26 JANUARY 2025 By Mallory Gleich St. Joseph the Worker (SJW) has empowered thousands of Valley residents to overcome barriers such as homelessness, lack of transportation and limited job experience while helping them build brighter futures, reach self-sufficiency and flourish without government assistance. Events like the annual Be the Impact Happy Hour have helped SJW provide assistance for 36 years. The nonprofit has two main programs. Employment Without Barriers offers free support to individuals ready to work, regardless of their circumstances. “Unlike traditional job services, SJW takes a holistic approach, evaluating skills, physical abilities, transportation options, backgrounds and personal goals to match individuals with long-term opportunities through their Preferred Business Partners,” COO Daren Strunk said. SJW also provides resources like interview preparation and professional attire. Once employed, clients receive essential tools or certifications needed for success. The Workforce Villages program provides 90 days of free housing to full-time employees experiencing housing insecurity. Participants stay in SJW apartments, save a percentage of their post-tax income into a bank account, and aim to accumulate $5,000, a lease in their own name, and a financial buffer for emergencies. Participants attend weekly meetings with housing specialists to stay on track with their budgets and meet program goals. They also participate in life skills classes designed to support long-term success. These workshops include Personal Finance 101, which teaches effective money management, a meal planning and budgeting class and a Professional Success Skills workshop. The Be the Impact Happy Hour is held annually in the first week of November. The event invites community members, sponsors and supporters to enjoy live music, signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and new this year was a bourbon tasting from O.H.S.O. Brewery & Distillery. The evening also features client testimonials highlighting the impact of SJW’s programs. The events, which happened in 2023 and 2024, have raised over $470,000. A notable highlight was the $100,000 matching donation from the DFIU Foundation, celebrated as a significant boost to their fundraising efforts. “SJW plans to continue pursuing its mission, which includes strengthening and growing programs,” Strunk said. “They also want to continue building partnerships with local businesses to create a broader network of resources and employment opportunities, fostering long-term success for individuals on their path to financial independence, while also helping businesses retain quality employees affected by housing insecurity.” The nonprofit is in the planning stages for the next event, but before then, they will host the 18th annual benefit concert by the feeney/winthrop group at the Tempe Center for the Arts in March and the 27th annual Hike for Hope in April. sjwjobs.org Be the Impact raises over $200K for St. Joseph the Worker St. Joseph the Worker helps Valley residents who are struggling with homelessness or job insecurity. Eric Jaegers, Carrie Masters and Power Design’s Jesse Wheeler. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DAREN STRUNK SJW plans to continue pursuing its mission… fostering long-term success for individuals on their path to financial independence.

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