St. Joseph Center

Smoked Cajun chicken pasta, tri-tip steak, and collard greens—all prepared and served to the community and staff by students of our Bread & Roses Training Kitchen program on Café Day. This hands-on culinary program provides low-income adults and people experiencing homelessness with high-impact career skills. It's more than just cooking; it's about transformation, job readiness, and turning passions into sustainable careers. Huge thanks to Chef Tomas, the entire team, and these hard-working students.

As St. Joseph Center marks 50 years, we are highlighting Marlborough High School student Amirah Muhammad, who took powerful action to advance menstrual equity. As Amirah's mentor and CEO of the Pocket Panty remarked, “This was Amirah’s first assignment as our intern, and we’re really proud of the initiative she took and her drive to complete the task.” Amirah's community drive collected essential hygiene products, restoring dignity and health for the women and girls served by St. Joseph Center. Her initiative is a powerful reminder that youth leadership and community support create real change. Read Amirah's inspiring story: https://lnkd.in/gX_pM7ma

Happy #GivingTuesday! In recognition of this national holiday of giving, we are grateful to everyone who has supported us for 50 years. We're also excited to announce that in recognition of Giving Tuesday, longtime supporters Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney will match the first donations up to $50K for St. Joseph Center! Learn how you can double your impact and give here: https://lnkd.in/gPQz3PzJ

The holidays remind us that the work we do is driven by inspiring people like Sherrie, a veteran and Venice native. After serving for over 20 years, Sherrie returned home and soon faced significant health challenges. She found critical support and essential, healthy food for her family of five at St. Joseph Center's Food Pantry. She was also one of the nearly 2,000 people who received a full Thanksgiving meal last week. Sherrie shares what makes SJC special: "The staff at St. Joseph Center has become an extended family to me... It's community building, not just a job." We're honored to tell Sherrie's full story as part of our 50 Stories for 50 Years campaign. Click here to read more and subscribe to our latest newsletter: https://conta.cc/4oFwuPn

“This is a place of hope,” said Dr. Ryan Smith, President and CEO of St. Joseph Center, reflecting on the impact of La Ramona. On October 30, 2025, St. Joseph Center celebrated the ribbon-cutting for La Ramona Family Housing, a once-neglected motel that has now become a safe, stable home for families. In just one year, it has provided families with security, support, and a path forward, showing that change is possible when compassion and action come together. This feature is a part of our 50 Stories for 50 Years of Impact series, celebrating the dedicated individuals who have made St. Joseph Center’s mission possible since 1976. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g2qdAZEj

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recognized St. Joseph Center and CEO Dr. Ryan J. Smith for a landmark 50 years of service on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. We extend a special thank you to Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and Councilwoman Heather Hutt for their support. They presented official commendations recognizing 50 years of tireless work supporting people experiencing homelessness. Staff from across St. Joseph Center joined the special recognition, celebrating this profound milestone. We are grateful for every employee, volunteer, donor, supporter, and partner who helps us do this life-changing work!

St. Joseph Center kicked off its 50th anniversary Tuesday night with its annual Chefsgiving event, serving roughly 150 guests a holiday meal prepared by several prominent Los Angeles restaurants and chefs. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gqJg7iTD

St. Joseph Center's annual ChefsGiving in Venice was a huge success! Top local chefs, including celebrity Chef Bradley Miller, Emporium Thai, and Levain Bakery, served 150 guests to celebrate our 50th year of supporting the community. “Chefsgiving is about more than food,” said Dr. Ryan J. Smith, St. Joseph Center’s President and CEO. “It’s about breaking bread together, honoring community and uplifting the next generation.” Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/g8m-kkBv

St. Joseph Center is thrilled to share that our colleague Sharon Plunkett, Senior Director of Workforce Development & Social Innovation, was nominated for the prestigious Women in Technology: Hollywood (WiTH) Leadership Awards 2025 presented at the SoCal Women’s Leadership Summit. While she did not take home the award this year, the nomination reflects Sharon’s mentorship, community impact and bold leadership. She goes above and beyond to support colleagues and the families we serve. Sharon leads initiatives that expand access to meaningful careers and economic mobility for individuals historically excluded from opportunity and oversees programs that promote food and nutritional security for vulnerable Angelenos. With a background in Computer Science and over two decades in the technology sector, Sharon drives innovative, people-centered approaches that advance stability, dignity and long-term economic empowerment, including leading Codetalk St. Joseph Center, a digital career training program for women overcoming barriers. We also celebrate the SoCal Women’s Leadership Summit for creating this inspiring space and thank all those who make the forum possible. Thank you Sharon, we appreciate you! 💚

This Veterans Day, we honor Lise, a Desert Storm veteran nurse whose commitment never stops. Lise began volunteering with St. Joseph Center's Food Pantry during the pandemic and remains on the frontlines, helping fight hunger weekly on the Westside. She embodies the spirit of service, distributing essential groceries and goods to neighbors in need. Thank you, Lise, and all veterans, for your selfless service! #VeteransDay #SJC50 #FoodSecurity #LosAngeles