St Joseph the Worker

About

Helping homeless individuals to find quality employment in Phoenix, Arizona.

Story

For 29 years, St. Joseph the Worker’s (SJW) sole mission has been to assist economically deprived individuals become self-sufficient with the reassurance, tools, and support needed to secure quality employment. SJW teaches improved job readiness by focusing on timeliness, attitude, appearance, responsibility, and job search techniques. The agency’s proven employment model provides one-on-one support, computer and Internet access, professional clothing, resume development, mock interviews, financial coaching, certification and licensure fees, tools, safety equipment, and the transportation needed to obtain and sustain employment. SJW is the conduit to connect job seekers to jobs – with a hand up, not a hand out—building on existing strengths and reducing or eliminating any barriers to employment.

When people experiencing economic hardship obtain quality employment – every aspect of their lives is impacted. You can hear the pride in the voice of a job seeker replying “yes, I will have the tools I need, work boots, safety glasses, and reliable transportation. Yes, I can start work tomorrow morning, thank you!” Traditionally, when a client obtains a new job, he/she is encouraged to “ring the success bell,” in recognition of this significant step on the road to self-reliance. Excitement fills the entire office as fellow clients, volunteers, and staff members – led by Executive Director, Brent Downs – gather to applaud and honor the successful job seeker. SJW finds this tradition is a mutually embraced way to honor each individual’s achievement, while reminding everyone currently job searching that success is attainable. Often times you will hear the whispered words “the next one will be me!”

In FY14-15, SJW assisted 2,701 clients get back to work – or 98% of fully registered clients secured quality employment. Also, 2,191 or 83% of verifiable clients maintained their employment status for 3 months and 1,981 or 75% maintained their employment status for 6 months.

Mission

The mission of St. Joseph the Worker is to assist homeless, low-income and other disadvantaged individuals in their efforts to become self-sufficient through quality employment.

Being Homeless and the Challenge of a Job Search:

Imagine the difficult task of finding a job without a telephone, a mailing address, or access to the internet.

Picture the awkwardness of an individual who arrives at an interview without a decent outfit or a well-crafted resume.

Consider the thrill of being hired, but the fear of not being able to fulfill the job requirements due to a lack of work tools, transportation, or adequate job skills training.

St. Joseph the Worker’s mission is to eliminate these barriers to gaining employment.

Despite the odds, we witness success each day.

“I want to thank you for all your help and understanding. You have encouraged me to strive and not to give up. Well that’s just what I did; I didn’t give up.”

We invite you to learn more about our services and how your support is helping individuals end homelessness through quality employment.