36 Years of Love: The Volunteers Behind Mustard Seed’s Mission

For 36 years, Mustard Seed School has been a sanctuary of learning, love, and stability for children experiencing homelessness. Behind the warm smiles and welcoming classrooms are the dedicated volunteers whose time and compassion make a world of difference. Three of these incredible individuals—Ms. Felicia, Mr. Alex, and Mr. John—share what it means to be part of Mustard Seed and the profound impact it has had on their lives.

Ms. Felicia has been volunteering at Mustard Seed since 2011, marking fourteen years of service this October. She first learned about the school through a charity fair and knew instantly this was where she wanted to spend her retirement. “I so enjoy working with the children and the staff—I feel like I have a purpose there!” she says. Over the years, every child she has met has touched her heart, from those learning to write their names to those tackling math problems with newfound confidence. Yet, she sees firsthand the challenges the children face—lack of stability, access to education, and mental and physical health struggles. Still, Mustard Seed provides them with a safe, loving environment where they can simply be kids. “Volunteering here has made me so aware that our society cannot ignore homelessness anymore,” she reflects. “I hope that I have helped give the children purpose, too.”

For Mr. Alex, volunteering at Mustard Seed has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. Over the past eight years, he has brought science and art activities to the 6th-8th grade classroom, fostering creativity and curiosity in his students. “The art they produce is amazing,” he shares, even compiling their work into photo books for the school. He understands that the goal of Mustard Seed is to be a bridge for children, preparing them for public school education. “I can’t imagine how difficult it is for those who don’t have this support to be thrust into regular school, often mid-year and without friends.” Though he only sees the children in the stability of Mustard Seed’s campus, he knows the hardships they face beyond its gates. “Once inside, the sense of calm and safety is palpable. That chance to escape, even for a little while, is an amazing gift.”

Mr. John is the newest of the three volunteers, having started in February 2024, but his passion for helping children experiencing homelessness runs deep. He has formed a special bond with one older student, playing chess, shooting hoops, and helping with math. “I understand his father isn’t in the picture, and I sense he carries a lot of responsibility on his shoulders,” Mr. John shares. “He is very bright and creative, and I believe he can go far if given the chance.” He acknowledges the academic setbacks many children face and how difficult it is to catch up after prolonged instability. Mustard Seed, he says, is a crucial bridge, offering education, counseling, and assessments to help ease that transition. “It has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by homeless young people, especially in their education. The bridge that Mustard Seed provides is invaluable.”

Each of these volunteers agrees that Mustard Seed is a place of transformation—for the children and themselves. They encourage others to join, highlighting the flexibility, the joy of working with a wonderful staff, and the opportunity to make a direct impact on a child’s life. “It is not difficult to make a real difference,” Mr. Alex says. And as Mr. John puts it simply, “It’s a chance to have a direct impact on children’s lives and make a difference!”

Please consider making a donation to Mustard Seed School in honor of its 36th Anniversary. To inquire about volunteering please contact volunteers@sacloaves.org.