Meet Sue — a St. John’s Ministries volunteer who’s bringing a little extra joy (and some musical flair) to Wellspring with her harmonica class!
Sue first picked up the harmonica about 8 years ago through a class at the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Brown County, which focused on helping seniors engage their minds by learning a new musical skill. Now, she’s sharing that gift with the women at Wellspring, our daytime resource center dedicated to women.
This is what makes our volunteer community so special: you don’t need a specific title or background — just a passion to serve and share. Whether it’s music, art, storytelling, working the front desk, or something else entirely, there’s room here for you. Visit stjohnsgreenbay.org/volunteer to learn more about how you can make an impact.
By investing in the growth of our team — through strategic planning and the support of community donors — we are building the foundation for stronger, more sustainable services. Elevating existing staff into new roles not only fosters professional development but also ensures St. John’s Ministries can continue to expand and meet the growing needs of our community.
Tollef Wienke, Program Coordinator: Transitioning from a Case Manager role, Tollef continues to play a key role in bringing the mission to life by overseeing programs that support our guests and visitors during and after their shelter stay. As Program Coordinator, he will conduct home visits and street outreach, and manage guest programs like Storing Dignity and Lasting Change.
Ali Fortney, Case Manager: Ali is transitioning into a full-time case management position where she’ll continue to walk alongside guests as they work toward stability and long-term success. Ali will help guests and visitors identify barriers, set goals, and access vital resources like employment, healthcare, and other community services.
Berta Gaither, Peer Support Guest Advocate: Berta, a former seasonal employee and Shelter Coordinator, will walk alongside guests as a certified Peer Support Specialist. She will provide encouragement, advocacy, and practical support to help guests set goals, build life skills, and connect with recovery and community resources.
These staff transitions reflect more than just new titles — they represent the deep commitment of St. John’s Ministries to walking alongside our guests with dignity and compassion.
St. John’s Ministries is taking steps to expand our services, beginning with those offered to women. The Green Bay City Council unanimously approved an updated Conditional Use Permit including a 20% increase in our Women’s Shelter capacity — from 58 to 70 women — and the removal of the November 1 to April 30 dates of operation, marking a tremendous opportunity and season of growth.
The new permit allows St. John’s Ministries the flexibility to plan for and respond to the community’s homelessness crisis, including a possible expansion to offer six months of program-based shelter from May 1 to October 31, as a distinctive, separate offering from our six months of emergency shelter (Nov. 1 – Apr. 30).
Beyond shelter, women are finding hope and healing at Wellspring, our year-round daytime resource center. Visits rose by more than 50% last year, with hundreds of women receiving case management, stability planning, safety, and motivation as they take their next steps.
We would like to extend our thanks to our neighbors and advocates for speaking in support of St. John’s Ministries at various city meetings, and to the Green Bay City Council for supporting our efforts. We are proud of our 19 years of providing emergency shelter and look forward to expanding the type of shelter we provide.
If you would like to invest in our growth and support women experiencing homelessness, please contact our Director of Development, Amy McNeely at amcneely@stjohnsgreenbay.org or (920) 617-8716.
A personal reflection by Lydia Davison, Mission Integration Coordinator
Sometimes the most powerful reminders of why I’ve dedicated my life to this work come in the smallest interactions.
One summer morning, I was walking into the Micah Center when a man waiting outside asked me a simple question: “Are we open today?”
From May through October, our daytime resource centers — Micah Center and Wellspring — close on Tuesday and Friday mornings for “Drop-In Days,” during which we provide essential services like showers, laundry, and meals at our separate shelter facilities.
I smiled at the man and let him know that yes, we will be open. It was a Tuesday so the Micah Center wouldn’t open for another 20 minutes. He nodded and waited patiently. I went about my day but have not been able to shake the way that he phrased his question.
Not, “Are you open today?” But, “Are we open today?”
That small word — we — stopped me in my tracks. For this guest, St. John’s Ministries is more than a hot meal or a shower. It is his place. His community. A space where he belongs. St. John’s Ministries isn’t “us” and “them.” It’s always we.
Our Director of Case Management Services, Clayton, always reminds us that we should treat everyone who comes seeking our services like it’s the worst day of their life — because for many, it is. We can provide hope and support, as we would hope to receive on each of our worst days.
This sense of we is at the very heart of St. John’s Ministries. Each year, hundreds of individuals in Brown County experience homelessness, often carrying with them layers of trauma, health challenges, and barriers to housing. St. John’s Ministries steps in as the shelter of last resort, offering a safe place and walking alongside each person toward a better tomorrow.
In May 2024, Renard’s Catering reached out to St. John’s Ministries with a simple question: Would you like to receive leftover food from our events? Since St. John’s Ministries was providing breakfast every day and lunch twice a week, the answer was an easy yes.
Ron and Meg, a longtime volunteer duo and husband-and-wife team, began picking up food from Renard’s Catering every Monday. What started as a small task quickly grew. Five more volunteers have since joined in, forming a team that calls themselves “Five Loaves and Two Chickens.” The team now includes Linda and Tim, Helen W., Faye N., Cheryl G., and Cindy. Together they dedicate four to five hours each week collecting, transporting, organizing, and preparing donated food.
The effort expanded in April 2025 when Stonewood, an event venue just minutes away, began donating as well. Now the team often fills three vehicles with food donations.
“This was the perfect opportunity. People are hungry, and we can do something about it.” — Ron and Meg
Each year, St. John’s Ministries volunteers provide more than 900 meals, including 360 dinners. Thanks to these donations and the dedication of the Five Loaves and Two Chickens, only three dinners last season required purchasing food. Extra meals are also shared with Crisis Café, CRE8 Church, All Seasons Transformation House, and StreetLights Outreach.
“We take pride in what we are not throwing away.” — Ron
At St. John’s Ministries, we believe that the end of a shelter stay should mark the beginning of lasting stability, not another chapter of uncertainty. Yet for many who exit homelessness, the transition into housing is fragile and filled with new challenges. That’s why St. John’s Ministries created the Lasting Change aftercare program — designed to offer continued support for individuals after leaving shelter.
The reality of being “housed”
When someone moves out of a shelter and into a home, it can feel like a happy ending. But for many, it’s just the beginning of a quieter struggle — one that’s often invisible.
Imagine opening the door to your new apartment. It’s yours. But there’s no furniture. No toilet paper. No idea how to handle a lease. You’re relieved, yes, but also overwhelmed and alone. Without support, that door can feel like it swings both ways — back into homelessness. In Wisconsin, 33% of individuals who exit shelters become homeless again.
A promise that doesn’t end at the door
The Lasting Change aftercare program begins with a visit from a familiar face — a case manager from St. John’s, along with a partner from another local nonprofit, a volunteer, or staff member. They arrive with care and a welcome tub including household essentials, resource information, and connection. Over time, through visits and conversations, trust grows.
Community partners
Crisis Café for meals, prayer, fellowship, and encouragement.
Catholic Charities for financial and credit guidance.
N.E.W. Community Clinic for medical consultation and care services.
St. Vincent de Paul for household furniture, supplies, and comfort.
More than a program — a lifeline
Lasting Change also offers bridge grants — emergency financial assistance to help cover rent or security deposits. Participants must complete five weeks of visits and planning before bridge grants are offered, and they are paid directly to vendors.
“Lasting Change isn’t just about helping someone get housed, it is about helping them stay housed. St. John’s will remain connected and involved with willing participants. We will offer support so participants not only survive, but begin to heal, grow, and thrive.” — Tollef Wienke, Program Coordinator
You can help make a new house feel like home by donating items for our welcome tubs. Visit our Lasting Change Wish List to donate items directly supporting participants in the program.
St. John’s Ministries nominated individual and group volunteers in four categories at this year’s WPS Volunteer Awards.
At St. John’s Ministries, our mission is grounded in dignity, hope, and a belief that everyone deserves to be seen, known, and loved. Each nominee represents the heart and soul of what makes our community special. Their selflessness and commitment represent our mission to honor dignity, restore hope, and create lasting change.
Large Group Award Runner’s Up: The Women’s Shelter Breakfast Heroes
When a critical volunteer shortage threatened to leave guests at our Women’s Shelter without a morning meal, the Breakfast Heroes stepped up. This inspiring group arrives at 5:30 AM — often in freezing temperatures — to prepare and serve nourishing breakfasts. Over the past few months, they’ve contributed more than 340 volunteer hours, trained new team members, and helped recruit others.
Small Group Award Nominees: Kathy and Charity
Kathy and Charity are a dynamic duo with over 30 years of combined service at St. John’s Ministries. This past year, they completely transformed the Women’s Shelter donation room into an organized, welcoming space. Thanks to their tireless efforts, hundreds of guests now have dignified access to clothing, hygiene products, and winter gear.
Adult Award Winner: Romelle Nelson
Romelle Nelson is a force of nature fueled by faith, resilience, and lived experience. A former guest herself, Romelle now serves as a mentor and peer leader at our Women’s Shelter and Wellspring. Through programs like “Sister Talk Spa Day” and the Empowerment Program, she uplifts women by teaching life skills, building community, and offering heartfelt encouragement.
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner: Donna Meyer
For over a decade, Donna Meyer has made the 45-minute drive to our Men’s Shelter every Friday night to serve as a lead volunteer. At nearly 90 years old, Donna’s commitment hasn’t wavered. She has given over a thousand hours of service, but her true gift is the way she makes people feel — valued, respected, and not alone.
Get Involved: Be Someone’s Hero
The stories of our award nominees remind us that volunteers are the heartbeat of St. John’s Ministries. You don’t need special skills — just a willing heart. Visit our website to learn more and sign up today.
In 2022, St. John’s Ministries made a bold decision rooted in our belief that the women we serve deserved a shelter and resource center designed and built with them in mind. Although we sheltered women since our founding in 2005, our dining space, restrooms, and shower facilities were all shared with men. We knew women deserved better — enhanced privacy and the implementation of trauma-informed care.
So we developed a plan and acted. With community support, we acquired Wellspring, a year-round daytime resource center for women. We then purchased the other half of our current Walnut Street facility and renovated the space to create an overnight shelter. Both facilities are under the same roof — especially important for women with mobility challenges.
From 2023 to 2024, Brown County experienced a surge of 14% more people experiencing homelessness. This season, during the evening of January 22nd, we sheltered a record-shattering 57 women, and we experienced 16 nights with 50+ women needing overnight shelter compared to just one night of 50+ women the season before.
To-Do List for Next Season
Modify part of our Walnut Street facility to begin increasing our shelter capacity.
Upgrade furniture and mattresses as many of our guests have chronic health problems requiring a variety of sleeping options.
Increase case management hours so guests are provided with multiple paths and options out of homelessness and into stability.
Our work is only possible because of our community — people full of compassion and the belief that everyone deserves safety, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild their life. With the number of women in need continuing to rise to unprecedented levels, your support is appreciated and needed more than ever.
Did you know St. John’s Ministries performs two forms of street outreach for unhoused and unsheltered neighbors throughout Brown County? St. John’s Ministries serves on the Homeless Outreach Team and provides a Street Outreach Ministry of their own, both in partnership with the Green Bay Police Department’s Behavioral Health Unit.
GBPD Behavioral Health Unit Officers
Homeless Outreach Team
As a member of the Brown County Homeless & Housing Coalition, St. John’s Ministries serves on the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT Team) and responds to police calls regarding homelessness and mental health throughout the community. When the Behavioral Health Unit receives appropriate calls, the BHU alerts the HOT team and both parties dispatch to the scene.
“In the past an officer would address the situation on their own. Now with the HOT Team and the BHU, non-violent situations — often dealing with mental health — are handled by professionals trained in trauma response that can connect people to community resources and the care they need and deserve.” — Tollef Wienke, Case Manager
The Behavioral Health Unit has been active since April 1, 2024. Since then the HOT Team has responded to over 50% of calls to the BHU.
Street Outreach Ministry
St. John’s Ministries Street Outreach Team
St. John’s Ministries Street Outreach Ministry is vital for reaching individuals living in seclusion who can’t or won’t access shelter — especially individuals struggling with severe mental illness or co-occurring conditions. This work meets people where they are, offering dignity, support, and the first steps toward lasting change.
“Our intention is to reach individuals at encampments off the beaten path and out of the public eye. We want to reach these folks, engage with them, and build rapport before we receive calls from the community.” — Tollef Wienke, Case Manager
In April 2025, staff members Tollef Wienke and Tony Schneider, joined by Officers Cody and Gerry from the Green Bay Police Department’s Behavioral Health Unit, conducted their first street outreach of the year. The team visited more than ten known encampment sites across the city to prepare for the warmer months ahead.
“This first day of street outreach sets the stage for the rest of the year. It shows us where people may have been, are currently, or could be living. If we don’t connect with anyone today, we will return next week.” — Tollef Wienke, Case Manager
Eddie shares the challenges that led to his experience with homelessness and offers insight into how support, resilience, and personal growth have impacted his journey toward stability.
“I came to St. John’s Ministries after going through a tough time. I had a short stint of homelessness, but within a month, I found a job and moved into an apartment nearby. But things took a turn when the rent increased by $200 and nothing was getting fixed. I left after paying my last month’s rent, but then they claimed I owed $1,200, and that’s when my struggles with homelessness really began.
St. John’s Ministries helped me in many ways. The staff welcomed me with open arms, offering not just a roof but the support I needed to get back on my feet. They’ve provided me with housing leads, resource connections, and a place to go during the day. It really helps when people back you up.
I’ve always been a good person, helping others — it’s been part of me my whole life. But being with St. John’s has opened my eyes to how I can do more. I’ve learned to better understand people’s struggles. That’s been a big part of my growth.
The support provided by St. John’s is so needed. Without a place like this, it would be incredibly tough being homeless — especially in temperatures like -20°. Having this shelter here in Green Bay is truly a blessing.
To supporters of this place, thank you. St. John’s isn’t just a shelter, it’s a lifeline. It helps people like me rebuild and get back on track, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.”
Stories like Eddie’s highlight the resilience of individuals experiencing homelessness and the difference that shelter and support can make. Thanks to the generosity of donors, volunteers, and advocates, those we serve at St. John’s Ministries are able to rebuild their lives and move toward a brighter future.
