Phoenix (Nov. 15, 2024) — St. Joseph the Worker (SJW), a nonprofit with offices in Phoenix and Mesa, hosted its second annual Be the Impact happy hour fundraiser, presented by Clayco, on Friday, Nov. 1. Held on the rooftop patio of The Grove in Phoenix, the event brought together over 150 guests and raised more than $270,000 to support SJW’s mission of empowering unhoused, low-income and other disadvantaged individuals to achieve self-sufficiency through quality employment.
“We are deeply grateful for the incredible support from the community and our generous sponsors, especially our presenting sponsor, Clayco, whose pivotal support helped make this event a success,” said SJW CEO Carrie Masters. “Additionally, a highlight of the evening was a $100,000 match from the DFIU Foundation, which will help us reach our end of year fundraising goals. Every dollar raised will directly support our programs that empower individuals on their journey to financial independence.”
The evening offered an inspiring mix of entertainment and heartfelt moments. Guests enjoyed live music, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a special bourbon tasting from O.H.S.O. Brewery & Distillery while taking in views of Camelback Mountain. Adding to the evening’s impact, SJW clients shared powerful stories of how the organization’s services helped them overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. One story that resonated deeply was Wesley’s.
After months of living in his car despite holding steady employment, Wesley joined SJW’s Workforce Villages program—a 90-day transitional housing initiative designed to assist employed individuals who are experiencing housing insecurity.
Through the program, clients receive free housing, attend workshops on personal finance, meal planning and professional success skills, and meet weekly with SJW housing specialists. Participants are also required to save 70-80% of their net income, providing a foundation for future housing stability.
During his time in the program, Wesley achieved this goal, saving 80% of his income and rediscovering his sense of purpose. Within three months, he moved into his own apartment and reached another milestone—publishing his first children’s book, Bobby the Old Orange Ball. Inspired by time with his niece and nephew, the book celebrates finding joy in life’s simplest moments.
“At Clayco, we believe in lifting up our neighbors and investing in organizations that make a real difference,” said Eric Jaegers, executive vice president of Clayco’s residential business unit. “Wesley’s story is a powerful example of resilience and the life-changing impact that St. Joseph the Worker offers to our most vulnerable and underserved community members. It’s been an honor to support St. Joseph the Worker over the past six years and to see firsthand the impact they have on so many people striving for a better future.”
SJW’s Be the Impact event was made possible by presenting sponsor Clayco, along with additional support from the DFIU Foundation, Power Design Inc., O.H.S.O Brewery & Distillery, Edward Jones, SRP, RSO Inc., Suntec, Middle League, Arizona Private Charitable Foundation and Ryan Rapp Pacheco Sorensen.
For more information about St. Joseph the Worker and to support its mission, visit sjwjobs.org or follow them on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
About St. Joseph the Worker
St. Joseph The Worker (SJW) was formed in 1988 in response to the unhoused community saying, “We want to work, but don’t have the resources.” Since then, SJW has been forging pathways to self-sufficiency with employment at the core, believing the only way out of poverty is a paycheck. Common barriers clients face when looking for and upon finding stable employment include access to transportation, money for interview and uniform attire, lack of certifications for the role and stable housing. By breaking down barriers clients often face when job searching, SJW is providing an opportunity for clients to build a sustainable life free of government assistance. To learn more about SJW, visit https://sjwjobs.org.
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To schedule an interview or obtain more information, please contact Samantha DeRose at 480.495.4930 or [email protected].
