By Steven Mion, Summer Staff 2014, from First United Methodist Church of Loomis
Serving as a staff member in Stockton last summer was a richly rewarding experience full of surprises. Stockton made it easy to show the youth volunteers how God was present both in their work and in the greater community. Serving alongside local church members, community organizers and nonprofit leaders taught me that this is a resilient community dedicated to its own improvement.
Throughout the summer, our staff came into contact with hardworking community members from groups like Visionary Homebuilders, First 50 Stockton, Boggs Tract Community Farm, and the Stockton Shelter for the Homeless. When I saw the work these nonprofits were doing, I realized that the story of this city goes far deeper than the images on TV. Connecting to God in a place like Stockton has helped me to learn the stories of people and places through my own experience.
I am excited to return to Stockton as the Site Director this summer; to have the chance to broaden my contact with the community and the amazing people who call it home, and continue learning its inspiring story. I can’t wait to see the ways God will work through the community and the youth serving there. Stockton is a rich community proud of its heritage and looking forward to its future, and I am honored to help make SSP part of its story for many years to come.
Editor’s Note: We have just lowered our fee for all Stockton sessions to $295. We are looking for small and large groups of up to 65 people, to sign up for Stockton this summer. Staff applications are due February 9.