Peace and Justice Outreach

If you are interested in being part of reaching out to the wider community to provide assistance to those in need, you will find that opportunity here at Holy Nativity.

SPY, SAFE PLACE FOR YOUTH

In addition to our Community Garden and our partnership with Food Forward – both of which provide an abundance of fresh, organic produce to the local food pantry – we have a relationship with SPY, Safe Place for Youth, based in Santa Monica.

The goals of SPY are to provide a safe haven for homeless youth (average age 14 to 25) and to offer them supportive services in a safe environment. Further, SPY aims to create public awareness, build coalitions, improve rights, and impact policy for youth in need.

The first Tuesday of each month, the Holy Nativity community prepares a hot meal of chili, cornbread, rice and salad, which we take to SPY and serve to the youth, generally between 40 and 60 in number.

In addition, we have an in-gathering several times a year – socks, underwear, blankets, small-sized toiletry items –and also a snack “meal” for the youth who come to the center.

For more information on SPY, go to safeplaceforyouth.org.

CHOWCHILLA FAMILY EXPRESS

Holy Nativity is also involved with the Chowchilla Family Express, buses that go to the women’s prisons in Chowchilla, carrying the family members to visit the women who are incarcerated. The buses leave very early on Sunday mornings. Holy Nativity provides a drop-off/pick-up point for the families. We welcome the families with coffee, juice, and bagels and provide a warm place for them to wait for the buses for the 10-hour round trip. We are here again when the buses return to be sure everyone gets safely on their way.