Sacred Heart Reads: The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera
We are where social service meets social justice and we believe that learning together makes us stronger. Every month we share what a member has read, watched or listened to. This month, we hear from Omar Leal about the book, "The Last Cuentista” by Donna Barba Higuera.
Volunteer Spotlight: Alejandro Coronado
Hear from Alejandro, a volunteer from our Family Assistance program and his journey at Sacred Heart Community Service.
Care First. Jail Last.
On January 25th, a broad coalition including Sacred Heart Community Service members and allies won significant commitments to reform the jail system in this community, but ultimately, our elected leaders wasted an historic opportunity to take even more meaningful steps away from an antiquated and broken model of incarceration.
Community Spotlight: Momma Crys
This year, for Black History Month, we want to uplift and highlight stories from Black changemakers in our community. Today, we’re speaking to Crystal Calhoun, fondly known as Momma Crys, a prominent community organizer here in San Jose.
Every Gift is Meaningful
We hear from Maria Rico, volunteer turned donor, about how your donation makes a difference.
We’re Expanding! - A note from our Board President
I’m so excited to share that Sacred Heart Community Service is expanding into a new building at 550 South 1st Street!
Sacred Heart Reads: The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander
For the past few months, Sacred Heart’s Policy and Organization team has been working tirelessly to halt the building of a new jail in Santa Clara County. With that in mind, in addition to the time of reflection Black history month presents and the board of supervisors vote coming up next week, I wanted to revisit the book that made me a prison abolitionist.
Program Spotlight: Energy Assistance
As the weather turns colder and wetter, it becomes more and more crucial that everyone has the appropriate connection to heating and power. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federal program administered at Sacred Heart that serves the most vulnerable members of our community, particularly homes with young children, people with disabilities, and elderly family members.
Holiday Recap
This holiday season, our community showed up for one another and made sure that the holidays could be a time of peace and joy for everyone.
Sacred Heart Reads: Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude by Ross Gay
"My creative life is really informed by that community gesture of asking 'how do we care for our neighbors'.” – Ross Gay, 2020
Member Spotlight: Economic Empowerment
Lina became interested in Sacred Heart’s financial workshop called “Logrando Juntos” after her mother, who graduated from this workshop, told her about her positive and engaging experience.
Volunteer Spotlight: Thank you for 21 Years with the Heart!
When asked to speak about Carol, ECE Program Manager Maria had these words to share: “Carol has been a very dedicated volunteer and donor for SH since 2000.
Regional Suburban Organizing Project
Last October 23th and 24th, Sacred Heart staff and community leaders from across the region gathered to build community organizing skills and deepen partnership.
Remembering Ellen Hill
Remembering Ellen Hill, Beloved Sacred Heart Community Service Volunteer
Volunteer to Help Prevent Homelessness in Our Community
Sacred Heart’s Family Assistance Department is one of the largest sites in the Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System (HPS). We provide financial assistance and resources to prevent community members from being unhoused, and we welcome you to join our team in the mission to prevent homelessness in Santa Clara County.
Sacred Heart Reads: The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich
Louise Erdrich has a beautiful body of work based on the Native American experience. In her latest book, she has incorporated her own family's story of her Grandfather's fight to save the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians from the Indian Termination Policy that was proposed in Congress in the 1950s.
Member Spotlight: Pantry
This month, we’re sharing a story of the resilience our members bring with them when they come to Sacred Heart Community Service. Cristen is the mother of two amazing kids. After leaving an unstable and volatile living situation in Arizona, she and the kids moved into her mother’s house here in San Jose.
Memorial for Barbara (BJ) Marrone
We are saddened to share that a volunteer of over 30 years, Barbara (BJ) Marrone, passed away in late October. Our staff members have many fond memories of her.