There are many ways to give to Mount Saint John, which include financial support, in-kind donations or you can volunteer your time. In this section of our site, you can see how to put your donations to work and also find a wish list of items needed for our boys.

December 2012 / January 2013

All of us at Mount Saint John have been working diligently to adapt our programs to meet the state of Connecticut’s changing needs with dwindling resources. Like many of you, we have encountered cash flow issues which have made it challenging to pay our bills in a timely manner.

It’s a reality f life. You pay your bills or you do without.

We never stop working to maintain quality of care and make ends meet. But we simply can’t stretch our limited resources far enough to cover rising and unexpected operating costs.

With winter coming, in this economy, things aren’t getting any easier.

That’s why we need you now, more than ever. Your donation will help us pay bills on time and keep our educational, residential, vocational and life skill programs flourishing.

More importantly, you’ll be helping prevent teenage boys from doing without and you can give a boy a chance to build a better life.

With sincere appreciation,

Doug DeCerbo

Executive Director

How your support can change a life

In His Own Words

By Christian D.

Poor decision making and lack of patience were some of the reasons that brought me to Mount Saint John (MSJ).

When I first got here I thought this would be just another program. As the months passed, my feelings changed. I had my moments, but with the help of MSJ staff and my mom, Cindy, I began to believe that it’s not like the rest. I could succeed here.

One of the biggest challenges I faced here was losing someone that helped me in my childhood and the hurt you get when you never got to thank them for everything. MSJ helped me, gave me someone to talk to in Group, One on One and Drug Abuse counseling. Basically they gave me a chance to prove myself.

The vocational woodshop program was one of the options MSJ offered me. The first thing I made was a jewelry box for my mom. I learned the basics, how to use saws, and what materials to use for the right job. MSJ got me a job with Hartson General Carpentry in Chester.  The vocational program prepared me in almost every way for my job. So far, working for this company has been one of my greatest experiences.

If I had to give advice to incoming kids I would tell them to stay away from the negative and to get close with staff because you never know when you’ll need their help.

Before I came to MSJ I didn’t see myself going anywhere. Now I can see myself going to college. I feel like I can accomplish anything!

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