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Social Services

Dominic's respect for the wholeness of each person, body mind and spirit, is reflected by sisters who work in agencies addressing the needs for the vulnerable, marginated and suffering of our society.

"I first saw them in the summer of 1981.children and adults living in filth and squalor only fifteen minutes from the California border. I have known love: the constant caring love of a dear mom and dad, two brothers and other family members, a few "romantic" loves in high school, the challenging and constant love of very close friends and sisters in my Dominican family, but none equaled the feeling within me when I felt drawn to work with the poor in Mexico." To read more, please go to Sister Gene's website.

Sr. Cathryn deBack, Rose Court Affordable Housing Manager:

" Rose Court is happily celebrating its second anniversary since opening May, 2001. The residents of the 18 rental units enjoy gatherings in the community room. The child care center is a bustling happy place for more than forty children. A grant from the San Francisco Foundation equipped the Discovery Room with six computer systems. Surely this gracious 100 year old building is pleased to have been so beautifully renovatied and filled with families and individuals of all ages.

One thing very clear to me is that the Spirit has directed my life, my ministry and the surprises that have evolved over the years. All are part of the mystery. I rejoice in God and give thanks for the grace I was given to respond to that inner voice. I am especially grateful to the people of St Dominic's parish in San Francisco where I have spent more than half my life. They have been a significant part of my spiritual and ministerial growth. I know that each day brings new challenges and abundant blessings that provide me with the opportunities to live the Gospel message in joy and to serve the people of God.

"I'm a Gemini, a person who needs to make changes in my life. I came to Marin and became interested in the Older Adult Program's Senior Peer Counseling program. Most of my clients are living alone and are referred through the H&HS Community Mental Health Services. I've continued to visit my clients for 5, 6, or 7 years and have followed them when have moved to structured senior housing or long-term care. These senior clients are searching our where they are going. By listening to them voice their concerns, I can help them become more comfortable and happy toward the end. When you are open and they trust you, they let you in."

Sr. Judy Lu McDonnell, Catholic Charities, Stockton, CA:

Sister Judy Lu's ministry in Stockton is the Catholic Charities Immigrant and Refugee Program (CCIRP). She is co-director of the program with Ms. Lyn Kirkconnell. Their mission is to assist refugees and immigrants in becoming fully integrated into U.S. society by promoting fundamental human rights and dignity, and fostering opportunities for growth and development towards self-sufficiency and cultural fluency.