Sunday, April 30, 2023
2:00-4:00 PM
Cathedral Square (view map)
Sunday, April 30, 2023
2:00-4:00 PM
Cathedral Square (map)
Event Timeline
2:00 – 2:45 PM Mix, Mingle, and Enjoy Great Food
2:45 – 3:00 PM Welcome and Overview
3:00 – 3:25 PM A Reflection on the Center and Jean’s Legacy
3:25 – 3:40 PM Guest Story
3:40 – 3:50 PM Gift Basket Winners Announced
3:50 – 3:55 PM Thank You and Close of Program
2:00 – 2:45 PM
Mix, Mingle, and Enjoy Great Food
2:45 – 3:00 PM
Welcome and Overview
3:00 – 3:25 PM
A Reflection on the Center and Jean’s Legacy
3:25 – 3:40 PM
Guest Story
3:40 – 3:50 PM
Gift Basket Winners Announced
3:50 – 3:55 PM
Thank You and Close of Program
Auction and Drawing
The silent auction for VIP experiences and opportunity drawing are now live. View all of the great items and begin bidding today. Be sure to click on “Items” on the homepage to get started.
Questions? Contact Emily Bridson at emily@sisterjose.org or (520) 332-2713.
Thank You
Nothing worthwhile can be done alone! Your support for our organization and passion to end homelessness has made a positive impact on our community. You make everything we do possible, so on behalf of Sister José Women’s Center we thank you for your generosity and willingness to help further our mission.
Our Mission
We care and nurture women experiencing homelessness in a welcoming and safe environment.
Let’s Connect
Interested in joining our community? Tell us more about yourself.
Our Impact in 2022
20,443
Guest Visits
There has been a
42% increase since 2022
25,026
Breakfasts Served
There has been a
116% increase since 2022
12,153
Overnight Visits
There has been a
69% increase since 2022
12,254
Dinners Served
There has been a
71% increase since 2022
Guest Story
“When I walked through the doors of Sister José’s, my belief in not only myself but humanity was restored. I had never experienced true kindness and sincerity until I came to this organization. Sister José’s taught me that I didn’t need to walk this journey alone, and that I could depend on others. Bad circumstances led me here, but I left filled with happiness.”
Sister José Women’s Center Guest
Emcee: Lupita Murillo
Lupita is considered something of a pioneer in her field, working as the first Hispanic female in broadcasting in South Texas, which is a little unusual considering the region is about 85 percent Hispanic.
She has been recognized nationally by the American Women in Radio and Television. Lupita has also appeared numerous times nationally on crime shows from Dateline to Snapped. She’s an Emmy nominee and has won several prestigious Edward R. Murrow and Associated Press Awards. She’s also been named to the prestigious Silver Circle Emmy for her professional and community involvement. She was also the recipient of the University of Arizona’s Hispanic Alumni Award and the Esperanza Award, given to her by homicide survivors.
Lupita currently sits on the board of the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. She attended Pan American University and studied Mass Communications.
About Lupita Murillo
Lupita is considered something of a pioneer in her field, working as the first Hispanic female in broadcasting in South Texas, which is a little unusual considering the region is about 85 percent Hispanic.
She has been recognized nationally by the American Women in Radio and Television. Lupita has also appeared numerous times nationally on crime shows from Dateline to Snapped. She’s an Emmy nominee and has won several prestigious Edward R. Murrow and Associated Press Awards. She’s also been named to the prestigious Silver Circle Emmy for her professional and community involvement. She was also the recipient of the University of Arizona’s Hispanic Alumni Award and the Esperanza Award, given to her by homicide survivors.
Lupita currently sits on the board of the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. She attended Pan American University and studied Mass Communications.
Special Guest: Lily Messing
Lily Messing is a junior at The Gregory School in Tucson, Arizona. She founded 100+ Teens Who Care during the height of the pandemic, a philanthropic giving circle comprised of over 200 teens from high schools throughout Southern Arizona.
In 2022, the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Southern Arizona honored her with the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award, and she is a 2023 recipient of the Junior Achievement of Arizona 18 Under 18 Award. At school, Lily is the president of multiple clubs –– Junior State of America, Junior Classical League, and French Club –– as well as the Managing Editor of her school newspaper, The Gregorian Chant. Lily is also an accomplished tennis player and captains the girl’s varsity tennis team.
About Lily Messing
Lily Messing is a junior at The Gregory School in Tucson, Arizona. She founded 100+ Teens Who Care during the height of the pandemic, a philanthropic giving circle comprised of over 200 teens from high schools throughout Southern Arizona.
In 2022, the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Southern Arizona honored her with the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award, and she is a 2023 recipient of the Junior Achievement of Arizona 18 Under 18 Award. At school, Lily is the president of multiple clubs –– Junior State of America, Junior Classical League, and French Club –– as well as the Managing Editor of her school newspaper, The Gregorian Chant. Lily is also an accomplished tennis player and captains the girl’s varsity tennis team.
Special Messages
“Joe and I appreciate all that you have done to help with the homeless situation in Tucson. Your dedication to provide shelter, food, health care and life direction to women experiencing homelessness in Tucson is amazing.”
Colleen and Joe Babcock
“Best wishes to Jean Fedigan in her transition from founder and CEO of Sister José Women’s Center to the new role of Chief Mission Officer. We thank her for her dedication and perseverance during the 13-year growth of this amazing organization. And we know that in her new role, along with the support of our new management, her mission will continue. Thank you, Jean!”
Tofel Dent Construction
“Thank you for your tireless effort to help those most vulnerable in our community. ‘There but for the grace of God go I.’ -St Frances of Assisi We promise to work hard to continue your Legacy of Love.”
Oliver and Mary Schepelmann and Family
“You are the most remarkable person I’ve ever met. Without you there would be no Sister José Women Shelter. I have watched you interact with the women and you are a role model for showing respect, treating them with dignity, yet requiring them to be their best selves. Best of luck in your new role.”
Barbara Sattler
“Jean, blessings and gratitude to you and all the staff and volunteers at Sr. Jose. Through the hard work and deep compassion of all of you at Sr. José, countless women’s lives have been saved. It is my honor and privilege to support Sr. José.”
Melanie Goering
“Jean, You inspire us to treat everyone with kindness. The love you have for the women at Sister José’s radiates from your heart. Thank you for being a friend of the Catholic Foundation and for allowing us to walk with you on this beautiful journey. We truly love you and all you do for this community.”
Elizabeth, Suzanne, Katheryn, Carla and Samuel
“Sister José Women’s Center is a special place. Jean, thank you for creating a safe harbor that values compassion, respect and dignity for women experiencing homelessness. SJWC shows compassion for the suffering endured and the mental and physical challenges. Respect for their strength and survival efforts and dignity to be treated like a human being. Jean – SJWC is truly a Legacy of Love.”
Lieutenant General & Mrs. Michael G. Dana, USMC, (Ret.)
“Thanks for your dedication to create a safe place & programs for vulnerable women.”
Bonnie Kay
“Jean, you truly are an amazing individual! We truly cannot thank you enough for all that you do for the Center and the women we serve.”
D. Rob Burris
“Connie Hillman Family Foundation became aware of the work of Jean Fedigan when she spoke to the Rotary Club of Tucson several years ago. It was uplifting to learn of this remarkable volunteer who single-handily provided safety and hope – and dignity- to women in need. And now to expand this work by connecting these women with local health care providers is even more impressive. Jean continues to be remarkable.”
Connie Hillman Family Foundation
“At Our Mother of Sorrows, we consider “Jean” family. We are so honored to have such a wonderful, caring, compassionate and hard working person as one of our parishioners. We have watched her take her dream of helping women on the streets and creating the Sr. José Women’s Center. As the center grows and offers such a wide variety of opportunities for more and more women, we are so very proud of what she and her team have accomplished over the years. We can’t wait to see what comes next. May God continue to bless Jean and all those involved with the Sr. José Women’s Center.”
Our Mother of Sorrows Church/Carolyn Harlan
Tributes
Dorothy Muscat
Dee Apodaca
Awesome Dee is in in charge of donations which is an incredibly hard job as donations of all sorts come in hourly. There are things that we can use and a variety of things we can’t. She helps guests find things they need. She helps the volunteers who work with clothing. Everywhere you go someone is calling on Dee to do something. Dee is a remarkable woman who works hard, cares about our guests and their pets, and can lift boxes at least twice her weight and has a great sense of humor.
Special Thanks
LOVE SPONSORS
HOPE SPONSORS
Colleen & Joe Babcock
COMMUNITY SPONSORS
Barbara Sattler
Bonnie Kay
LtGen & Mrs.
Michael G. Dana, USMC, (Ret.)
Melanie Goering
Oliver & Mary Schepelmann & Family
COMPASSION SPONSORS
Shelley & Colin Watson
Cliff & Jeanette Arnquist
Corpus Christi Parish
VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE
Betsy Sandlin
JoAnn Weston
Judy Ludwig
Lauren Glovsky
Mary Schepelmann
Michelle Domino
Sally Sample
Susie Voss
Suzanne Dana
Pat Havens
Our Staff
Jean Fedigan – Founder/Chief Mission Officer
Nicola Hartmann – Chief Executive Officer
Penny Buckley – Director of Grants and Program Evaluation
Jennifer Edwards – Director of Operations
Laura Lynn – Program Director
Emily Bridson – Donor Engagement Manager
Brenda Druke – Volunteer and Administrative Coordinator
Peggy Stefanski Brown – Administrative Assistant
Copyright © Sister José Women’s Center.
All Rights Reserved.
www.srjosewomensshelter.org
Founder/Chief Mission Officer
Nicola Hartmann
Chief Executive Officer
Penny Buckley
Director of Grants and Program Evaluation
Jennifer Edwards
Director of Operations
Laura Lynn – Program Director
Emily Bridson
Donor Engagement Manager
Brenda Druke
Volunteer and Administrative Coordinator
Peggy Stefanski Brown
Administrative Assistant
Copyright © Sister José Women’s Center.
All Rights Reserved.
www.srjosewomensshelter.org