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.
