St. Bart’s is the source of so much good news, but we don’t always get to see it. Joyfully, this was not the case last Sunday. Mitchell Snow, Faith Liaison for Interfaith Community Services, was on our campus for the assembly of welcome kits for women entering the ICS shelter. Not only did he depart with 75 complete welcome kits, he also shared other bits of good news. News such as, when St. Bart’s donated an office this past spring to be used as a site for volunteer tax preparers, the individuals who received assistance were able to collect over $120,000 on their tax returns. We also learned about one of the people helped by our annual grant—that St. Bart’s donation was used to help “Jesse” fix his car and get on with his life after a stay in the hospitalization program. (Please read Jesse’s story below.) What Mitchell shared with us was just a fraction of the good that St. Bart’s does in our local and global communities. As your rector, I vow to make sure that we all get to know about all the good—all the time!
Mother Nina+
Jesse’s Story
Hi, my name is Jesse. My journey through homelessness began in Washington State, where I experienced a falling out with everyone I knew. Left with nobody and nothing of value, I decided to leave Washington and head to California, carrying just a backpack with the basics to survive on the streets. Little did I know, it was far more complicated than I had anticipated.
I ended up in Carlsbad Village, where the homeless outreach team found me and got me into a men’s shelter. Shortly after, I secured a six-month job at Grand Pacific Resort. This was during the challenging times of COVID-19, but I managed to save some of my income. With my savings, I was able to buy a car, a bike, and a cargo carrier. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, I lost my job.
In September 2023, I joined the Recuperative Care Program (RCP) for medical stabilization for a left shoulder tear and biceps tendinitis. During my time at RCP, I was able to stabilize my physical health and stay connected to services that helped me overcome my homelessness. The staff at RCP provided immense help and support. I was transferred to the six-month Short-Term Post Hospitalization program at RCP, where I secured full-time employment at Oasis Bread Company in San Marcos, CA.
As my exit date from the Short-Term Post Hospitalization program approaches on June 30, 2024, I find myself facing a new challenge: car issues. Despite taking my car for regular maintenance, I discovered that the sub-oil pan and oil filter need to be replaced. I have come a long way, recovered from my shoulder injury, and secured employment again, but I do not have the money to fix my car.
Throughout my journey, I have faced numerous challenges, but I have also experienced incredible support and resilience. I believe that with continued determination and the help of compassionate individuals and organizations, I can overcome this latest obstacle and continue to move forward in my life. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community support in overcoming adversity.
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