After having her basic needs met by Father Joe ’ s Villages , Pamela was able to focus on overcoming homelessness . Since then , she has secured employment , moved into an apartment of her own , and found peace after years of fear , desperation and hunger . “ Being homeless was such a horrifying experience for me – especially becoming homeless in my late 50s ,” Pamela said . “ You ’ re starving all the time . Everything is hard when you ’ re homeless .” This Thanksgiving , Pamela will be able to cook her own holiday meal in her new apartment ’ s kitchen .
In addition to food and shelter , Father Joe ’ s Villages ‘ comprehensive services also include medical care , behavioral health care , employment services and more . The housing and food service programs often become a gateway to these other services . “ Ultimately , the goal of the Thanksgiving Day 5K is to raise money to help people ,” shared Wiggins . “ But
the event itself is also about building community and bringing people together to have fun on Thanksgiving morning – all while raising awareness for a great cause .”
The Thanksgiving Day 5K features an optional prerace Catholic Mass and a post-race festival , including a beer garden , live music , kids ’ activities and pictures with Santa .
“ It is also very accessible ,” Wiggins said . “ All ages are able to walk or run the route through Balboa Park . Every year , we have families who bring their children , their relatives from out of town , and even their fourlegged friends .”
In other words , there is no better way to spend Thanksgiving morning than giving back with your family and furry friends .
During this season of giving and plenty , give back and make an impact on those most in need in our community . Get 15 % off when you sign up using promo code GBMAG22 . Visit www . my . neighbor . org / 5k to sign up today .
OCTOBER 2022 | GBSAN . COM 93