Men, Women and Youth receive caring and compassionate services.

How you can help one time or ongoing….

• $50.00 sponsors a hot hearty and healthy meal for a teenager at the Youth Emergency Shelter for two weeks.
• $80.00 sponsors a day of service coordination—goal setting, job seeking assistance and community referrals for shelter guests.
• $135.00 sponsors a day of crisis intervention counseling and intensive interventions for the Youth Emergency Shelter
• $ 275.00 sponsors a week of street outreach to homeless teens and adults
• $560.00 sponsors a night of safe warm shelter for 58 guests.
• $1000.00—become a named John Lewis Sponsor!

The mission of JLCS is:

• To challenge the causes of homelessness by providing hospitality, housing and services that respect a person’s dignity and choice regardless of their status, physical or emotional, condition;
• To work collaboratively with the greater community in challenging the root causes of poverty and effecting systemic change through housing and community development activities.

Personal Success Updates

• Sam is now 58 years old, 4 years into recovery from an alcohol addition, living in his own apartment and working part-time!  But this was not the case when he came to the shelter—homeless, addicted and unemployed.  While in shelter, Sam worked with his Service Coordinator to begin a recovery program, connect with community resources to find part-time employment, and develop the skills necessary to live independently while living in John Lewis transitional housing.
• Lorraine is now enrolled at St. Ambrose University, clean and sober for 5 years, sponsors others in their recovery from alcohol addiction, living in her own apartment and volunteers for several community agencies.  But when she entered shelter, she was new in her own recovery, had multiple physical and mental health problems and required a great deal of support.  John Lewis Service Coordinators worked with Lorraine to set achievable goals and provided support while she worked toward each.
• Trisha transitioned to her own apartment, is clean and sober for 3 years, has important community connections for mental health care, is working part-time and is stable and confident in her desire to maintain healthy life choices.  But when Trisha came to John Lewis she had a long history of alcohol and crack abuse.  She was also a victim of domestic violence.   She worked diligently with her Service Coordinator to build a life without drugs and alcohol.
• Juan is enrolled in high school, singing in the choir, playing soccer and is on the track and field team.  But when Juan entered Youth Transitional Housing, he had been in multiple foster care placements because his mother was unable to care for him due to her addictions.  Juan has worked to build a positive life with the support of John Lewis Service Coordinators.
• Thomas has graduated from high school, is a student at the local community college, and has two jobs.  But when he came to live at Youth Transitional Housing he had been living in his car.  Thomas, too, immediately connected with Service Coordinators at John Lewis and began setting achievable goals.  As he achieved each goal, he set the next bar a little higher.

Sam, Lorraine, Trisha, Juan and Thomas inspire all who are fortunate to know them!

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