NVCS/SFP Essay
By Ryan Brown, Community Liaison
“A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.” Mahatma Ghandi.
In the days following the initial sale of the administrative office to the San Fernando Presbytery, it became clear that the building was more than just four walls and a roof. It was a space for holistic healing, for gathering community, a refuge from forces working against the goodwill of humanity. Today, that work will continue with the Outreach team of North Valley Caring Services settling into their new offices in Panorama City. The name on the building might change, but the work that goes on within will not.
Executive Presbyter Juan Sarmiento and North Valley Caring Services Executive Director Manny Flores, are both deeply committed to providing hands-on, tangible resources to individuals and families who are in need. It is for this reason, that a partnership between the San Fernando Presbytery and North Valley Caring Services, sharing an office and making space for community gatherings, makes so much sense. But deeper than that, in handing off this space, a legacy of family values, helping those how are without, and being the eyes and ears for people locally in need continues to thrive.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact individuals and families throughout the San Fernando Valley, North Valley Caring Services is ramping up its outreach to assist those in need every day of the week. By expanding our programming, NVCS has extended its homeless outreach to five nights a week. Additionally, they have continued to provide meals to families living in motels and host a drive-through food pantry every Friday, distributing food, fruits, and vegetables to nearly 4,500 households per week. With the addition of these offices, NVCS is poised to continue to work in providing tangible, need resources to individuals and families through the valley. As an extension of the Presbytery, NVCS is steadfast in committing time and energy to serve individuals and families without judgment, wrapped in love and with a commitment to getting people back on the path to a healthy, holistic environment.
Executive Director, Manny Flores, says that NVCS is a “care first” organization. Meaning that the emphasis on the services they provide is all about caring for the individual. Going beyond simply getting a person into housing, or passing them off to another agency or program, this is a step-by-step process that begins with getting to know the individual and their story. Honoring the human experience and understanding that each person has a story to tell, and that story is important.
Let’s all imagine for a moment that a drop of water has hit a puddle and ripples begin to spread from its impact. At some moment, the ripples fade away but the surface has been altered. We may never know how the ripple affected the surface, but we can be sure it won’t be the same as it was before. In the same regard, this transition of office space between these two pillars of their community will send a ripple effect into the lives of countless individuals and families. It would be nearly impossible to know just how many lives will be changed for the better because of this momentous occasion. We may never see firsthand just how many people will benefit from having access to a community space, or a conference room to use for their community group. But it can be certain that the good work of the Gospel will continue to flourish and provide tangible resources to people locally and beyond.
Many thanks are necessary to those who went before and paved the way for this transition to occur. May God continue to bless them, NVCS, and the San Fernando Presbytery for striving to continue to provide for those who need it most.