St. Joseph Center marked a momentous occasion on October 23 celebrated 35 years of the Bread and Roses Café, on October 263 a cornerstone of support for individuals
experiencing homelessness on in Los Angeles. Since its founding, the Café has provided over a million chef-prepared meals, served with dignity in a restaurant-style setting, giving hope and nourishment to community members in need.
Guests gathered at the St. Joseph Center's Hampton headquarters to enjoy music, food, and memories, with heartfelt remarks by CEO Dr. Ryan Smith and Sisters Kathy Stein and Judy Molosky, who shared stories of the Café's impactful history and mission. The evening featured live music from Americana-inspired folk band The Sultans, a catered spread from Chef James Cunningham, and a commemorative gallery wall honoring the Sisters of St. Joseph of
Carondelet, including a painting by artist David Garibaldi.
"Our Bread and Roses Café has been a place of hope and humanity for three and a half
decades," said Dr. Smith. "With over 1 million meals served and 210,000 volunteer hours, this program has become an enduring symbol of dignity and community for all who enter."
Beyond the meals, Bread and Roses Café also runs a Culinary Training Program that has empowered over 100 individuals from low-income backgrounds to secure jobs in restaurants and kitchens across Los Angeles. Many graduates of this program have gained internships and roles within the food service industry, some even gaining full-time employment at the Bread and Roses Café.
As St. Joseph Center reflects on the Café's legacy, it also looks toward the future. The
organization remains committed to expanding its services, which include housing assistance, mental health care, and employment training, all aimed at supporting the community's most
vulnerable members. To sustain and grow the Café's mission, St. Joseph Center has launched its 35th Anniversary Bread and Roses Café Campaign, inviting the public to join in the fight against hunger. Donations will directly fund fresh, hot meals for those in need, ensuring that this
"restaurant-for-good" can continue its vital work.
Donate here: https://stjosephctr.org/breadroses35thanniversarycelebration/
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