Sharing the Good and the Challenges

Camden House Fire

We want to take a moment to thank everyone for their concern and overwhelming support during the aftermath of the fire on January 6 at the Camden House.

Your kindness and generosity have been deeply felt by all of us at JCS Affective Sober Living.

A special thanks goes out to Mike Peper, who went above and beyond by winterizing the Camden House to prevent further issues like frozen pipes. Mike spent 4-5 hours in the freezing cold ensuring that we wouldn’t face a bigger disaster. Words cannot fully express how grateful we are for his efforts.

KSTP News Report HERE

The most important update is that everyone is safe, and we are relieved to share that our insurance is covering the damages. In the meantime, we have rented a new house located on 17th and James Ave N. This house will accommodate 14 women when fully operational. We’re currently brainstorming a name for our new home and welcome any suggestions!

We are also excited to share that the Camden House is being remodeled and, if everything goes as planned, we hope to reopen it in 3-4 months. To make this new house a home, we are in need of the following items:

• Furniture: Twin-size beds, tall dressers, nightstands, big comfy couches, and a dining room table.
• Household Items: Bedding linens, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, fire extinguishers.
• Kitchenware: Pots and pans, kitchen utensils, toasters, and coffee pots.

If you can assist with any of these needs or know someone who might be able to help,please reach out. Every contribution makes a significant difference as we work to rebuild and provide a safe, supportive space for the women we serve.

Thank you again for standing with us during this challenging time. Your support means the world to us and the women we serve.

Resident Spotlight: Beth - Powerful Testament of Resilience and Redemption

The reason we at JCS exist is to support and celebrate our incredible residents like Beth!

Beth shows us that the future can shine bright with determination and a supportive community. We are privileged to celebrate her accomplishments and grateful for the inspiration she provides to our lives.

Heartfelt Thanks to Friends Who Participated in Our Adopt a Family This Christmas!

A heartfelt thank you to all the donors who signed up to adopt a woman for Christmas!

Because of your generosity, every woman at JCS was adopted and felt deeply loved and cherished. This is at the heart of our mission – to ensure that the women we serve know they are valuable, important, and worthy of love.

For so many of these women, life has been filled with messages that told them

otherwise. The world has tried to convince them they are insignificant, but we stand against that lie. Your kindness is a powerful reminder that they are seen, valued, and cared for. When a woman feels loved, she can begin to heal and move forward.

Thanks to you, women reuniting with their children were able to give presents to their kids, creating joyful memories and strengthening their bond. The joy and gratitude they felt were immeasurable and knowing that they could provide for their families brought immense relief and happiness.

No other sober home is doing the kind of transformative work happening at JCS, and it’s only possible with the support of generous people like you. Thank you for being part of this mission and for helping to change lives, one woman at a time.

Thank You to Those Who Spread the Christmas Cheer

A huge shout out to St. Bridget's for hosting our JCS Christmas Party! Your generosity and dedication made the night unforgettable for everyone involved. St. Bridget's not only opened their doors but also rounded up gift cards for us. We had more than enough, and the extras will be used as incentives for women to attend Bible Study – a wonderful way to keep the spirit of giving alive.

We also extend heartfelt thanks to Terry Quin, Director of Justice and Outreach at Guardian Angels, for contributing gift cards that are making a big difference for our women. These thoughtful gifts truly help brighten lives and offer much-needed support.

A special thank you goes out to the volunteers at St. Bridget's who worked tirelessly to make the evening magical. Father Marcel's introduction to St. Bridget's Church was moving and heartfelt. The women toured the church and left feeling inspired, with many expressing how deeply his words resonated with them. Father Marcel even joined in our team-building game – his table came close to winning as they built a tower out of spaghetti noodles and marshmallows!

We cannot forget to thank Daniel Newborg and his mother, who prepared all the food from scratch. The homemade dishes were delicious, and the dessert table was truly magnificent. Your hard work and love could be felt in every bite.

Santa and Mrs. Claus also joined the festivities, singing carols and passing out gifts. Each woman received a gift bag from the Christmas Care Club, and one woman shared with us that she hadn’t received a Christmas present in over ten years. The joy and gratitude in the room were palpable.

Thank you to everyone who made this night so special. Your kindness and dedication brought hope and joy to the women of JCS, creating memories that will last a lifetime.