GB Magazine December 2022 | Page 91

That is why , every holiday season , Father Joe ’ s Villages and the community come together to bring Christmas cheer to our neighbors experiencing houselessness . Staff and volunteers work together to provide everything from warm meals on Christmas Eve to gifts and clothing for the children staying in the organization ’ s shelters . For some neighbors in need , it may be the first time they ’ ve gotten to celebrate the holidays in years .
Sam , his partner and their four children came to Father Joe ’ s Villages earlier this year . They found more than shelter at Father Joe ’ s Villages - Sam and his family were able to get the help they needed to begin to thrive . Sam ’ s children enrolled in the therapeutic childcare program , which gave the children a safe place to play and learn and let Sam and his partner participate in job training to look for new careers . Sam was able to obtain a Security Guard card and secure employment , which gave him and his family much-needed stability .
After months working alongside Father Joe ’ s Villages , the family will soon be able to celebrate the holidays in a home of their own . Families who are enrolled in Father Joe ’ s Villages programs during the holidays also have a chance to celebrate while getting the support they need . Children of all ages attend the Children ’ s Christmas Party , organized every year by a group of dedicated volunteers . The children enjoy a festive dance , special sweet treat , holiday themed games and visit with Santa , all in a Winter Wonderland .
The Old Town Trolley Tour company also hosts a Christmas party for the children staying in Father Joe ’ s Villages ’ shelters each year including food and drinks , special treats and gifts from Santa . Following the party , Santa and Mrs . Claus ride on the trolley with the children to enjoy San Diego ’ s holiday lights .
The Village Ladies Guild , a dedicated group of more than 250 women who have volunteered with the organization for nearly 40 years , raise money all year to provide parents at Father Joe ’ s Villages with a gift card to purchase gifts for their children . The gifts are wrapped and labeled and stored until Christmas Eve , when they are delivered to each child .
For Jesse Casement , Division Director of Client Services at Father Joe ’ s Villages , the annual Christmas activities have a deeper meaning . “ It is seeing children smile again , sometimes for the first time in weeks that warms my heart ,” she shared . “ Many of these children finally have something to look forward to .”
“ When families and children experience the joys of the Christmas season , they receive a more important gift - faith in a brighter future ,” Deacon Jim Vargas , Father Joe ’ s Villages president and CEO shared with GB Magazine . “ When people have faith , they can envision a brighter future for themselves and their families and take that first step towards ending their homelessness .”
This holiday season , give the gift of hope . Visit neighbor . org to learn more .
DECEMBER 2022 | GBSAN . COM 91