Month: December 2025

A Christmas message from Executive Director, Jesse Brunette

As Christmas approaches, I am reminded of how sacred this season truly is, and of a story with immense importance borne from a very humble beginning.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. — Luke 2:6-7

As many of us gather with family and friends, sharing warmth and tradition, our ministry continues to stand as a place of welcome for those who have nowhere else to go. As I reflect on this year, I am filled with deep gratitude for you, our volunteers, donors, and community advocates who make this work possible.

Hope is reflected each time a guest is greeted at our door with compassion instead of judgment, each time a warm meal is shared, each time a person is reminded of their dignity and worth. These moments, often quiet and unseen, embody the heart of Christmas more than anything wrapped in ribbon or displayed under a tree.

Your generosity and belief in our mission allows us to stand beside those who often feel overlooked and forgotten. You help create a space where peace, understanding, and human connection can flourish — not just tonight, but every night of the season.

May this Christmas bring you a renewed sense of hope, a quiet moment of peace, and the deep joy that comes from knowing your kindness is transforming lives. You are making a difference in this complicated world.

From all of us at St. John’s Ministries, Merry Christmas!

Thank you for helping us be a place of light this holiday season.

Jesse Brunette
Executive Director, St. John’s Ministries

Community members participate in poverty simulation.

On Saturday, December 6, 2025 more than 30 community members stepped into someone else’s shoes during a Poverty Simulation at the St. John’s Ministries Men’s Shelter. Supported by 25 volunteers and staff — who acted as social service providers, employers, childcare workers, and more — participants spent two hours navigating situations similar to what many of our neighbors face every day.

The intent of the Poverty Simulation is not to mimic anyone’s lived experience perfectly, but to build empathy, understanding, and a move to action — and we saw that in a powerful way. Two participants who have personally experienced situations similar to those in the simulation shared during the debrief that the event felt accurate and important.

At St. John’s Ministries, we hope this experience encourages our community to continue supporting our neighbors. We’re grateful for everyone who showed up, served, participated, and opened their hearts. This was our first time hosting the simulation in several years. St. John’s Ministries hopes to continue hosting this event several times throughout the year!

---

We’re grateful to the local news for covering the event:

• WBAY – Channel 2
• WFRV – Channel 5

From remembrance to responsibility

A reflection written by Lydia Davison

Last night (December 18, 2025), our community gathered for the 16th annual Homeless Persons’ Interfaith Memorial Service, and seeing the church filled with nearly 100 people was deeply moving. It’s hard to put into words how encouraging that presence is — not only for those of us who serve, but for guests currently experiencing homelessness. It is a powerful reminder that the community cares, they show up, and they believe every life holds dignity and worth.

We are profoundly grateful to St. John the Evangelist Parish for the countless ways they continue to walk alongside St. John’s Ministries and our homeless neighbors. We are thankful for Mayor Eric Genrich, Cantor Kate Judd, The Open Heart Mindfulness Community, and the many faith leaders, volunteers, and partners who helped create a service rooted in unity and compassion.

In his closing remarks, our Executive Director Jesse Brunette reminded us that each person we honored was once a newborn baby, a toddler learning to walk, a child filled with wonder. None of us grow up dreaming of homelessness, or of having to endure a bone-deep cold just to survive. Every person deserves dignity, care, and hope.

May last night be both a moment of remembrance and a call to action. Homelessness is solvable, and together, we can create change.

---

In The News

• Green Bay Press Times
• WBAY – Channel 2
• WLUK – Channel 11

A reflection from Saige, a student intern at St. John’s Ministries

This is now my third semester as an intern at St. John’s Ministries, and I can confidently say that with each term, I’ve gained deeper insight into both myself and the significance of nonprofit work. I began my internship in January of 2025 as a Community Engagement Intern, and my role has since evolved into a Donor Services Intern.

From the start, I expressed a desire to work with the women they serve, and the team has made that a priority. I’ve spent time at the front desk and serving lunches during drop-in days at Wellspring. These experiences have been especially meaningful because, unlike many internships, my work hasn’t been limited to desk tasks. I’ve had opportunities to sit in with case managers and connect directly with those experiencing homelessness.

One particularly impactful experience was leading a mindfulness workshop with a group of women at Wellspring. I introduced them to the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, and several women shared that it brought feelings of warmth and comfort. During the workshop, we worked through activities focused on strengths, confidence, and sharing their stories. It was genuinely moving to see how willing they were to open up.

It can be difficult to recognize your own strengths, but after hearing their stories it was clear how resilient each of them is. Even when some shared that they were still struggling with confidence, other guests offered encouragement, and all emphasized how much strength they draw from prayer and faith.

I’m leaving this internship a better human being and a more prepared professional. To the staff, guests, and community of St. John’s Ministries — thank you for teaching me what this work really means.

At the heart of every nonprofit are the individuals, families, and groups who step forward to help others. St. John’s Ministries services thrive because of the countless volunteers who give their time, talent, compassion, and care every day.

One of those volunteers, Alexus, has turned service into a weekly act of love and connection. We asked Alexus about her journey at St. John’s Ministries and what she’s learned along the way.

Q: How long have you been volunteering and what led you here?

I’ve been volunteering weekly since April 2025, though I’ve helped sporadically over the last five years. St. John’s has always been close to my family, so the connection feels personal. I’ve seen the impact this place has had on a loved one and knowing how grateful he is inspires me to pay it forward.

Q: In what capacity do you volunteer?

I primarily organize the donation room and put away new donations. It’s incredible to see how generous our community is. I genuinely get excited when winter coats or boots come in, because I know just how needed they are.

Q: How has volunteering made an impact?

I’ll be out driving and see one of the guys wearing an outfit I put together for them, and it instantly makes me smile. Providing someone with clean, comfortable clothes helps promote dignity, and knowing I played a small part in that feels meaningful.

Q: Has your experience changed how you view homelessness?

Absolutely. Spending time around the guests at the men’s shelter has opened my eyes. I used to be a little intimidated, but now I know these men would protect me in a heartbeat. They’re kind, respectful, and genuinely grateful for the support.

Q: What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?

Every staff member and volunteer at St. John’s is so kind, welcoming, and willing to teach you everything you need to know. Even offering to help a group serve a meal makes a huge difference.

Q: In three words, how would you describe your volunteer experience?

Hope, Community, and Kindness.

Through the dedication of volunteers like Alexus, St. John’s Ministries continues to be a place where Hope, Community, and Kindness live — and where every hour spent makes a difference in someone’s story.

For nearly two years, Dr. Arnold has been driving all the way from Sturgeon Bay to offer chiropractic care to guests and visitors at St. John’s Ministries. He does it entirely as an act of care and service.

Dr. Arnold spent 30 years running a chiropractic practice in Sturgeon Bay before retiring in December 2022. But retirement didn’t slow down his desire to serve.

“I was always one of those that would treat you even if you couldn’t pay me. I’m a Jesus follower. If they come through my door, it’s His doing and I’ll serve them. They need the care, and I don’t care if I get paid — that’s my heart.”

His connection to St. John’s Ministries began through our Program Coordinator, Tollef, a longtime friend. A tour with Tollef and Rob opened his eyes to the realities of homelessness in our city.

“It made me more aware of the issues in this city. And in Sturgeon Bay, too.”

Now, once a month, he shows up with a simple attitude: “If I can be there for one, I’ll be there for one. If I can help somebody have a better day or week… I’ll be there.” Sometimes that “one” is a guest living in chronic pain. Sometimes it’s someone who hasn’t been physically touched in a caring way in years.

“I appreciate hearing their stories. And I pray for them. Most of them don’t want to be here.”

“It’s got to be something you pay attention to. I think it’d be great if more people knew.”

Dr. Arnold reminds us that care begins with attention and heart — one person, offering what they have with compassion, can make a meaningful difference.