Saint John’s is dependent on the generosity of our many donors and volunteers. Our supporters help keep our red doors open to women and children in need.
One such donor is Ken Hurdle, who was introduced to Saint John’s more than 10 years ago through the Chevron Social Profit program. A kind and generous man with a giant heart, Ken never fails to light up the room at our guest chef dinners (Ken and his fantastic table of friends rarely miss a month!). Ken is always there when we need him—if it’s new headsets for the children, sponsoring events and supporting our alumnae, Ken never hesitates to support the program.
Ken chooses to support Saint John’s because of the difference it makes to our community and the women and children we serve.
When asked why our particular cause mattered to him, Ken replied, “There’s a real ‘gap’ in services to this population. In addition, I believe that the approach of helping the clients to be meaningful members of our society is quite a lofty goal, and is met some 90% of the time. The women in the program are great role models for their children as well as folks like me.” That said, Ken thinks the employment program is one of his favorite parts of Saint John’s because in his words, “Having viable skills is the backbone for being a meaningful contributor to our world and definitely builds self-esteem for the participants.” He also noted that the children’s program helps our kids attain a sense of “normalcy” and lets them be “kids” for a change. He believes that both of these important programs at Saint John’s go a long way toward “breaking the cycle” for the present and the future.
Ken believes that the most effective part of our program is just being a program that is available to this at-risk population. As he considers ways that Saint John’s is being effective in the community, he explains, “I think that Saint John’s effect is reflected in the number of potential clients waiting to get in as well as the graduates’ impact on our society after they leave the program.”
Thank you Ken, for your continued generosity to Saint John’s and your contribution to moving families in crisis from poverty and dependence to lives of confidence and self-sustainability. We truly couldn’t do this without you!
