David Cowen interviewed Susan Napoliello about her work with Bayview Mission in San Francisco:
How did you initially get connected with Nina and Bayview Mission?
My husband and I were living in Malaysia where I was an elementary principal at an international school in Kuala Lumpur. Instead of renewing my contract, we decided we needed to be closer to family. We agreed to take a ‘pause’ from our professional careers and devote ourselves during the first six months of re-entry reconnecting with family and engaging in community service. We chose San Francisco as our home base, as I was born here and we had spent four years in San Francisco prior to seven years overseas. During our last year in KL, I came to San Francisco on business, and one morning I decided to walk up the hill from the Hyatt to attend a service at Grace Cathedral. As I sat in the choir stall and listened to Nina give a homiletic about Bayview Mission, I knew we’d found a place to hang out during the ‘pause!'
I was told you used to work in a part of the Mission called "Produce Land." Please tell us more about this.
On our first day, we were given a choice of assignments: inside the garage packing groceries or outside in ‘Veggie Land’ sorting and bagging produce. It wasn’t a tough choice, as we both enjoyed exercise and fresh air. Soon we were lifting produce bags and boxes, counting the contents and estimating distribution quantities all under the loving supervision of Hal, the ‘Boss of Veggie Land’, as we affectionately called him. After making a ‘test bag’ of produce ranging from melons to cucumbers (It was a different assortment of produce every week depending on the donations we received from the Food Bank), we set-up assembly lines that could accommodate the arrival of volunteers throughout the morning. By noon, we had 5 bins of plastic bags filled with produce ready for distribution.
You started the homeless ministry with the Mission. Please tell us how this came into being and the kinds of work you do with the homeless.
Before I began volunteering at Bayview Mission, Nina had collected supplies for homeless which included hygiene products (mostly toiletries from hotels), backpacks and blankets. Items were distributed as requested by clients. As the number of volunteers working in ‘veggie land’ grew, I looked for other ways to support the Mission. I approached Nina about developing a formal outreach to the homeless who were living in the area. By that time, my husband and I had been volunteering at Bayview for about a year. We’d given up the ‘pause’ for a new way of life focused on service. In addition to Bayview we were involved in several community projects geared toward the homeless, including SF Project Homeless Connect. As ‘client escorts’ during Connect events, we learned the value of getting to know our clients and calling them by name.
At Bayview, we began the formal ministry by learning each person’s name and by asking specifically what they needed, rather than simply handing them a pre-packed bag of toiletries. As several clients requested soups with pull-tops, we began adding extra food to the ‘hygiene bag.' Nina started putting aside donations like underwear and socks that were being requested. Beginning as a small ministry in terms of clients and donations we now regularly see 20-30 ‘friends’ every week and distribute hygiene and food bags, underwear, shoes, clothing, coats, towels and blankets. Knowing our clients by name and giving them what they need creates an atmosphere of dignity and friendship. Every Monday, I go home having shared and received a ‘million smiles!'
I understand you are at the School for Deacons. What in particular are you studying and how far along are you?
I have just finished the first semester of a three year program that includes academic study (courses like Old Testament and Church History), liturgical study (knowing and practicing the Episcopal liturgy, including homiletics), Social Ministry (practicum in service like Bayview Mission) and Spiritual Formation (clarifying and responding to our Baptismal Covenant).
Once you are finished, do you envision carrying on with the kind of work you have done with Bayview Mission.
At this point, I am certain of one thing, service has become a way of life. The School for Deacons compliments what has already been carved in my heart.
