St. Joseph Center

This , St. Joseph Center celebrates freedom while honoring the relentless spirit of Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth". At 90 years old, she launched a walking campaign from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to demand national recognition for the holiday. She intentionally walked 2.5 miles every day to symbolize the 2.5 years that passed after the Emancipation Proclamation before enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free. Her historic campaign directly paved the way for Juneteenth to become a federal holiday in 2021. Opal Lee proved that a single voice, driven by purpose, can move an entire nation.

Her legacy is a powerful reminder of why the fight for equity, dignity, and a stable place to call home matters every single day for the unhoused and those experiencing homelessness.

Photo: Courtesy of Ms. Opal Lee

Housing stability and educational success are deeply connected. In a new EdSource commentary, St. Joseph Center President & CEO Dr. Ryan Smith and Safe Place for Youth CEO Erika Hartman explore how California can address rising student homelessness while helping schools respond to enrollment declines. The article highlights innovative solutions that leverage public land, affordable housing partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration to ensure that young people and families can remain connected to the communities and schools that support their success.�

Read the full op-ed here:

COMMENTARY: How California schools can help solve student homelessness The housing crisis has become an education crisis. Here's how schools can help students find a safe place to call home.

St. Joseph Center joined organizations from across California in Sacramento to advocate for $1 billion in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Round 8 funding.

HHAP has been one of California’s most effective tools for reducing homelessness, helping support housing placements, move-in assistance, time-limited subsidies, and critical services that create pathways to stability and permanent housing.

We were proud to stand alongside fellow advocates and service providers in the fight for the resources communities need to prevent and end homelessness.

As SNAP cuts continue to impact families across our community, access to basic needs and healthcare is more critical than ever. Thanks to donated wheelchairs, individuals with limited mobility can stay connected to services, maintain independence, and navigate daily life with greater ease.

St. Joseph Center partnered with the nonprofit Regalos de Dios (Gifts from God) to provide 25 wheelchairs to individuals in need.

This effort helps remove barriers and strengthen overall health and well-being across our community.

This vital work is supported by L.A. Care Health Plan.

Consider writing a thank you letter to yourself because you are a great person! ❤️🙏

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health is offering a month of free wellness events, encouraging everyone in LA County to TAKE ACTION for our mental health during Mental Health Month. If you see the St. Joseph Center team while you're out, say hello!

See the 140+ free events offered throughout the county in May, both online and in-person at https://www.takeactionla.com/events

Upcoming Events:

The 2k Black Women Wellbeing Challenge
hosted by The Black Girl Doctor
Saturday, May 16th, 8 am - 11 am, ONLINE
https://www.takeactionla.com/events/the-1-500-black-women-well-being-challenge

Caregiver Workshop on Teen Social Media
hosted by Jacob's Ladder Therapies
Sunday, May 24th, 3 pm - 5 pm, ONLINE
https://www.takeactionla.com/events/caregiver-workshop-on-teen-social-media

Connected Through Stories: Iranian Filmmakers in Conversation
hosted by The Parviz Sayyad Foundation
Sunday, May 31st, 10 am - 12 pm, ONLINE
https://www.takeactionla.com/events/connected-through-stories-iranian-filmmakers-in-conversation

Neighbors helping neighbors is how we ensure food security. We recently caught up with one of our dedicated volunteers Natalie, as she loaded her car to deliver fresh groceries to 8 local families. These deliveries from are a lifeline for those who cannot easily reach our Food Pantry.

This vital work is supported by to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

Today, Zócalo Public Square published a new essay by Dr. Ryan J. Smith, President & CEO of St. Joseph Center. He explores the urgent need to fight food insecurity in LA through compassion and dignity.

The piece highlights Ryan’s personal journey and the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, whose commitment to their neighbors inspired the founding of St. Joseph Center nearly 50 years ago.

This vision has pioneered programs, such as our Bread & Roses Café and the Bread & Roses Training Kitchen, a workforce development initiative spearheaded by St. Joseph Center to provide culinary skills and career pathways.

Read more:

Faith Communities Are the Frontlines in Fighting Hunger | Essay As the Federal Government Cuts Efforts to Feed People, L.A.’s Religious Advocates Show Us How to Push Back