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Take Nothing for the Journey |
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 A Visit from Friends My set (those who entered Mount Carmel together) was thrilled with the opportunity to visit Kathleen’s Family Support Center. Most of us knew of Kathleen’s expertise from her work as food director of the Mount Carmel complex several years ago, but we had no idea of the vastness of her current ministry. From program director to grant writer to fund-raiser to rural-outreach coordinator, Kathleen works quietly and calmly, obviously at home with her staff and the volunteers that keep the Center running 24 hours a day. Though there briefly, we followed Kathleen through the maze of children’s play rooms, medical exam rooms, and adult recreation rooms. As we moved, Kathleen made the most of a connection, however brief, with a staff worker, a parent, a volunteer. Greeting children running in for free summer lunches, she called most by name. We were impressed that the Center accepts families; Kathleen explained that most social service agencies in the Bay Area serve only women and children, so they are especially proud to include men. We learned, too, that “homeless” is fast becoming a word attached to the elderly. Kathleen explained that there are two 80+ year olds living out their homeless existence at the Center.
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Jesus admonishes the twelve apostles, “Take nothing for your journey, neither staff nor wallet, nor bread, nor money....” This scripture reading from the Gospel of Luke forms the focus of BVM Kathleen McGrath’s (Johnine) ministry at Catholic Charities in Santa Rosa, Calif. Kathleen has worked with Catholic Charities for 12 years. She became director of the Family Support Center two years ago and was appointed director of the Rural Food Project four years ago.
Food Outreach She keeps on the go as she administers the Rural Food Project, which helps supplement food resources for needy families in the outlying areas of Sonoma County. “Many of the poorest and most vulnerable individuals and families are new immigrants,” Kathleen says, “including undocumented migrant workers from Mexico and Central America.” This Project serves over 200 migrant workers each month at four sites. These deliveries are supplemented with weekly fresh fruit and vegetable distributions. Many families live at a distance from agencies and resources that could provide help, so the food is delivered to accessible locations. The drive to these sites takes in the beauty of the California countryside and its wineries, spas and inns. But women and children might walk as far as two to three miles to obtain the food needed. Few arrive in cars. The women, with their children in tow, carry bags, push strollers, carts to bring the food home. One mother expressed how “happy” she was with all that was provided for her family. The food is culturally appropriate, and all communication is in both Spanish and English. “Many of these people share living quarters with another family,” Kathleen explains. “Housing costs in Sonoma County are so high in relation to local incomes that the county ranks as the fifth least affordable housing market in the nation. “The majority of migrant workers served live in camps along small streams or in wooded areas. At one site, the workers were living in old cars and paying rent to live there.” At nine other distribution sites, over 800 needy families are served each month, and 350 families are assisted at the Project’s two fresh fruits and vegetables sites. While many of these families are migrant workers, others are engaged in various other types of service positions. Many of these jobs are part time with no benefits. They need the food to tide them over or to help stretch their income. Many send money to family members not living in the United States. The costs of rent, health care and childcare leave little money for the migrant worker or single mother. Community Spirit Kathleen muses on the Gospel reading and how it reflects the lives of the people served by the Rural Food Project. Taking nothing for the journey is “surely what these families have done.” Kathleen is inspired at how “happy and upbeat” the families are. The children are full of smiles and “laugh a lot.” The community is a very caring one. Men and women work together and volunteer time with the program as they bag the fruits and vegetables to be distributed. Then they in turn get in line to become recipients of the food they have helped to package. At the Boyes Spring site, the food is mainly fruit and vegetables. However, other items are donated: bread eggs, powdered milk, juice, soda and tomato sauce. All items are gratefully accepted. Volunteers also collect food from local stores, which regularly donate. Again, the community takes an interest in helping supply food for the needy. Food for this program is donated by and purchased through the Redwood Empire Food Bank. Recipients are never charged.
Support Center Besides directing the large-scale food program, Kathleen is in charge of the Family Support Center, the largest homeless shelter for families between the Golden Gate Bridge and the Oregon border. It serves as a safe temporary home for children and families; as many as 130 people are served each day. Kathleen explains that families are afforded up to 90 days of shelter. The family meets with a counselor weekly to determine and set goals, locate community resources and check progress in finding training or gainful employment. Three meals and two snacks a day are provided as well as health screening and health care at an on-site clinic staffed by volunteer physicians and nurses. There is also an on-site public school liaison for the school aged children. Staff and volunteers work together as a team. Kathleen describes their work as a collaborative and caring effort by all involved. Staff meets regularly to deal with the ongoing events at the Center. They also enjoy meeting socially. As a result of these outreach programs, Kathleen has had the experience of “meeting first hand the people who really live the scripture from Luke.” Through their example, she finds herself reflecting on the passage in her daily life. It is also her good fortune to build here new friendships that are treasured. “Take nothing for your journey, neither staff nor wallet, nor bread, nor money....” is new food for thought as we reflect on Kathleen’s ministry. About the author: Pat Rogers, BVM (Albertine) is vice-principal of St. Thomas More Elementary School, San Francisco, Calif., and a member of the Communications Advisory Committee. Return
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