The Cecil Year in Review
And announcing our 2026 Ministry Theme!
Most year-in-review posts start with the good news.
I’ll start with the not-so-good-news—which eventually become a hopeful story.
Jacob, whose story many of you have followed here for almost two years, walked away from not one, but three programs this year. He was also a no-show for the pickup to a fourth. In early December, he was re-arrested.
These moments can look like failure from the outside. They aren’t the end of my advocacy.
The kind of advocacy I do isn’t transactional. It’s relational. It’s built on trust, presence, and showing up again and again. Just because the outcome wasn’t what I hoped for doesn’t mean the journey with Jacob is over. We’ll be back in court on January 5, and I’d appreciate your prayers, positive thoughts, and good vibes as we go.
Now—on to some more feel-good things.
This year, our programming grew in meaningful ways, offering deeper and more consistent support to residents who live every day in vulnerability and uncertainty. In the fall, we welcomed Andy and Jill to the Cecil, where they now offer a professionally facilitated support group every Wednesday at noon. It’s a safe place for residents to bring both their struggles and their joys—and that balance matters.
I came to know Andy and Jill through the Garibaldina MB Society, where we had talked for some time about the work happening downtown. It was also at the Garibaldina—during my birthday celebration—that friends and total strangers alike opened their hearts and donated generously to this ministry.
Throughout the year, we were supported in powerful ways by the Immaculate Heart Community, Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, and Marshal Gives Back (the philanthropic arm of USC’s Marshall School of Business). There are far too many individuals to name, but I want to pause here for a special word of gratitude.
When funding through other, already stretched agencies fell through, it was another Garibaldina friend Brendi Mora’s kindness and love—and her generosity and community outreach—that ensured our pet-food pantry stayed stocked. Because of her care, residents didn’t have to choose between feeding themselves or feeding the animals who are often their closest companions. Her presence showed up at exactly the moment it was needed.
At the same time, Sklar Toy quietly made sure our residents themselves were fed, stepping in with 100% people-food support. In different ways—but with the same spirit of dignity and compassion—both made it possible for people and their animals to have full tummies during moments of real uncertainty.
There were also some important markers of change this year. Police calls to the Cecil were down 46% compared to last year, and 80% since this ministry first set foot in the building four years ago. Calls to the Department of Mental Health dropped 40% this year alone. These numbers reflect something deeper: trust, consistency, and the quiet work of relationship-building.
We were also grateful for a meaningful shift in how the Cecil is talked about publicly. KCRW’s Jennifer Swann put together a thoughtful and humane piece that reflected the reality of the work—and the people—far more accurately than the headlines of the past. You can listen to the story here.
On Christmas Eve, we gathered once again for our 4th annual Christmas Eve Mass at the Cecil—a sacred pause in the midst of everything. It was a reminder that hope keeps showing up, year after year, in the same place, with the same people, doing its quiet work. The week before we had our building Christmas party, with gifts, food and song!
And a special shout-out to my amazing resident volunteers! They invest their time and energy into making sure all of our programs keep going! Please give a hand to Mark, Krisha, Keylon and Michelle!
This work exists because the community believes in it. If you’re able, a year-end, tax-deductible donation is deeply appreciated—and makes all of this possible. You can also donate by Venmo if that’s more convenient!
As we step into 2026, we do so with intention and resolve. Our work continues under a simple but steady theme: Growing Together, Rising Higher.
Thank you for walking this road with us. Happy New Year!