Client Stories

It Takes a Village

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 21:00:49 GMT

Giving Hope & Help Needed for a Better Life

“Nobody wakes up in the morning and says, ‘I want to be homeless,” says Marcus. “Anyone can be homeless. They can be of any creed, color or description.”

Marcus says his family came to Sulzbacher because of his mother’s health. She had diabetes, heart disease and a rare lung condition, and it was impossible for her to hold down a job. They were homeless with no place to go, until a friend told them about Sulzbacher.

He says when they first arrived, he suffered from embarrassment. “I was 17, and no one wants to be a teenager with no place to stay,” he explains. “I was angry and upset because I wanted our situation to be better — and I wanted to be part of making things better.”

After he earned his high school diploma, Marcus left Sulzbacher. But he came here to work a few years later, first as an advocate and then as a case worker.

He’s now employed at UF Health, working on his bachelor’s degree in human services and he’s excited about what the future holds.

He says it takes a village to raise a child. “Be the help that someone needs. Your help today may encourage someone to reach for the moon tomorrow.”

Your support gives families like Marcus’ the hope and help they need for a better life.

It Takes a Village

"You Gave Me Back My Joy"

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:58:32 GMT

Transforming Lives Every Day

From the time she was young, Maria has endured so much. At just 4 years old in her native Brazil, she had typhoid fever. “I was in the hospital for 50 days,” she says. “I almost died of it. I was paralyzed from the hip down.”

Her family came to the United States with every hope for a better life, but Maria’s pain was only just beginning. After keeping to herself mostly through her childhood and teen years, her attempt at starting her own family as a young adult was a nightmare. “My ex-husband was an alcoholic,” she says with difficulty. “I was 25 when I married him … and I was abused by him. It lasted nine years too long. Almost 10 years. To talk about it makes me sick.”

Maria knew something else was wrong, but she couldn’t identify it. She couldn’t hold steady employment, so she lost everything one by one. “My job lost. I lost my apartment. I lost my car. I couldn’t function at work that much anymore, so I had to go. I became homeless. I was depressed. I was crying most of the time. I didn’t know what to do.”

Then, with a little help from her siblings — and the support of friends like you — Maria came to Sulzbacher and found the warm welcome she needed. In addition to food and a safe place to stay, Maria also received the healthcare necessary to determine what she had been struggling with but couldn’t identify: schizophrenia. And with proper medication, she feels much more in control.

Maria has a ways to go yet, but she’s finally on a more hopeful path. “I like the people here,” she says. “I don’t talk too much, but I like talking to them.”

Thank you for helping your neighbors find the path to a better future!

"You Gave Me Back My Joy"

Nine Years Too Long

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:54:08 GMT

How you gave one woman the sure footing she needed.

Maria has a ways to go yet, but she’s finally on a more hopeful path. “I like the people here,” she says. “I don’t talk too much, but I like talking to them.”

Thank you for helping your neighbors find the path to a better future!

Nine Years Too Long

"From the Bottom of My Heart"

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:50:18 GMT

Helping Neighbors Get Their Lives Back

Michelle and her family were still getting settled in their new place when the unexpected happened. She and her husband both suddenly lost their jobs. “We just moved to a new apartment based on that income,” Michelle remembers thinking in a panic. “So, things went pretty downhill. We were scrambling to get other jobs."

The Navy veteran and mother of five tried everything to keep her family afloat. She immediately applied for assistance, only to see that small sliver of hope disappear, too. “I got approved at two agencies,” she says. “And then all of a sudden, ‘Oh, this just came down from corporate that we’re no longer taking assistance.’ I fought it. I did everything I could to hold it off, but it eventually turned into an eviction.”

Where could a family like Michelle’s turn with the waters rising all around them? Thankfully, with the help of Sulzbacher — whose veteran’s services program partners with the VA to help meet the unique needs of vets — Michelle was able to find safe harbor during her storm.

“I finally got approved and got a case manager,” she beams. “I was like, ‘Tell me what I need to do, and I’m going to do it.’” Michelle’s case manager put her in touch with a private landlord to work around the eviction on her record. “Almost the very next day, I met with him to view a house. And he was like, ‘Y’all can move in tomorrow if you want.’”

Michelle remains grateful for people like you who make these life-changing programs possible. “If it weren’t for them, I don’t know where we would be right now. Literally, I don’t know,” she says.

Thank you for offering your neighbors a lifeline when they need it most!

"From the Bottom of My Heart"

Finding a Safe Harbor

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:48:13 GMT

How you kept a Navy veteran and her family from sinking.

Howard had been working as an environmentalist in the marine division. He labored long, hard hours on the boats that respond to oil spills. But it was “a bad chain of events” that got him in the most trouble. While he was between contract jobs, Howard suffered a heart attack that required a quadruple bypass. During his recovery from the procedure, Howard was staying in Florida on a friend’s boat when his situation got even worse.

“I blew my left knee out. Tore the meniscus,” he recalls. And because his friend was planning to move his boat up north, Howard had nowhere to go. “I basically ended up homeless.” Howard was stuck with nowhere to turn. “I didn’t have insurance. I couldn’t get my knee fixed. No one will touch me because of the quadruple bypass for a year,” he says.

Right at his lowest point, Sulzbacher was there to pick Howard up and help him feel steady again. Beyond just a place to stay, they’re also helping him get the medical care he needs! “They’re helping me get my life back,” he says. “What more can a man ask for? What I do with it is up to me.”

Thank you for helping more of your neighbors get their lives back, too!

Finding a Safe Harbor

A Bad Chain of Events

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:45:35 GMT

Helping Neighbors Claim Their Lives Back

Thank you for helping more of your neighbors get their lives back, too!

A Bad Chain of Events

The Rebel Comes Around

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:43:17 GMT

Clayton went the wrong way for decades. Now he’s a new man.

This Thanksgiving season, Clayton knows exactly what he’s thankful for: friends like you who helped pave the way for him to land on his feet. Clayton has seen — and been through — a lot in his 55 years. And he’ll be the first to tell you that many of his problems have been a result of his own choices. He grew up in a loving family, but before he was a teenager, Clayton decided he was going to play the role of The Rebellious Child.

“It started out with skipping school,” he says. “Then doing other things I shouldn’t have been doing, like smoking weed and drinking.”

By his 20s, Clayton had transitioned from user to dealer. He was living in a nice home and had a lot of nice things — things that seemed attractive to rival dealers.

One night, there was a home invasion, and Clayton was shot twice. He was only hit in the legs, so he survived and recovered. He says God protected him from more serious injury, or worse: “I’m blessed to be alive.”

But it wasn’t enough of a wake-up call to leave that lifestyle. He kept it up for decades, spending time in and out of jail and prison.

After a 2014 release, Clayton has been free ever since. He never went back to drug dealing — “That’s the old me,” he says. Instead, he took on honest work as a landscaper and was doing well until early 2022, when a layoff eventually led to homelessness.

A friend pointed him to Sulzbacher, where he’s landed on his feet. He’s now working part time and saving money for a new place.

“The Good Lord steered me this way,” he says. “They gave me a bed and meals, and they’re helping me find new housing. I’m grateful.”

Thanks to your help , many more of your neighbors have reason to be grateful!

The Rebel Comes Around

Quality Care

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:39:12 GMT

The pediatric clinic is “a dream come true” for many parents.

When Jeff and Molly retired — he as a respiratory therapist, she as a nurse — they decided to pursue medical foster care. It’s quite a commitment to care for children with medical and/or other special needs, but Jeff and Molly went for it — in a big way. They adopted eight children in the spring of 2022, including seven on the same day! That’s more than a handful, but one thing Jeff and Molly didn’t have to worry about was finding excellent medical care — for regular checkups and visits if any of them got sick. All of it is available at Sulzbacher’s Pediatric Health Center.

Four-year-old twins Harper and Kinsley don’t have any medical issues, but their brother has diabetes and some behavioral challenges. The twins seemed to actually enjoy a recent regular checkup at Sulzbacher — including immunization shots!

“Sulzbacher is a dream come true for us,” Jeff says, “because we can do all the children’s services here. We’re very happy with the quality and consistency of care.”

The support of friends like you makes high-quality healthcare available to kids in need!

Quality Care

"My Long and Winding Road"

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:34:45 GMT

Helping People Take the First Step

Xavier is telling his story, but he’s understating the realities of his past life. He was homeless, living on the streets. Rats scurried past as he slept. He struggled to scrounge up enough money to feed himself — and his drug habit ... . “It was horrible,” says Xavier, “just horrible.” Legal issues landed him in jail. Upon his release, he came to Sulzbacher, hopeful for a fresh start.

So far, so good. Xavier, 56, has been in our housing program since 2019. He’s grateful for the practical help he’s received, like meals and bus passes. But he mostly appreciates the kindness: “They treat you with respect.”

Today, he says he’s living a “good life.” He leads his church choir, and he even preached recently. “The gospel of Jesus,” he says. Xavier says without Sulzbacher, he’d be on the streets. “And I wouldn’t be where I am today as far as stability, morals and values.”

He also wouldn’t be where he is today without your support ! Thank you!

"My Long and Winding Road"

"Horrible, Just Horrible"

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:31:34 GMT

When his life fell apart, you helped pick up the pieces.

Richard fit the stereotype of a homeless man — sleeping under a cardboard box, seeking housing under a bridge. “I don’t ever want to go through that again,” he says today.

He won’t have to, thanks to a statewide program called SOAR, which stands for SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery. (SSI and SSDI are Social Security programs.) Sulzbacher partners with SOAR to help people like Richard — homeless folks with mental illness in need of housing, disability benefits and medication management.

Richard, who became homeless in 2011 because of his mental illness, worked with Sulzbacher and Traci Fuglestad, SOAR’s Jacksonville rep, to find housing and stability. “I used to go to jail all the time,” Richard says. “Now everything’s good.” So good, in fact, that Richard is essentially Traci’s right-hand man, even doing speaking engagements on behalf of SOAR. “Richard is a huge success story,” Traci says. “It makes me feel good to see how successful he’s become. Now he wants others to have the same accomplishments.

Tradarian is on the same path. Diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2013, he ended up on the streets and often in trouble with the law. But once in the SOAR program, he began to turn things around … with an assist from Richard and Traci. Traci helped Tradarian obtain stable housing, and Richard helped him move in — and keeps tabs on his progress.

Tradarian is grateful. “Richard is an awesome person,” he says. “When you’ve been through a lot and then become stable, you become appreciative of things you’ve been through … and of the people that helped you accomplish those things.”

Richard and Tradarian are both thankful for Sulzbacher, SOAR and you for their new lives. “I love it,” Richard says. “I thank God every day for it.”

Thank you for caring about your neighbors struggling with mental illness!

"Horrible, Just Horrible"

"Now Everything's Good"

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 20:28:57 GMT

How you’re helping neighbors who struggle with mental illness.

Victoria was living on the streets when she had her baby girl, so when she had a chance to come to Sulzbacher, she jumped on it. “It was just so great,” Victoria says. “I had been on drugs, and they helped me get clean. At Sulzbacher, you can get any kind of help you need.”

What she really needed was independent living. Her room at Sulzbacher was just too small for her growing family. Victoria’s case manager helped her apply for and eventually receive funding for public housing. When Victoria and her little girl moved into their new — and bigger — place, they were thrilled.

Now Victoria is launching a home-based business, selling her handmade crafts — wreaths, plaques and other decorations. “I love crafting, and I’ve wanted to do this my whole life,” she says. “Thank you for making it possible!”

"Now Everything's Good"

"They Helped Me Get Clean"

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:45:41 GMT

Your Compassion Helps Single Moms Find Hope.

"They Helped Me Get Clean"

A Sobering Moment

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:42:27 GMT

You’re helping fathers like Eric pick up the pieces and make a brand-new start.

Sarah struggled with medical problems for a long time. A botched surgery in her teen years left her with permanent drop foot. She has bipolar disorder. She has fallen multiple times and has had numerous surgeries. That’s just part of it. Sarah’s boyfriend died of COVID last year, and her young adult daughter has autism and may never live independently. Her financial problems are overwhelming. “It’s like, how much more can you take?” she wonders aloud.

For almost a decade, Sulzbacher has helped Sarah with many of her struggles. Our clinics have treated her for medical and dental conditions. And for the more specialized services we couldn’t provide, we helped her enroll in Medicaid and get financial assistance. “Sulzbacher took care of me,” Sarah says. “They did an excellent job, and they couldn’t be nicer. I greatly appreciate their service and care. Thank you!”

The support of friends like you makes this kind of help possible. Sarah is grateful … and so are we!

A Sobering Moment

"They Took Care of Me"

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:40:03 GMT

Thanks to you, Sarah endured her struggles and got the care she needed.

The support of friends like you makes this kind of help possible. Sarah is grateful … and so are we!

"They Took Care of Me"

A Place of Rest

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:37:10 GMT

You’re helping men like Samuel find respite … and a new life.

Bailey needed some major dental work, but Medicaid wouldn’t fully cover what she needed.

As a single mother of three kids, Bailey had a tight budget and couldn’t afford the work herself. Someone suggested she get it done at Sulzbacher. Bailey’s reaction was understandable: “At the homeless shelter?” Yes. Sulzbacher’s services to struggling neighbors include complete healthcare — including dental. “I never would’ve thought of it,” says Bailey.

But Bailey took her friend’s suggestion and went. She had some teeth pulled and got a bridge. As a bonus, they repaired a gap in her front teeth she’d had her whole life. “They did an excellent job,” says Bailey. “They were very professional, they paid attention to my needs. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else now.” Bailey pauses, and grins. “And they gave me my smile back!”

Your support gives struggling neighbors reason to smile. Thank you for making a difference in their lives!

A Place of Rest

She Got Her Smile Back

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:34:22 GMT

Thanks to you, Bailey got the dental work she needed.

Bailey needed some major dental work, but Medicaid wouldn’t fully cover what she needed.

As a single mother of three kids, Bailey had a tight budget and couldn’t afford the work herself. Someone suggested she get it done at Sulzbacher.

Bailey’s reaction was understandable: “At the homeless shelter?”

Yes. Sulzbacher’s services to struggling neighbors include complete healthcare — including dental. “I never would’ve thought of it,” says Bailey.

Bailey pauses, and grins. “And they gave me my smile back!”

Your support gives struggling neighbors reason to smile. Thank you for making a difference in their lives!

She Got Her Smile Back

"So Grateful!"

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:31:11 GMT

See how you helped a young single mom start to turn her life around.

When Sulzbacher opened in 1995, we recruited local churches to commit to provide and serve monthly meals at the shelter. Ruby Peters, who was then president of the Council of Catholic Women at San José Church, jumped right in. She signed her church up for the fourth Sunday of every month. And now, 26 years and nearly 150,000 meals later, they’re still doing it every fourth Monday … and Ruby is still spearheading the effort. She says it’s been one of the most fulfilling adventures of her life. “In Catholicism, we have this whole thing about feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and visiting the sick,” Ruby says. “This fits right into our mission of doing corporal works of mercy.”

Ruby’s team brings the same meal every month — one they simply call “San José Chicken.” It’s baked chicken with garlic and Italian seasonings, plus a couple sides and a dessert. “We tried mixing up the menu at first,” Ruby says, “but the guests kept requesting the chicken!”

Ruby has never had trouble rounding up volunteers for the monthly gig. In the early days, her four kids sometimes helped; today, her grandkids pitch in. Various ministries at the church also help — Sunday school classes, the choir, youth groups and so on. Ruby says volunteering is a good bonding experience as well as a “teachable moment,” particularly for young volunteers.

“Catholic social teaching is all about the dignity of human beings,” she says. “We want to treat each individual and serve them dinner like we were serving them in our own home. Because there but for the grace of God go I, as the saying goes. It could be any of us on the other side of that serving line.”

Want to volunteer? Click here to get involved and make a difference!

"So Grateful!"

A Mission of Mercy

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:27:03 GMT

For 26 years, San José Catholic has been providing a monthly meal at Sulzbacher.

Ruby has never had trouble rounding up volunteers for the monthly gig. In the early days, her four kids sometimes helped; today, her grandkids pitch in.

Various ministries at the church also help — Sunday school classes, the choir, youth groups and so on. Ruby says volunteering is a good bonding experience as well as a “teachable moment,” particularly for young volunteers.

“It could be any of us on the other side of that serving line.”

Want to volunteer? Click here to get involved and make a difference!

A Mission of Mercy

Open Wide!

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:52:30 GMT

Thanks to you, our dental services are wide open to neighbors in need

You already know about Sulzbacher’s services to homeless and hurting people — that we do more than just meet their most urgent and basic needs. We also try to get to the root of their issues, tackling the reasons behind their circumstances.

But there’s another Sulzbacher service that spends every day getting to the root of people’s problems: our dental clinics.

Edward, a 72-year-old retired steel mill worker and Vietnam vet, certainly is grateful for these services. His retirement took quite a bite out of his income and benefits, including the loss of dental insurance. When he started having issues beyond the usual check-ups and cavities, he couldn’t afford the more expensive procedures with his private dentist.

So he came to Sulzbacher in 2018 to look into our dental services. He qualified for reduced rates. “And I’ve been coming here ever since,” Edward says.

He figures that over the years, he’s received thousands of dollars’ worth of services, pricey procedures he never could afford elsewhere. “So those things probably wouldn’t have gotten done,” he says.

Edward says the care he receives at Sulzbacher is as good as any he’s ever had. “I’d never be able to find better care,” he says. “And everybody there is real nice. It’s just a great atmosphere there, and I feel comfortable that my dental work is being done well.

“I just can’t say enough good things about it.”

Edward’s dental care is just one of MANY ways your support helps people in our community. Thank you!

Open Wide!

A Better Community

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:44:27 GMT

You and Wanda Willis share a vision for serving others.

Wanda Willis is a big believer in transformational change. That’s why she says the Bold City Chapter of The Links, International is a great fit for Sulzbacher, which is all about transformational change.

The Links, founded in 1946, is one of the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer service organizations, with more than 16,000 members. Willis is president of the Bold City Chapter, which has 45 members. The group averages about 625 volunteer hours per month, including many at Sulzbacher.

“We focus on volunteering to make our community a better place to live, work and play,” Willis says. “That’s why we do what we do.”

With a focus on women and children, Bold City members frequently volunteer at Sulzbacher Village, where they stocked a library of children’s books. Among other projects, they spearheaded “The Power of the Purse,” donating more than 50 purses — filled with personal care items — for women at the Village.

“Our work really aligns with Sulzbacher,” Willis says. “We’re providing opportunities for creating transformational change."

Such stories are made possible because of friends like you. Thank you!

A Better Community