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*Article written and published on Wednesdsay, September 30, 2026*

Sometimes, the path that leads us to meaningful work is more personal than we ever imagined.

For St. John’s Ministries’ Guest Services Coordinator, the mission of St. John’s Ministries has been part of her life for much longer than her time as an employee. During its early years, Hilary’s father was a guest at St. John’s Men’s Shelter and relied on the shelter for a safe place to stay during some of the most difficult times in his life.

Today, it has come full circle—Hilary serves as one of the welcoming faces for individuals who walk through our doors, often on one of the most difficult days of their lives. Through compassion, respect, and a genuine desire to help, Hilary ensures every guest feels seen, supported, and valued.

We recently sat down with Hilary to learn more about her journey to St. John’s Ministries, the relationships she has built with our guests, and why she believes one of the most important things we can do is see the person first.

Q: What did you do prior to coming to work at St. John’s Ministries?

“I’ve always worked with people in some capacity throughout my career. Prior to coming to St. John’s Ministries, my most recent role was in Human Resources. While I gained valuable experience in that position, I eventually realized that it wasn’t where my passion was. I wanted to do work that felt more meaningful and purposeful—work where I could make a difference in people’s lives and feel like I was contributing to my community”

Q: What drew you to St. John’s Ministries?

“My connection to St. John’s Ministries is very personal. My dad experienced homelessness for most of my life and was a guest at St. John’s Men’s Shelter during its formative years. There were many nights when he would have been out in the cold if the gym at the church had not been open to provide a safe place for people experiencing homelessness. He passed away several years ago, but those experiences have stayed with me. I have always had a soft spot for St. John’s Ministries and for people in our community experiencing homelessness.

When the opportunity came to work here, it felt like more than just a job. It was an opportunity to be part of an organization that had once helped my dad and to give back to the community in a way that has deep personal meaning to me. I wanted to be someone who could offer the same compassion, dignity, and support to someone else that my dad received during some very difficult times in his life. Accepting this role has allowed me to turn something very personal in my life into an opportunity to help others.”

Q: Can you describe your role at St. John’s Ministries?

“As the Guest Services Coordinator at St. John’s Ministries, I am often the first person someone sees when they walk through our doors—sometimes on what may be one of the worst days of their life.

I provide immediate assistance and supplies, triage their needs, connect them with case managers, and give them information about other agencies and resources in the community. My goal is to be a welcoming, smiling face while also maintaining appropriate boundaries and creating a safe, organized environment. Ultimately, I want every person who walks through our doors to feel seen, respected, and supported—and to leave knowing that someone is willing to help them take the next step.”

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?

“I love getting to work with all of our guests and getting to know them. I really enjoy the relationships that develop over time and getting to know people beyond whatever brought them through our doors that day. Every person has their own story, personality, strengths, and challenges, and I feel fortunate that my role allows me to interact with so many different people. Some of the most rewarding moments are when a guest who may have come in having a really difficult day leaves with a smile and feels a little less alone.

I love being part of a team of people who genuinely care about our guests and who are willing to go above and beyond to help them. There is a real sense of purpose in the work we do. I also appreciate that no two days are the same. Every day brings different people, different challenges, and different opportunities to help someone. I’ve learned that sometimes something that may seem small to us can mean a lot to someone who is struggling.”

Q: Have you learned anything about homelessness or the individuals experiencing homelessness during your time with St. John’s Ministries?

“Absolutely. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that homelessness does not define a person. Before working at St. John’s Ministries, I understood that homelessness could happen to anyone, but getting to know our guests has really put that into perspective for me. Everyone has a story, and there are often circumstances and challenges that you would never know just by looking at someone.

I’ve also learned how important it is to listen without judgment. Sometimes people don’t immediately need a solution—they need someone to listen to them, treat them with dignity, and remind them that they matter. The relationships I’ve built with our guests have taught me to look beyond the circumstances someone is in and see the person first.”

Q: How do you bring joy to the individuals we serve?

“I hope that one day we can somehow solve the homelessness crisis in our communities, but I also understand that this is not something that is going to happen tomorrow. Until then, I show up every day with one expectation: to help our guests in whatever way I can, to the best of my abilities, and hopefully ease some of their burdens and add a little bit of joy to their day. We try to create opportunities for our guests to celebrate and experience things that they may not otherwise have the opportunity to do.

Our monthly birthday celebrations give us a chance to celebrate our guests and let them know that their birthdays matter and that they matter to us. We also recently took some of our guests on a tour of Lambeau Field. For many of them, it was a really special experience. Some had lived in Green Bay their entire lives but had never had the opportunity to step inside Lambeau Field. Being able to give them that experience and see their excitement was incredibly rewarding.

I think sometimes bringing joy doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as celebrating someone, creating a positive experience, or giving them something to look forward to. If we can make someone’s day a little brighter or give them a moment where they can forget about their struggles and simply enjoy themselves, then I feel like we’ve done something meaningful.”

Q: How can the community support those we serve?

We can always use donations and new volunteers, and both are incredibly important to what we do. But honestly, I think what our guests need most is more compassion and understanding. The people who are already involved with St. John’s and our mission understand that our guests are people first. I would encourage everyone in our community to approach homelessness with that same mindset. Instead of making assumptions about someone based on their circumstances, take a moment to remember that you don’t know their story. Of course, donating, volunteering, or supporting St. John’s financially are tangible ways to help but showing compassion, treating people with dignity, and being willing to see the person rather than just the word “homeless” can make a tremendous difference too. Sometimes the most meaningful thing you can give someone is the feeling that they are seen, heard, and valued.

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Want to Make a Difference?

Donate: You can visit our Ways to Give page to make a gift today, or learn more about specific areas of funding by contacting our Director of Development, Amy McNeely at amcneely@stjohnsgreenbay.org | (920) 617-8716.

Volunteer: St. John’s Ministries welcomes new volunteers throughout the year. Whether sorting donations, serving meals, or simply offering a warm smile, every act of service helps lift our neighbors and strengthen our community. To learn more or sign up to volunteer, visit or volunteer page or contact Volunteer Coordinator, Brooke Graham at bgraham@stjohnsgreenbay.org.

A reflection written by Fred Fleischman, a longtime volunteer at St. John’s Ministries who currently serves on the Board of Directors.

Brooke, the Volunteer Coordinator at St. John’s Ministries, asked me a while ago, “Why do you volunteer, Fred?”

There are many generic reasons I could have given her, but the story of *Sam and the relationship I’ve built with him says it all.

A Conversation with Sam

Sam is a guest of St. John’s Ministries. He receives services, connection, and support at the Micah Center, Men’s Emergency Shelter, and Safe Sleep.

I try to have conversations with Sam whenever I see him, and if time allows, sit down for a card game or two.

Recently, on my way in for a volunteer shift, Sam was waiting for me and asked to speak with me privately.

Sam shared that he had recently been admitted to the hospital after a visit to the emergency room. Based on his condition, the doctors ran several tests during his stay. Following those tests, Sam received news that no person should ever have to hear.

Sam was told that he may not have much longer to live based on how severe and advanced his medical condition is.

During our conversation, Sam told me he had called his sisters to say his “goodbyes.” Through those conversations, they planned an impromptu camping trip together. Sam was able to reconnect, share memories, and create new ones with his family—a beautiful silver lining.

This is what Sam’s story means to me.

The Power of Connection

It brings me comfort knowing that Sam will live the remainder of his life with dignity. Sam isn’t lonely, cold, or hungry. He has reconnected with his family, shelter welcomes him in every night, and the staff and volunteers at St. John’s Ministries make sure that Sam, along with all guests, is treated with the honor and respect every person deserves.

I don’t see Sam as much as I’d like to, and I probably won’t be there when he passes. But it brings me peace knowing that someone will be—shelter staff, a Case Manager at St. John’s Ministries, a volunteer giving their time and heart to the community, a medical professional, or maybe even his family and friends. Regardless of who it is, somebody will be there to make sure he goes in peace.

My “Why”

Sam, and many stories like his, are my “why.”

I volunteer and donate to St. John’s Ministries because I know that every hour I give and every dollar I donate helps support men and women who need it most—people like Sam. Without St. John’s Ministries, many would be cold, lonely, and feeling lost.

Jesus tells us to “clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and shelter the homeless.” St. John’s Ministries does all three, and I’d be hard-pressed to find a more worthy cause.

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Want to Make a Difference?

St. John’s Ministries welcomes new volunteers throughout the year. Whether sorting donations, serving meals, or simply offering a warm smile, every act of service helps lift our neighbors and strengthen our community.

To learn more or sign up to volunteer, visit www.stjohnsgreenbay.org or contact Volunteer Coordinator, Brooke Graham at bgraham@stjohnsgreenbay.org.

Written by Volunteer Coordinator, Brooke Graham.

If you spend enough time in a place like St. John’s Ministries, you start to notice something interesting.

It’s not just that volunteers help make the work happen. It’s that, over time, the work starts to shape them too.

That thought stayed with me as I reflected on something I first shared at our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast—a morning centered around “The People Behind the Mission.” If you were there, you’ll recognize parts of what follows. If you were unable to attend, I hope this gives you a small window into what that morning held.

I came back to a simple question: What makes someone a St. John’s Ministries volunteer?

So I made a list. A slightly humorous one—but also a very honest one.

12 Signs You’re Officially a St. John’s Ministries Volunteer

What this list really points to is something deeper: Who people are becoming in this work.

Because somewhere in those everyday moments—between the toast, the folding, the phone calls, the conversations—something meaningful is being shaped. Not just tasks being completed, but character, connection, and community being formed.

Those who volunteer often find themselves growing in patience, compassion, humor, and persistence. They choose people over convenience. Over time, they become part of something that matters far more than any single task.

That last line especially sticks with me: “This is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

That feeling is part of what makes St. John’s Ministries the community that it is.

Not just what happens here—but who is present in it, and how they show up for one another.

Each volunteer, donor, staff member, and community partner plays a role in that larger story. While the roles look different, the impact is shared: people are cared for, dignity is restored, and hope is made tangible again for those who need it most.

You are part of something bigger than any one shift, gift, or season. You are part of a place where hope becomes real again for people who have lost it. When hope is present, possibility returns.

And that happens because people show up. Because you show up. Because we show up together.

So if you’ve ever wondered whether the small things matter—making toast, answering phones, writing a check, sorting donations, or simply caring about what happens here makes a difference—the answer is yes.

It matters more than you know.

When I think about what all of that adds up to, I come back to a simple truth. All of this is possible because of the people behind the mission.

If this reflection resonates with you, I hope you’ll consider staying connected, getting involved, or joining us as a volunteer at moments like the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast next year—you won’t want to miss being part of what makes this community what it is.

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Want to Make a Difference?

St. John’s Ministries welcomes new volunteers throughout the year. Whether sorting donations, serving meals, or simply offering a warm smile, every act of service helps lift our neighbors and strengthen our community.

To learn more or sign up to volunteer, visit www.stjohnsgreenbay.org or contact Volunteer Coordinator, Brooke Graham at bgraham@stjohnsgreenbay.org.

St. John’s Ministries is thrilled to celebrate several volunteers recently recognized at the Wisconsin Public Service Volunteer Awards hosted by the Volunteer Center of Brown County!

Please join us in congratulating:

Written by Lauren Waters, Donor Services Manager.

When St. John’s Ministries launched the Lasting Change Program in April 2025, the goal was clear: provide meaningful, ongoing support to individuals transitioning from homelessness into stable housing. What wasn’t guaranteed was how quickly that vision would take hold or how deeply it would resonate with donors.

For John and Rae Uggla, it started with a simple moment.

After seeing a news story, the couple felt compelled to learn more. What they discovered led them to become the first donors to the Lasting Change Program, an early act of generosity that helped bring the initiative to life.

Since then, the program has grown beyond what anyone anticipated. With more than 100 participants already supported, the results have been both measurable and deeply meaningful.

“We have been blown away by how well the funds have been utilized in the Lasting Change Program,” John shared. “The success of the program has been way beyond anything we could’ve imagined.”

That impact became even more real during a recent conversation with St. John’s Ministries’ Executive Director, Jesse Brunette.

“When we spoke with Jesse to get an update, I asked how many participants had been housed,” John said. “I expected maybe 10 or 12. When he said 100, I just about fell out of my chair.”

For John and Rae, giving is rooted in both compassion and perspective.

John’s background as a long-time rental property owner has given him insight into the challenges many individuals face in maintaining housing, as well as the importance of having the right support systems in place. Together, they recognize that lasting stability requires more than just a place to live.

“Everyone needs help sometimes,” Rae said. “And we want to help where we can.”

Their generosity is also grounded in faith.

“It’s a God thing,” John shared. “Without Him being involved, we couldn’t be involved. It’s powerful.”

Rae agreed and added, “Even the name ‘Lasting Change’ is powerful.”

And for those considering taking the next step in donating and/or volunteering with St. John’s Ministries, John offers simple advice:

“Get involved and see it for yourself. Because when people experience it firsthand, they understand the need and want to be part of it.”

Through their generosity and belief in the mission, John and Rae have helped turn a vision into reality — one that continues to create stability, dignity, and lasting change for those who need it most.

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Make a gift today and join John and Rae in supporting individuals as they transition to housing and stability as participants in the Lasting Change Program.

After leaving everything behind, Cindy found safety, community, and a path forward—and now she’s helping others do the same.

After 35 years, Cindy made the hardest decision of her life. She left.

For Cindy, leaving an abusive relationship meant choosing safety, but it also meant stepping into the unknown. Suddenly, Cindy had no place to go, no clear path forward, and no certainty about what came next.

“I realized after I left… I had no place to be.”

That moment, both terrifying and necessary, led her to St. John’s Ministries.

Finding Strength in the Struggle

What could have been the lowest point in Cindy’s life became something unexpected. A blessing in disguise, for both Cindy and those around her.  

While staying at St. John’s Ministries, Cindy built relationships, supported others, and even helped de-escalate difficult situations. Her strength didn’t just carry her forward; it began lifting others up too.

“In shelter, I began to rediscover my voice, my confidence, and my sense of self,” said Cindy. “I became someone others were drawn to. I had a light that I didn’t know was shining.”

A Different Kind of Family

During Cindy’s time in shelter, she met Lori.

Their friendship grew quickly, rooted in shared experiences and a mutual desire to move forward. When the opportunity for housing came, Cindy made a bold and unconventional decision—she asked Lori to move in with her.

“Something told me I had to,” Cindy stated. “I needed someone to care for me because of my physical limitations, and Lori needed someone to look after her and make sure she was living a healthy lifestyle.”

To this day—years later—they are still living together, supporting one another, holding each other accountable, and building a stable life. Lori is now employed as a caretaker for Cindy and thriving in her recovery journey.

“We take care of each other. That’s why it works.”

Stability, Growth, and Purpose

Cindy is also making a life of her own. She is pursuing her degree in psychology while maintaining a 4.0 GPA in an accelerated program.

“My goal is to advocate for others, especially those struggling with mental health and recovery,” Cindy said with a smile. “I want to ensure those who are struggle feel heard and supported.”

Cindy’s lived experience in shelter and with Lori has become her greatest strength while moving forward in her life.

Giving Back

Even after leaving shelter, Cindy never truly left St. John’s Ministries and they never left her.

Cindy returns weekly as an office reception volunteer at St. John’s Ministries Men’s Shelter. She answers phones, accepts donations, and helps individuals seeking services. Drawing from her own experience, Cindy has helped improve how individuals are connected to the right resources and programs at St. John’s Ministries.

More Than a Shelter

Cindy (and Lori) are participants in St. John’s Ministries’ Lasting Change Program. For her, St. John’s is more than a shelter—it’s a community that doesn’t disappear once you leave.

Focused on providing aftercare to former guests once they are housed, Lasting Change exists to make sure basic needs are met and individuals are successful in their housing.

Tollef Wienke, Program Coordinator for Lasting Change and Street Outreach says, “Lasting Change isn’t just about someone getting housed, it’s about helping them stay housed.”

St. John’s Ministries remains connected and involved with willing participants, offering support and resources, so participants not only survive, but begin to heal, grow, and thrive.

“St. John’s is my home. It’s my family. That didn’t stop just because I move out,” Cindy said with emotion. “It shows that they (St. John’s Ministries) care. They don’t just leave you and say, ‘good luck’.”

The continued connection, through check-ins, support, and relationships, has been key not only to Cindy’s success, but to Lori’s as well.

A Message to the Community

Cindy’s message is simple, but powerful: Get involved.

“Volunteer, donate, and advocate. Spend time at St. John’s Ministries and get to know the people. They’re human beings. They have names. They have stories.”

Behind every number is a person—someone who, with the right support, can rebuild, rediscover, and rise again. Like Cindy and Lori, each person has the power to overcome obstacles. St. John’s Ministries grateful to play a part in their journey and the journey of so many others served in our community.

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Interested in getting involved?

Donate: You can visit our Ways to Give page to make a gift today, or learn more about specific areas of funding by contacting our Director of Development, Amy McNeely at amcneely@stjohnsgreenbay.org | (920) 617-8716.

Volunteer: St. John’s Ministries welcomes new volunteers throughout the year. Whether sorting donations, serving meals, or simply offering a warm smile, every act of service helps lift our neighbors and strengthen our community.

To learn more or sign up to volunteer, visit or volunteer page or contact Volunteer Coordinator, Brooke Graham at bgraham@stjohnsgreenbay.org.

Interview conducted and written by Lauren Waters, Donor Services Manager.

Within minutes of meeting Terrance, I felt like I was catching up with a life-long friend. He’s open, easy to talk to, and genuinely kind — the kind of person who puts you at ease right away. His big, bright smile is impossible to miss. It reflects the positive outlook he’s chosen to hold onto through every setback, determined not to give up — especially for his daughter.

Finding Stability

Terrance was born in Chicago and came up to Green Bay as a teenager. Along the way, he experienced foster care and the challenges of finding his place in the world. Amidst hardship, he found guidance and support from his loving grandmother and kind foster parents, who taught him a strong work ethic, patience, and resilience.

Life took some difficult turns in early adulthood, and Terrance found himself without stable housing.

“I had nowhere to go. I didn’t really have family left at that point, so I was on the streets for a while.”

He worked temporary jobs when he could and sometimes slept in his car. But there was a turning point. Mentors like Clayton Abts, Director of Case Management at St. John’s Ministries, helped him find stability and keep moving forward.

“They gave me somewhere to stay when I didn’t have anywhere to live. They provided clothes when I needed them and programs to help me better my life. Clayton helped me get jobs and was always honest with me. Even when I left the shelter, I was able to come back and speak with him and keep him in tune with my journey. That helped me stay strong and keep moving toward my goals.”

Lessons Learned and Moving Forward

Terrance’s journey has had its hurdles. More than 20 years ago, as a young man, he made errors that resulted in a criminal record. However, he hasn’t let his past define his future.

“I’ve learned that I’ve slipped up, but I didn’t fall. Even if I failed, I kept trying. I’ve learned I’m willing to work hard for what I believe in, which is living rightly.”

When asked what he would say to someone currently experiencing homelessness, Terrance’s advice is grounded in faith, perseverance, and self-belief.

“Stay strong and keep God first. Believe and achieve. Be willing to accept help. Things won’t always be easy, but don’t give up. And always keep love in your heart.” — Terrance

Terrance is now in stable housing and actively involved in his daughter’s life. He speaks with the kind of hard-won peace that only comes from doing the work. We are honored to have walked alongside him during one of the most important chapters of his life.

Case management can sound like a complex term, but at St. John’s Ministries it’s about people. In this Q&A with Director of Case Management Services, Clayton Abts, we talk about how St. John’s Ministries supports guests from their first day in shelter through the steps toward stability, healing, and long-term goals.

If you were explaining your job to someone over coffee, how would you describe what you do?

I help people experiencing homelessness find stability and a path forward. First, we make sure their basic needs are met — that they’re safe, warm, and fed. From there, we complete an assessment and work with each person to develop a plan based on their specific needs, so they can overcome barriers and work toward their goals.

When someone walks through our doors for the first time, what’s one of the first ways your team helps them feel supported?

I remind my team to connect with every guest as though it might be the worst day of their life — because many times, it is. We meet people with empathy and without judgment. That approach helps build trust and rapport, which allows us to support them in the best way possible.

What are some of the biggest hurdles guests are facing right now?

Unaddressed addiction and mental health challenges are present for about 80% of the guests we serve. As Case Managers, our first step is to make sure guests are stabilized in shelter and have their basic needs met. Next, we focus on building a relationship rooted in trust. Once a guest feels safe, we work together to develop a plan to begin addressing barriers and moving toward their goals.

How important is building trust, and what does that look like day to day?

Trust is everything. We make it a priority to be clear about what we can and will do for guests — and then we follow through. That consistency is key to creating real progress and long-term success. All staff are trained in trauma-informed care by an in-house certified trainer.

This work can be heavy. What keeps you and your team going on the tough days?

My team! We lean on each other as case managers, coworkers, and people when things get tough. St. John’s Ministries also offers two hours of wellness time each week. Thanks to generous donors we also have funding for professional development in the form of trainings and workshops.

Is there a moment or story that reminds you why this work matters?

Drop-in days during the summer are especially meaningful. When a guest finds out we exist and they are no longer alone, it is gratifying. Guests can get their basic needs met and you can see how grateful they are for the staff, volunteers, and services. Also, anytime a guest reaches a goal — no matter how big or small — it’s a powerful reminder of why I do this work.

How do relationships with community partners help open doors for guests?

We’re fortunate to work with many strong community partners who support our guests in important ways. We collaborate closely with teams at the City of Green Bay, Brown County Mental Health Clinic, and New Community Clinic, all of whom provide excellent resources and are very responsive to the needs of the people we serve.

What’s something you wish more people understood about homelessness?

Mental health challenges and addiction are enormous barriers. The shame that comes with being labeled or judged for either can be incredibly debilitating and can make it even harder for people to build relationships and move forward. These individuals struggle; they are not “lazy”.

When community members volunteer or show up in support, how does that affect your work with guests?

The unconditional love our volunteers bring is extraordinary. They do all the little things that make shelter work. A simple smile when serving food goes a long way. We could not do this without the volunteers.