On October 2013, Saturday Blessings became part of Matthew 25, outreach program of American Martyrs Catholic Church in Manhattan Beach.
During a meeting of Matthew 25, my husband James, presented the Saturday Blessings project, giving a complete explanation of our mission. The members were enrolled in the idea and signed up to participate and support us.
PJ Murphy Matthew 25 Co-Chair, loved the idea, her commitment went further bringing her husband Tim and Meghan her teenage daughter to the work.
For first time, Saturday Blessings had actual volunteers outside the family. The Murphy’s diligently learned the process of shopping, assembling the breakfast bags and personally deliver. And most importantly, when giving the food were offering a human contact to our homeless friends. The connection came almost immediately and very natural between them.
I have a nice memory of Tim actively talking about sports with a couple of guys, and everybody were laughing and enjoying the conversation. In another stop he found a homeless from his home town, that was another way of interaction, and most important of connection.
PJ has been able to inspire a homeless painter, Lawrence. He’s a skilled artist who produces beautiful drawings in pencil. She helps him with art materials.
And lastly, but not the least, is Meghan, 18. Meghan is warm, engaged and very responsible. She’s not afraid to wake up very early to travel to DTLA giving out bags, smiles and hugs. Around half of the homeless population we serve is Hispanic. Meghan learned Spanish and while she was shy at the start, it didn’t take too long for her to gain confidence and fully connect in Spanish.
Meghan is now a full time college student, however, this past October she brought a group of classmates to volunteer in the program and they also loved the project.
Tim & PJ are committed volunteers who support the cause year-round, while Meghan Murphy is currently one of the Directors of Saturday Blessings Board.
Meghan also wrote a wonderful essay about her experience in joining Saturday Blessing project that is posted in our website.