Saint John’s Program for Real Change: A Path to Recovery in Sacramento
Saint John’s Program for Real Change is a comprehensive residential program dedicated to assisting women and children experiencing homelessness, often exacerbated by addiction and abuse, in achieving self-sufficiency. Located in Sacramento, CA, this facility at 8395 Jackson Road offers a structured, long-term approach that moves beyond temporary shelter to address the root causes of instability, focusing intensely on sobriety, mental health, and job readiness.
Program Philosophy and Core Services
Unlike many short-term shelters, Saint John’s operates on the belief that genuine change requires extensive support and a commitment to long-term residency. The program is built around four core pillars: sobriety, mental health therapy, job training, and parenting skills. Women entering the program commit to sustained sobriety and participate in intensive therapeutic services, including individual and group counseling. This integrated approach ensures that addiction recovery is handled concurrently with other complex issues like trauma and chronic stress.
The job training component is particularly robust, providing women with vocational skills and practical work experience necessary for stable employment. This focus on economic independence is critical to breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Furthermore, the program provides comprehensive services for the children of the participants, including daycare and specialized academic support, recognizing that the well-being of the entire family unit is essential for lasting success.
Commitment to Lasting Sobriety and Self-Sufficiency
The intensity and length of the Saint John’s Program distinguish it as a high-commitment environment designed for maximum impact. Residents progress through various phases, gradually gaining more responsibility while solidifying their recovery foundation. The goal is not just abstinence, but the development of a completely new, sober lifestyle supported by employment, stable housing, and strong community connections. The program’s success hinges on teaching accountability and fostering the internal resilience needed to maintain real change long after graduation.
FAQs About Saint John’s Program
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Who is eligible to enroll in the Saint John’s Program for Real Change?
The program is specifically designed for women with children who are experiencing homelessness and often struggling with addiction, abuse, or other contributing factors to instability.
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How long does the residential program typically last?
Saint John’s is considered a long-term program, often requiring a commitment of 12 to 18 months, as its model emphasizes deep, sustained transformation rather than quick fixes.
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What makes this program different from a standard homeless shelter?
It differs fundamentally by offering a comprehensive, multi-faceted structure that includes mandatory sobriety, mental health treatment, vocational training, and children’s services, aiming for complete self-sufficiency and permanent housing, not just temporary shelter.
