunteer opportunities are available for long-term commitments or one-time activities. You can participate as an individual or as a group. Volunteers dedicated thousands of hours of direct service this past year. Some onsite opportunities available: Working in the Clothing Closet; Computer Assistance/Lab Monitor; Job Readiness Workshop Instructor; Practice Interviewer; Resume-writer.

Check out SJW by calling 602-417-9854. Other volunteer opportunities were through different ministries in our own St. Thomas More as hiking for HIKE for the HOMELESS every March, and the Annual Clothing Drive – Dress for Success where gently used business clothes for men and women are needed to be used by job interviewees. Contact persons at St. Thomas More are Janet Lee, Helen Wetzel, and Anne Marie Jauch. Our youth under the direction of the Youth Minister, Kari Beth Paulk is an integral part of our SJW Hike and Clothing Drive. The Hike and Clothing Drive are easy ways to bring hope to many by your commitment to such an important organization. Look for us in the Parish Courtyard in the Month of February!

Your financial support is also vital, as demonstrated by the continued generosity of our St Thomas More parishioners during our Annual Outreach Ministry Fundraiser. This past year SJW received $8,000.00. Brent Downs, Executive Director, recently commented on our Annual Fundraiser “…the work of St. Joseph the Worker is due in large measure to the compassion, helpfulness, and support we receive from the St. Thomas More community…. their generosity of spirit and willingness to help is shown through the work of individuals, mission groups and outreach ministries…allowing us to successfully help women, men and those with families in ending their hardships and poverty through employment..”