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Featured Volunteer: Janet Powers Wolfe

When my firstborn grandson turned 18, he decided to live outside, creating beautiful meditation camps high above big River in Mendocino. He is a beautiful soul, Wise beyond his years, kind, generous, compassionate, fun.

Last summer when he was 21, while riding his skateboard, he was hit and killed by a hit-and-run driver. While I was on the coast for his funeral, his unSheltered friends reverently escorted me to one of his camps.

After our visit, we were crossing the highway where he was killed. a car stopped us, A bedraggled group of perhaps 11. The people rolled down the window of the car. They handed us takeout boxes of hot gourmet Mendocino foodā€¦ Quiche, bagels, quesadillas, scones! Receiving it with gratitude, we stood together on the side of the street,sharing it with one another, eating with our hands passing it back-and-forth ( pre-Covid) it was true communion.

Before his death I had been somewhat uncomfortable hanging out with his homeless friends, probably concerned what others might think of me hanging with the homies. But That experience was transformative.

Hence I now cook for the homelessā€¦ First bringing food to the residents of joe rodotta Trail, and then from Saint Vincent de Paul and now with my community from Center for spiritual living at the Sebastopol Grange. It's an honor to be able to contribute to the well being of these folks. I also spent time with the residents housed at SSU doing art processes with them, As a way to bridge the gap between the so- called haves and have nots. I greatly appreciate all that the Center offers us, currently participating in the group working with the book , "me and white supremacy. "

Janet Powers Wolfe

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