Susan Kadota, campus minister for global and faith-based service, was recently recognized as the volunteer of the month at Safe Place for Youth for her extraordinary commitment to helping unhoused youth. There are about 5,000 unhoused youth on the streets of L.A. County on any given night, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority.
Kadota overseas Campus Ministry’s Feed the Hungry program and every Thursday students make sandwiches and delivery them to Safe Place for Youth in Venice. “Susan helps forge a beautiful, consistent and reliable stream of civically engaged students with great care and community love,” said Andrea Murray the development director of Safe Place for Youth.
Kadota and the LMU students engage in meaningful conversations with those who are living on the margins. “It’s always Jesus that is in front of me that I am giving food to, so I do that with a smile and I love helping them,” said Kadota. “This is very clear way of putting faith into action.”
More than 200 LMU students have volunteered in the past year to make 2,500 lunches and about 30 students have gone weekly to serve them. TJ Broyles 26’ has only missed one week because he was sick. “Since the people are close in age to us, it gives us a perspective about the humanity of the people,” said Broyles. “There are a lot of stereotypes about the homeless, but going there you see the individuality of each person, and Susan and I have met lots of different people. We have nice conversations with them and get to know them personally. It’s an eye-opening experience.”
Haley Hogan, 25’ also participates in Feed the Hungry when she can. Hogan said she enjoys the interactions at Safe Place for Youth and feels like this program is really making a difference in people’s lives. “It’s not just making lunches, it’s building serious relationships with people,” said Hogan. “And Susan knows everyone’s names and everything about them. She has built strong relationships wonderful, meaningful connections which I think is bigger than anything else.”
Feed the Hungry takes place every Thursday starting at 11:00 a.m. and is open to all students, faculty and staff. “My advice is to enjoy this opportunity to make a difference in the life of youth who need your friendly support,” said Kadota. “If you are thinking of volunteering — please do — be a part of this incredible organization and make a difference!” For more information contact Susan Kadota at Susan.Kadota@lmu.edu or 310.568.7160.
