Micah Center

The Micah Center is staffed with 3 full-time Case Managers who provide advocacy and support. Each guest staying at the shelter is required to meet with their assigned Case Manager to assess his or her needs/barriers and then create goals to meet those needs. Although the ultimate goal is to obtain housing, smaller goals are sometimes set prior to focusing on this. For example, if an individual does not currently have income, employment options may need to be explored prior to seeking housing options. In addition, referrals to community resources may occur at this time to assist. Finally, guests are encouraged to attend workshops held by Case Management at the Micah Center. The topics are designed to educate on subjects related to self-sufficiency and strengthen the outcomes of goals that might be set.

Our computer lab allows Micah Center guests an opportunity to learn basic computer skills, create employment materials, apply for jobs, write papers for school and search for housing. Volunteers staff the computer lab and work with individuals in need of computer support.

The Micah Center believes in creating a compassionate environment where all can come and find a sense of belonging. Combining rigorous programming with a drop-in center feel, the Micah Center aims to meet individuals right where they’re at and provide all of the resources and support to assist in their transition to independent housing.

In 2014 the shelter introduced the Guest Grant program after recognizing that guests were putting forth tremendous effort to secure employment and work towards goals but were facing significant barriers in the process. While conducting a needs assessment, shelter staff also learned that guests struggled to transition from a supportive living environment at St. John’s Shelter to complete independence.

The guest grant program offers guests of shelter an opportunity to apply for a St. John’s Ministries grant for forward movement to assist with housing, employment or to overcome significant barriers. Contact a case manager if interested.

Goals of the program include:

• Increased job skills
• Positive local work reference
• Recent work history
• Networking

The Joseph Project is a faith-based program that connects people to jobs. Participants go through a 4-day life skills training program and then are offered a chance to interview with companies looking to hire at a living wage.

“The Joseph Project has been an absolute blessing for me. Through the program I have identified some barriers that have prevented me from sustaining employment in the past. I have a new confidence. I believe in myself. I am a winner.” – Vincent O.

Where Did the Joseph Project Begin?

The Joseph Project started as a constituent service through the office of U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson in collaboration with Greater Praise Church of God in Christ in Downtown Milwaukee. While traveling the state, the senator found that manufacturers’ number one concern was not having enough workers. Yet when he visited central city neighborhoods, the problem was not enough jobs. Johnson staffers worked with Pastor Jerome Smith of Greater Praise Church of God in Christ to identify people ready for a life change, based on their attitude and determination. Pastor Jerome Smith and Orlando Owens began this innovative initiative to connect underemployed and unemployed individuals in inner city Milwaukee with manufacturing business desperately in need of workers. It is rapidly expanding and providing connections throughout the state for individuals who have a desire to work with businesses willing to pay a living wage. The Micah Center is the home of The Joseph Project in the Green Bay area.

“When you succeed, others will succeed too.” —Sen. Ron Johnson

What to Expect

The initiative consists of a 4-day class at the Micah Center (612 Stuart St., Green Bay) which promotes life skills such as teamwork, time management, financial management, spiritual fitness, stress management, and conflict resolution to name a few. Program advocates will work with participants to develop interview skills as well as assist in the writing of resumes.

“The Joseph Project was very helpful in helping with ideas on resumes. I especially liked the conflict resolution piece. More than that, it made me feel as though I was better equipped to enter the workforce.” – Project participant

How to Get Started

The next Joseph Project class will be announced shortly. Your first step is to contact Eugene:

Eugene Smalls, Case Manager and Joseph Project Coordinator: esmallsjr@sjehs.org or (920) 288-7217.

What to Bring

• Your resume
• A positive attitude
• A willingness to learn

“Understanding how the interview process is viewed by the interviewer and the questions that we reviewed helped prepare me more thoroughly to succeed at my interview. Nailed it!” – Lisa W.

What to Wear

Be dressed for success!

Outreach Healthcare has a full exam room on-site at the Micah Center. Outreach Healthcare is at the Micah Center on Wednesday from 8:30-11:30 am to provide medical services to center guests. A general physician, nurse practitioner and two medical case managers provide preventative screenings, general checkups, medical treatment, disability applications, referrals for dental and vision care, and other support services at no charge.

St. John’s Ministries offers a mental health therapist/AODA counselor by appointment only at the Micah Center. Contact a case manager for more information.

Multiple workshops are offered each day to assist guests in acquiring the skills necessary to reach their goals and achieve self-sufficiency. Groups are offered by staff, volunteers and community agencies. Topics include:

• Anger Management
• Banking Basics
• Book Clubs
• Budgeting
• Community Resources
• Computer Basics
• Conflict Resolution
• Current Events
• Employment Readiness
• Financial Literacy
• GED/HSED
• Healthy Relationships
• Housing Search
• Infectious Diseases
• Nutrition
• Recreation
• RentSmart
• Soft Skills
• Spirituality
• Stress Reduction