MERCY FRANCISCAN AT ST. JOHN
1800 Logan Street | Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513/981-5800

E. Copeland, Executive Director

Map and Driving Directions

Mercy Franciscan at St. John is a social service agency that, for 70 years, has been committed to providing emergency services to individuals and families in crisis. Our programs are designed to effectively guide individuals and families toward self-sufficiency. In collaboration with other organizations, through a committed corps of staff, donors, volunteers, and with strong community support, we strive to strengthen our community by empowering people to stand on their own.

The majority of those served by Mercy Franciscan at St. John live within the city of Cincinnati; many live within the Over-the-Rhine community. Twenty percent (20%) or more of all families in central Cincinnati live in poverty; more than 60% of families in Over-the-Rhine live in situations of hardship. The families and individuals we serve are at or below 35% of the area median income.

 

 

To make a gift or support one of our programs, please contact Stephanie Brown at 513/981-5816, or you can give online now using your credit card. Your credit card will be processed in a completely secure environment.

 

 

This cornerstone of St. John's services focuses on stablizing the lives of indivduals and families in crisis situations. The multi-faceted program serves as the central intake point for initial assessment and emergency assistance with rent/mortgage, food, clothing, and personal care or household items. More than 6,200 individuals received help from our social services department in 2006.

 

 

This program provides income-eligible families with gifts for their family during the holiday season. In 2006, with the generosity ofour donors, we distributed gifts to 1,896 individuals (1,348 were children), totaling 471 families.

 

 

This program component provides food, clothing, personal care and other material items to those in need. In 2006, 7,325 individuals were assisted as they worked to better their lives or mainain self-sufficiency.

 

 

Open seven days a week, St. John's sandwich window serves more than 100 individuals per day (71,057 in 2006) with lunch of a sandwich, hot soup (during the cold months) fruit and dessert.

 

 

The second annual Community Cookout brough together 1,200 Over-the-Rhine reisdents to share food, social contact and the realization of the positive aspects of this vital neighborhood.

 

 

This program supplies air conditioners and fans to individuals who prvide a medical statement of need. We give priority to individuals with chronic illnesses and to households with elderly and children.

 

 

This program provides supplies at the beginning of each school year to youth in need. In 2006, more than 500 youth benefited from our distribution of notebook paper, ink pens, pencils, erasers, and other school supplies.

 

 

This is a nine-week, pre-employment training program for individuals who are economically disadvantaged. The program's focus is to teach computer applications and professional correspondence skills that will enhance employability, assist participatns in obtaining employment that is sufficient to care for themselves and their families, and or/expand employment opportunities. Each nin-week session includes a one-week internship. In 2006, 206 students participated in the program while 113 participants graduated from the program.

 

The Youth Development Program focuses on young men, ages 11-17 and young woemen ages 9 - 17. Most program participants reside int he Over-the-Rhine community or other communities where there is a high incidence of crime and violence, drug activity, high school drop-out rates, and few social or employment opportunities. Many live in single parent homes with minimal or no male guidance. The programs are designed to provide adults by teaching oroper decision-making skills, abstinence, and violence prevention. The program also provides field trips and cultural outing as additional opportunities for growth and development. Peer-to peer discussion and support groups are held on a continuing basis. More than 400 yound men and 140 young women participated in the program in 2006. In addition, hundreds more young men and young women were reached through Outreach Program in schools, recreation centers, and juvenile justice centers.

 

 

This program provides a clean, safe, temporary housing for two-parent families in addition to single parents with children. This is the one of only three shelters in Greater Cincinnati that offers apartment-style housing for residents. During their 60 to 90 day stay, 516 homeless families and children received case management and assistance in managin finances, family counseling, childcare referrals and more. In addition, bus tokens, funds for gas and laundry, along with other support methods are available, if needed.

 

Volunteer Program
 

The many programs offered by St. John depend on participation from volunteers. No only do volunteers help keep the agency operating, but they also make it possible to expand the services and help give to those who come for assistance.

 

There are countless opportunities to volunteer at St. John. Volunteers are needed for special projects that include the Annual Mardi Gras for the Homeless Children ( in February); distributing school supplies to neighborhood children; and the Christmas Gift Program (Circle of Giving).

 

On a daily basis, volunteers are needed to help prepare and distribute lunches at our sandwich window; to answer telephones in our Social Service Intake Department; to sort food, clothing and other personal care itmes for our Thrift Shop; to provide companionship and assistance to those who come to the Senior Center; and to telp the organization in a variety of other ways.

In 2006, 150 volunteers contributed 21,354 hours to the agency's programs and services. For more information on volunteering, please contact Stephanie Brown at 513/981-5816 or by e-mail at scbrown@health-partners.org.