We’re Going Back to School (with Volunteers)!

The summer months were a fun time for volunteers around here.  We met new interns, hosted amazing corporate groups, and had very moving experiences with our immersions.  But it’s that time of the year again – back to school!  What does that mean at St. Anthony’s?  It means that nearly every weekday from now until the end of April, we will be hosting high school groups from around the Bay Area.  We actually work with about 20 schools that have committed to making service and justice education at St. Anthony’s a vital component of their curriculum. 

Students spend a full day with us, first learning about the demographics of our dynamic neighborhood and the challenges our guests may be facing.  We let the students know that Fr. Alfred founded the Dining Room, wanting to serve more than just a meal.  We remind them that over 60 years later their main goal for the day is to continue to show our guests the dignity and respect Fr. Alfred set out to share decades ago.  Their day continues with volunteering in our Dining Room and Free Clothing Program, and with agencies we partner with – Salvation Army Meals That Heal and Adult Day Health programs in the neighborhood.  Each student returns to St. Anthony’s to wait in line for lunch, just as our guests do.  I am often told that lunch is the highlight of the day for our students; not just because the food is delicious – but because the conversation with guests is rich and beautiful.  Following lunch we come back together to hear from a gentleman going through our recovery program.  It is a wonderful exchange of healing – for the Father Alfred Center resident, he is given the opportunity to share his story with a group that is eager to listen with care.  And the students are able to learn firsthand how addiction truly affects the individual and the community – all just by being told the truth in a non-preachy, non-classroom like way.  It is real in a way that is not often experienced by 16 year olds.  After such a full day, we are sure to provide space for reflection.  This is the time of the day I love the most.  It is the moment when I am able to see how just one short day in this special place can really affect a young person, and can even change their life. 

Our school groups do more than just volunteer at St. Anthony’s.  We may be a key piece of their curriculum, but they are an essential part of our community.  Our guests look forward to all our volunteers, but it seems these energetic and friendly students are favorites in the Dining Room.  Perhaps they are a sign of hope.  Maybe their joy is contagious.  Or it could be that they are a reminder of a time that is nostalgic for all of us – that back to school time, when new books and stories about the summer are all you needed to find yourself smiling. 

Junipero Serra High School of San Mateo is our first school group of the year.  They kick things off on Wednesday and you can be sure our guests will be excited that we’re Back To School!

Celina Gomes Sutton is the Group and Internship Volunteer Coordinator at St. Anthony’s.  She and her colleagues in the social ACTion program lead these school groups through their day of justice education, service and reflection.