Volunteers of the Week

I moved to California from Arizona in September of '06 and decided to spend Christmas here in L.A. instead of going home. I had some friends who had volunteered with another charity during Thanksgiving and I decided it was time for me to start giving something back. I began searching online a number of charities and found Food on Foot and decided to give them a call and see what it was about. It was such a great experience to see the people that are in the Work for Food program and the transitions and changes they are making in their lives. Food on Foot really offers people a chance to make those changes in their present situations rather than enabling them to remain homeless, hopeless, jobless etc...


What makes the experience most meaningful for me is the opportunity to be of service to those people that truly want that change in their lives and to see them on that path. I believe Food on Foot gives people the tools they need in order to make these changes. Listening to the amazing stories of some of the graduates like Douglas Greene and Stephanie Schwelder really shows the truth in that. I am honored to be a part of Food on Foot.

"Food on Foot impresses me because the organization is about more than just providing a free meal once a week to the homeless. Food on Foot provides individuals an opportunity to gain the confidence and resources necessary to become a productive member of society again. I am particularly impressed by the work program as Food on Foot teaches its participants the basics of life to become successful. Food on Foot is not about a free handout, Food on Foot is about providing an opportunity to the homeless.

-Carey

To us Food on foot means taking care of those around us and not turning away from situations and saying we have no power. The taking care of others in our society at Food on Foot doesn’t look like a hand out; it looks like empowering others to take care of themselves. Food and clothes are given out on Sundays, but clients also receive confidence and pride for working on making their lives better. On our first Sunday we saw faces of those touched by poverty, illness, bad luck, and loss. We also saw faces come to life when they earned a bus pass or a gift card to Ralph’s for groceries. We also saw one gentleman whose hard work was rewarded when he earned a real job. It is an eye opening experience to see how so much of what we take for granted can mean to those less fortunate.

-David and sons

Food on Foot means results. Helping people to recognize their worth and ability does not entail being nice all the time, telling people what they want to hear or enabling old behaviors. It is about accountability, responsibility, respect and hard work. I’ve only been twice to the Sunday feedings but I already know enough. I want to be a part of this organization.


I like the efficiency. Foot on Foot optimizes time and dollars. The 3% overhead, lack of hidden costs and simplicity means you can impact the group from day one. If you want to, you can step into that organization, give your time and a little money, and watch the changes unfold in front of you. That has to be enormously gratifying. I guess I like it for selfish reasons in that way. I want to see the changes happen and know I’m having a direct impact. Food on Foot is the best organization that I have come across at providing that opportunity for a contributor.


I’ve only been to 2 feedings but I’ve already had plenty of little experiences that I won’t soon forget. I have to say, I have been incredibly moved by the expressions I have seen on people’s faces and in their eyes. I try to make as much eye contact as I can and engage people when I have the chance. I have seen appreciation, shame, pride, humility, anger, and hope. It is a truly human experience coming to Food on Foot. It is a privilege to be able to participate. When I see children walking through with their parents it is a particularly sobering experience. I’m not sure there are adequate words to describe how that makes me feel.

-Dayton

A BIG thank you to Stephen Bloodworth & everyone at the Hollywood Schoolhouse for their sponsorship of the Sunday June 3rd Hollywood serving.

I like that FOF is grass roots and that they have come up with such practical solutions that really make a difference and that the men and women have to go out and work and in the end help them selves out of poverty. I would say that those have made the journey from being homeless are some of the people that I admire most in the world. I cannot imagine any accomplishment that I have had in my life that equals their achievement.

-Michael

A BIG thank you to Jim Henderson and the crew from Amoeba Records for sponsoring the serving on Sunday May 20th.

When I got involved with Food on Foot I had no idea that it would turn out to be such an inspiring day. Food on Foot helps to keep me in a state of gratitude and it reminds me that we are all people and we are all connected. This program is just as rewarding for the volunteers as it is for the people it helps.

I love the fact that Food on Foot is run like a business and it provides more than just a hand out. People are expected to earn what they are given. It also rewards people for having a positive attitude.

I enjoyed hearing Ken and Kimberly’s story. I learned how easily someone’s life can turn upside-down. Hearing first-hand stories inspires me to get out there and do something because clearly government programs are keeping people on the street instead of helping them get their lives back on track. I also remember during the awards ceremony seeing a young couple who was new to the program; they earned the McDonald’s vouchers and I could see them hugging each other. They seemed full of hope.

-Apryl

A BIG thank you to everyone at Campbell Hall School for their sponsorship of the Hollywood serving on Sunday May 6th. Everyone had a great time a participated in our Work for Food award ceremony where one of our crew members graduated into a full time job.

I like knowing that on every Sunday, rain or shine, Food on Foot is in Hollywood helping the homeless help themselves. More importantly though, I like that Food on Foot puts a name to each and every person willing to work for the things provided to them, and keeps track of how often and consistently they show up. So as a volunteer, armed with this knowledge each and every week, I am not just helping the homeless. I am rooting for each and every individual. Seeing their gratitude for that, in the form of smiles, laughter, and cheers, makes the experience as a whole one of my favorites.

-JoseAntonio

A BIG thank you to Tarun Inuganti and everyone at the Spencer Stuart group for sponsoring our Sunday April 22nd serving.

Food on Foot is becoming a great way for my church to be involved in our community. I have personally been so moved by having the opportunity to meet folks who are working hard to better their lives. It’s an incredible blessing to be a small part of their journey.


I love that Food on Foot is more than a way to serve a meal – it’s a way to change lives. I really appreciate that Food on Foot has a view to the whole person – not only offering food, but also support, encouragement, skills, and opportunities. I think it’s fantastic that people can graduate the program and have a job and a home and a life that works.


For me, one of the most powerful parts of the feeding was having the chance to look people in the eye as I handed out food. Life moves so quickly, and there are a lot of times when we don’t look at each other. It’s humbling to remember that we are not really all that different from one other, at the core. It probably sounds corny, but Food on Foot is one of those experiences that reminds me that we’re all family – we’re all connected to each other. And we’re meant to act that way – to care for each other as much as we can.

-Kirsten

A BIG thank you to Gloria Calderon Kellett and the cast from the play "Bedtime Stories" for sponsoring the Sunday April 8th Hollywood serving.

Food on Foot provides an opportunity not just to help people from a distance, but to meet them face-to-face, learn their stories, and feel like you’re personally involved in making their lives better, even if it’s just in a small way. Plenty of charities want your contributions, but Foot on Foot goes an extra step and allows you to make human connections.


The last time I went, I met a guy who had only been in the work program and rewards program for one week. He looked shy and uncomfortable, maybe even tough and unfriendly. But then he won a much-needed bus pass for being one of the week’s best workers. When he smiled, his whole demeanor changed. It was a great smile. He was so thrilled to have worked for something and achieved it. And there I was, feeling happy just because this one guy smiled. That sums up what I like most about Foot on Foot.


A memorable moment was on the Christmas day feeding. A couple that graduated the work program got married, right in front of the volunteers. It was an awesome moment. They were both full of excitement because they had turned their lives around. I recently got married myself, so I knew how important this experience was to them. It was amazing to be a part of their special day.

-Ben

I discovered Food on Foot when a friend introduced it to me. I was helping her put on a benefit play to raise money for FOF. At the time, my life was extremely busy and I didn't have any time in my day that wasn't already planned out a week in advance. I wasn't looking to volunteer or get involved in any charities. When I went to my first feeding, I realized how selfish that was. FOF is something that, when you are a part of it, you feel like you are making a greater difference than you could ever imagine possible. Because it is so small and so focused, you can see the benefit right in front of your eyes. That is something that is contagious and makes you want to come back.


What I like most about Food on Foot is the immediate results that you see. When I tell my friends about it, I ask them if they have 10 minutes. There is no way that you could summarize this program as a "feeding the homeless" organization. This is where people come to receive the self esteem, the tools and the encouragement to get back into society. It is so wonderful to see such a grass roots organization have such an effect.


My first visit to Food on Foot, I didn't quite know what to expect. I knew that we were raising money for a non profit that "works with the homeless." I was told to bring two bags of clothes and that was about it. I had no idea what a powerful afternoon was in store for me. After we were able to listen to stories from three people in different stages of the program we participated in the feeding, but this was no where near the best part of the day. The most memorable time was watching the people in the outside crew get their rewards. To see the look on their face and the way that they cheered for each other was heartwarming. I saw one woman standing amongst the outside crew, already wearing a jacket that I had donated that very day. Talk about immediate results.

-Nikki

The New Year seemed like the perfect time for me to find an organization where I could feel like I was contributing something to the community. The homeless problem we have in Los Angeles has always been a concern to me so when I was told about Food on Foot I was really interested. I didn't know exactly how it would all work until I showed up on a Sunday and witnessed a well organized, productive and proactive program. It is awesome to hear the stories of graduates who have worked their way back to a civilized life with the help of FOF. I was quite amazed at how much the organization does to help the ones who really want their lives back. It was a rewarding experience for me and made me feel like I was not just handing out food but reaching out to those who want more and helping them make it happen. I am proud to be an $84 a month club member and that my contributions are making a difference.

-Michelle

Paul Vizgirdas sponsored the Sunday March 11th Hollywood serving and brought many of his friends and family.

The importance of providing a foundation-- having people participate in helping themselves, is what The Food on Foot organization demonstrates for me. Food on foot not only supports the homeless community, by building their confidence through contribution, but also the volunteers as well.

I think we all wish to help our community; want to become better people, but are lulled into inaction at times by the immensity of the task, not knowing where to begin, and our own busy schedules. Food on Foot provides the ideal opportunity to put life into perspective.

This week I brought my son Matthew and I watched his face as he met and served-- I saw his heart open as he realized how far a little kindness can go. There are so few opportunities for our children to learn the importance of not turning our back in pity on those less fortunate than us. Hopefully we can both build on this experience.

-Vincent

Food on Foot is a wonderful organization that not only helps those in need by providing food and clothing, but gives them the guidance and necessary skills to return to the workforce and rehabilitate their lives. It is an extremely organized and well run organization, providing it’s participants with a business like atmosphere to reinforce the demands of the workplace. This same efficiency makes volunteering here a pleasure. The most rewarding part of volunteering here is seeing the reactions of the participants during the awards ceremony. It brought tears to my eyes to see a participant overwhelmed with gratitude and joy as he found out he had graduated to a full time position.

-Carrie

Food on Foot is truly the most unique organization that I have ever
come across. I have never heard such amazing success stories from any
other organization and that is what inspires me to continue to come
back.


What I like most about Food on Foot is how the program is run so
efficiently. Everyone working knows exactly what to do and when to do
it. Also, these people aren't just given gifts because they are
homeless, Food on Foot makes sure that they work to their full potential before
rewarding them, so as to simulate what is required in the real world.



My first time going I didn't really know what to expect but I was
blown away from what I experienced. I went on the last day of the year
so I was able to hear about Douglass receiving his new car, the
wedding that took place, and all of the amazing accomplishments that
Food on Foot had made that year and all the people that worked hard
enough and were given the opportunity to work full-time jobs. Food on
Food continues to change people's lives week by week and I am going to
make sure that I keep coming back so I don't miss any of the Action!

-Dathan

I love the expression "there is no free lunch", and this epitomizes Food on Foot’s mentality. If you want it, you have to work for it. Food on Foot works to restore people's sense of self by giving them back their dignity. It has made me re-evaluate my life and the way that I do things. I believe this organization does a wonderful job promoting selflessness and encouraging kindness. It takes away your misconceptions that homelessness happens to lazy people, to people who don't care, and that it could happen to anyone.


For years, I donated used clothing to charitable organizations such as the Goodwill or Red Cross. I was never sure that the clothing ended up with those who needed it most. My greatest fear was that it ended up in a used clothing store with a price tag attached. At Food on Foot, you literally watch the clothing go from your closet into the hands of someone who really needs it. More importantly, this program rehabilitates. Once they've got you, they make it hard to fail.

This past week was a record breaker for most new guests brought by current workers on the outside crew. The workforce nearly doubled from what I had seen in the past. You could see the look of hope on most of their faces, because they know they are being given the opportunity to have a second chance. I hope that in my time volunteering, I will get to watch one of the new faces who started picking up trash in the neighborhood become a graduate of the program like Douglass, Stephanie, or Kim.

-Kristy

Food on Foot is an amazing opportunity to reach out to others and provides me a great feeling of significance by being able to "give back".

What I like about most about FOF is seeing the positive effects of accountability. The promotion of self worth is inspiring.

The "awards ceremony" on Christmas day will always be a most gratifying memory. To see the shine of pride in the participant’s faces and feel the sense of support amongst them was deeply moving. It was a truly wonderful experience that I was grateful to be a part of.

-Kathleen

To me Food on Foot is a duty, "For those to whom much is given, much is required."

I really like how Foot on Foot is ran like a business. For me it's a learning experience, my life's goal is to open a half-way house in Tijuana, Mexico.
I also a huge supporter of the opportunity Food on Food provides with their work program.

A memorable day was Christmas; Mr. Fairbanks singing "Holy Night", the beautiful wedding, and Douglass getting a car, there was no other place I would have rather been.

-Joana

Many groups work to make a difference for Los Angeles' severe poor and homeless situation, but for me Food on Foot addresses the problem in the most practical way. Sure, there's the weekly distribution of food and clothing which is crucial. But Food on Foot goes so much further by offering a true hand up - by giving those who are determined to get off the street and get on the job a chance to do so. I've seen poverty in Europe and Britain, but not on this scale. And aid in many of these countries is institutionalized and not aggressive in promoting self-sufficiency.

There is nothing like the look on someone’s face the day you tell them they've got the gig, they're hired. And close to it is the reaction from the Work for Food crew when they are recognized each week for the length and contribution of their participation to the work program. It's a surge of pride and accomplishment, a restoration of self-worth. It's great luck just to witness it. Douglas Greene told us his story on Thanksgiving, and it hit me like a board on my thick head. It reminded me of just how much is possible if we try. All of us. We do belong to each other: not helping is not an option.


I've not been in Los Angeles long. I'm here with 6.3 million others to pursue film work. Money is tight, but as long as I can manage $84 a month, or more, I'll be an annoyingly gung-ho member. For me personally, the club allows me to attend as often as I can, and still help even when I cannot. But I'm selfish, and I can't appreciate those faces and stories when I don't show up, so I'll do all I can to be there each week!

-Zane

Food on Foot means that there are people who are actually doing something about a problem and not just throwing money at it or giving it lip service. It means touching lives, teaching others, and treating people with dignity. It means taking responsibility and the willingness to grasp opportunity and make a change.

Seeing it work. Watching lives change. Jay, you're a great communicator and take advantage of all the avenues of communication available. That enabled me to learn a lot about the organization before I ever physically participated. I learned enough through your website that I knew I wanted to be a part of Food On Foot.



I watched and read the FOF website for several months thinking that one day I would volunteer. Every time I was available the day would be filled. Every time you needed people, it seemed I had a prior commitment. So I joined the $84 club just to be a part of it, even if I wasn't able to show up. Then I got your email last week, the invitation for $84 club members and I marked my calendar and showed up.

During my first, and so far only experience, I met a beautiful young couple named Steve and Angel. They shared their plan with me, they have a plan mapped out of how to work, save the money they need for an apartment. They're showing up and working hard. Steve selflessly, asked me about myself, he asked me why I volunteer. I told him I want to be part of the solution and that every human has the right to eat. I don't adhere to religious beliefs, but I do believe it's a sin, a travesty, that in a country as wealthy as ours that any human being, regardless of their status or situation would go hungry. It hurts my heart.



Not only did I meet Steve and Angel, but I met others who are there to help themselves and help others. Being apart of that kind of energy is inspirational.


-Tamara

Food on Foot is the most direct way I know to positively influence others and make a contribution to the local area in which we live.


I love the camaraderie of the volunteers, hearing everyone's motivations for coming, helping in even the smallest way to improve the life of someone less
fortunate, and especially hearing the amazing stories of the "graduates" and seeing the delight on their faces as they describe how they've landed a full-time position and gotten off the streets.


In the past (pre-kids), my husband and I used to come to Venice and Hollywood feedings and would usually bring some friends along to volunteer
and learn about the organization. My best memory, however, is most recent: bringing my little daughter along to last week's feeding. It's never too
early to educate the next generation about poverty and homelessness right in our community and to start teaching about charity and our duty to help others.
She has been talking about her experience "helping" ever since we got home and I'm sensing that it will have a lasting impression on her (she's already started collecting her used clothing and toys to bring back on future Sundays!)

-Lisa