SACRAMENTO, CA — The Kelly Foundation awarded $83,000 to Saint John’s Program for Real Change, an organization that operates the largest shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness in the Sacramento region. The donation will go towards the Bridge the Gap campaign which was developed to keep the red doors of Saint John’s open after the County of Sacramento decided not to renew its 15-year contract. The Kelly Foundation’s contribution will provide 638 nights of comprehensive services for families at Saint John’s including housing, drug and alcohol counseling, parenting education, healthy relationship training and childcare. The funds will also help women who are enrolled in the program develop habits and professional skills that can equip them to seek employment and become more self-reliant.

“Saint John’s directly impacts the lives of women and children desperate for change, and we are excited to partner with an organization that helps the community thrive one life at a time,” said Shawn Kelly Devlin, Chairman of the Board of the Kelly Foundation and of River City Bank. “We’re confident this donation will support families in need to become self-sufficient after experiencing such challenging circumstances.”

“We are proud to support the women and children of the Saint John’s Program for Real Change and respect their ambition to better their lives after undergoing detrimental situations,” said Steve Fleming, President and CEO of River City Bank. “Following a significant change in the program’s funding stream, we understand the urgent need to step in and bridge the gap. We’re excited to see the continued success of the program and the effect it has on bettering individuals in our community.”

After a recent expansion in 2017, Saint John’s now serves up to 270 women and children daily with a waitlist of more than 500. Members receive extensive education, counseling and training to help lead them to a future of success both personally and professionally. In addition, the finest chefs from the Sacramento area partner with Plates Café each month to provide a one-of-a-kind gourmet meal in support of the women and children served at Saint John’s Program for Real Change. In early September, the Guest Chef’s Dinner event celebrated the graduation of 12 women who completed the Employment Training Program and are now fully employed.

“Saint John’s Program for Real Change is deeply grateful to the Kelly Foundation team. Not only have they supported our women and children consistently over the past six years, but their added support this year has ensured that our red doors remain open to women and children who want to change their lives,” said Michelle Steeb, CEO of Saint John’s Program for Real Change. “We appreciate the Kelly Foundation and River City Bank for believing and investing in women and children who choose to permanently escape the cycle of poverty and dependence.”

The Kelly Foundation supports health and human services, education, culture, environment and civic improvement through its funding. Each year, the Foundation provides approximately $400,000 in grants to organizations that support the Sacramento region. Since merging with the RCB Foundation in 2009, the Kelly Foundation, of which River City Bank remains a major contributor, focuses on giving back to the greater Sacramento region through charitable donations.