Joseph the Worker (SJW) was founded in response to urgent pleas of the homeless while serving dinner in the park, “we want to work, but we don’t have the tools.” These individuals, though thankful for their evening meal, knew that the only sustainable way out of their current situations was to become employed. That moment of clarity in ‘88 still guides our mission and fundamental belief that a job
is only one true way out of poverty and homelessness. For 35 years, SJW has provided those tools, literally and metaphorically, to job seekers willing to work their way out of poverty. At SJW, we don’t entitle, enable, or label; we inspire, empower, and hold our clients accountable to their own success through employment. We offer the ultimate solution, a hand up for those living in transition and experiencing extreme economic hardship, into employment and out of crisis. We support our clients in maintaining employment and moving toward self-sufficiency through out transitional housing program called Workforce Villages. This employment-first transitional housing program to provide a pathway to self-sustainability based on accountability. During the 12-week program, clients save 80% of their paychecks in their own bank accounts. They are then able to afford their own housing without assistance. We also provide credit consultation, financial literacy coaching, food budgeting and meal planning along with other invaluable life skills to maintaining a sustainable life.
