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Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Mercy Health - St. John is a social service agency that, for 76 years, has been committed to providing emergency services to individuals and families in crisis. Our programs are designed to effectively guide individuals and families toward self-sufficiency. In collaboration with other organizations, through a committed corps of staff, donors, volunteers and strong community support, St. John strives to strengthen our community by empowering people to stand on their own.
The majority of those served by St. John live within the city of Cincinnati; many live within the Over-the-Rhine community. More than 20 percent of all families in central Cincinnati live in poverty; more than 60 percent of families in Over-the-Rhine live in situations of hardship. The families and individuals we serve are at or below 35 percent of the area median income.
St. John's programs continue to evolve to address the growing needs of underserved people in our community.
Our Programs
Social Services
This cornerstone of Mercy Health - St. John’s services focuses on stabilizing the lives of individuals and families in crisis situations. The multi-faceted program serves as the central intake point for initial assessment and emergency assistance with rent/mortgage, food, clothing, and personal care or household items.
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10,267 individuals (duplicated count) and members of their household received help from the Social Services Department in 2011;
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Of this 10,267, 367 households (unduplicated) received emergency assistance for rent, deposit and/or utilities.
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Through the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program, 523 individuals (unduplicated) received financial assistance, along with case management services to prevent homelessness; and
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97% of households who have been exited for at least 12 months have not entered a shelter.
Temporary Housing Program
This program provides clean, safe, temporary housing for two-parent and single-parent families. This is one of only three shelters in Greater Cincinnati that offers apartment-style housing for residents. St. John serves more homeless families than any other shelter. Family members are eligible to participate in any or all of St. John's programs. In 2011, 725 homeless individuals (including 500 children), in 189 families, received case management, assistance in managing finances, family counseling, childcare referrals, bus tokens, funds for gas and laundry, emergency food, and other supports to help their families move out of the shelter; and
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97.6% obtained a positive housing outcome when they moved out of the shelter.
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76.5% of families exited the shelter with income, and
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34% of families exited with increased income.
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The average length of stay was 45 days.
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In 2010, St. John housed 208 families out of 643, or 32%, sheltered in Hamilton County (compared to 189 families in 2011).
The Bridges Program
This is a 13-week, pre-employment training program for individuals who are economically disadvantaged. The program's focus is to teach computer applications and professional correspondence skills that will enhance employability, assist participants in obtaining employment that is sufficient to care for themselves and their families, and/or expand employment opportunities. The average participant in the program is 50-years-old, unemploye/underemployed, without benefits, financially disadvantaged heads-of-households. Each 14-week session includes a one-week (20 hour) internship. The evening Bridges Program began in January 2010. Switching from nine-week sessions to 14-week sessions in 2009 has enabled Bridges to enroll and retain more students.
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In 2011, 202 students participated in the program, and
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129 participants graduated from the program, the highest graduation rate in 22 years.
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Students contributed more than 1,800 hours in unpaid internships, and
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They worked at a record number of 28 different non-profit and business sites (in clerical, retail, child care, reception, senior activities, warehouse, deconstruction of buildings, marketing, store clerk, tax services, usher, cook and classroom assistant jobs).
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Four internships resulted in job offers.
The Bridges Program began including health awareness as part of the professional development curriculum in 2010 and continued through 2011 because illness and other health-related problems are significant barriers to gaining and retaining employment. Pre/post testing shows significant increases in awareness and knowledge about health issues.
Youth Development Programs
The Youth Development Program focuses on teen and pre-teen young men and women. Most program participants reside in the Over-the-Rhine community or other communities where there is a high incidence of crime and violence, drug activity, high school drop-out rates and few social or employment opportunities. Many live in single-parent homes with minimal or no male guidance. The programs are designed to provide support and enrichment activities to help young men and women become responsible adults by teaching proper decision-making skills, abstinence and violence prevention. The program also provides field trips and cultural outings as additional opportunities for growth and development. Peer-to-peer discussion and support groups are held weekly. The staff members reach out to young people in schools, recreation centers and juvenile justice centers.
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In 2011, 230 young men and 232 young women participated in the program
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Participants showed increased awareness about drugs and abstinence based on pre- and post-surveys
Material Resources
This program component provides food, clothing, personal care and other material items to those in need. In 2011, 3,208 (unduplicated) individuals were assisted with a three-day supply of emergency food. This represents an increase of more than 23% from 2010.
Sandwich Window
At lunch time, people receive a sandwich, hot soup (during the cold months), fruit and dessert. Open seven days a week, St. John’s volunteers and staff make roughly 77,480 sandwiches annually (225-275/weekday and 120/per weekend day).
Fans & Air Conditioners Summer Program
This program supplies air conditioners and fans to individuals who provide a medical statement of need. Priority is given to individuals with chronic illnesses and to households with children and elderly residents.
Circle of Giving Program
This program provides income-eligible families with gifts for their family during the holiday season. In 2011, with the generosity of our donors, we distributed gifts to 366 families.
The Coats For Kids Drive
This program, sponsored by Warm 98, collected and distributed 181 coats. for children in 2011.
Summer in the City Program
This program celebrated its 10th anniversary with eight weeks of activities designed to fulfill two purposes: to give inner city children positive, worthwhile things to do during their summer vacation days, and to provide them exposure to local cultural and community events. In August 2011, our annual back-to-school fair provided our client families a fun end-of-summer celebration and furnished 301 children with backpacks, notebook paper, ink pens, pencils, erasers, calculators and other school supplies.
The Westin Hotel Christmas Dinner
The hotel provided all the food, beverages and furnishings for the event. On Christmas Day, the management and staff, plus some of their family members, cook and serve the dinner. In one of our most generous donations each year, more than 300 of our client families are treated to a marvelous Christmas dinner.
Volunteer Program
The many programs offered by St. John depend on participation from volunteers. Volunteers are utilized for special projects that include the Annual Mardi Gras for Homeless Children; the Summer in the City Back to School event; and the Circle of Giving Program (an adopt-a-family style program). On a daily basis, volunteers help prepare and distribute lunches at our sandwich window; sort food/clothing donations and assist clients in our Material Resource Department; act as front desk receptionists; do data entry for agency programs; tutor Bridges students; and help the organization in a variety of other ways. In 2011, there were 2,133 volunteers who shared their time and talents with St. John.
There are countless opportunities to volunteer at ST. John. Volunteers are needed for special projects and events. Volunteers are also needed daily to help with a number of tasks. To learn more about volunteering opportunities at St. John, please contact Stephanie Brown at 513-981-5816 or scbrown@health-partners.org
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