Royals in Service at Homeboy, Los Angeles

Helping members of the Los Angeles community feel "heard, loved and valued," fulfills one goal for Erin Burch '26 on her service journey at The University of Scranton. 

The psychology major from Harleysville recently served as a peer facilitator for a spring break trip organized by the University's Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ) to Homeboy, the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. Her service on the West Coast aligns with CSSJ volunteerism efforts Burch began during her first year at Scranton. 

Now a junior, Burch said she became involved with the University's Center for Service and Social Justice as a first-year student when she applied for an immersion trip to the Kino Border in Nogales Arizona/Mexico. Then, this past summer she participated as a leader during the FIRST (First-years Involved in Reflective Service Together) program. In fall 2024, Burch applied for the Homeboy trip and was offered an opportunity to guide others on a similar path. 

"Some of my goals for the trip were to listen to everyone’s stories, allow them into my heart, and create a space for those we met to be heard, loved and valued in ways they may not have felt in their daily life," said Burch. "Another goal was to develop additional perspectives on social justice and incorporate those lessons into our own Scranton community." 

Her travel companions were five University students, Ousmane Thiam '25, Cassidy Morganstern '26, Stefania Gomes '26, Kate Vyzaniaris '27, Samuel Peters '27; chaperones Dr. Christian Krokus, professor of theology, and Brooke McNabola, graduate student; and Jesuit novice Michael Audit. 

Burch discusses the deep connections they established.

"During our stay in Los Angeles, we visited several organizations that have a significant impact on the lives of those in need. Our first stop was Dolores Mission Church, where we attended Mass, and participated in the community’s Las Ventas lunch. We also volunteered in the classrooms at Dolores Mission school, which serves low-income families in the Boyle Heights neighborhood," said Burch.

 Shown, Dolores Mission Church, located in the Boyle Heights neighborhood in east Los Angeles.

Next stop for the group — a visit to Homeboy Industries.

"The people at Homeboy were the most welcoming and loving people I’ve ever encountered. We listened to many amazing and inspiring stories. We also visited Homegirl Cafe and the Homeboy shop, both of which were staffed by former gang members and incarcerated individuals."

Shown: The University of Scranton group with a Homeboy employee, Steve.

On Skid Row, the group visited LA Catholic Worker, which runs the Hippie Kitchen.

"We handed out hygiene kits and waters, and met with Matt Harper, who shared his passion for working with the homeless population there."

Shown at Hippie Kitchen, which is run by LA Catholic Worker on Skid Row, are: first row, from left, Brooke McNabola, Samuel Peters, Erin Burch, Kate Vyzaniaris, Cassidy Morganstern, Stefania Gomes. Second row: Jesuit Novice Michael Audet, LA Catholic Worker Matt Harper, Ousmane Thiam, Dr. Christian Krokus and Josephine Krokus. 

University volunteers also dedicated their efforts at LA Midnight Mission, a homeless shelter and soup kitchen, where they helped prepare and serve breakfast and lunch to approximately 500 people living on Skid Row. 
 

 University of Scranton volunteers, shown, serve lunch at LA Midnight Mission.

"We also worked with IMPACTO, an after-school youth development program that provides a safe alternative to gang involvement. By fostering connections and providing a supportive environment that students may not have at home, IMPACTO helps create a sense of belonging," said Burch.

"During our time there, we assisted students in the classroom and played group games as part of their after-school program."

 Shown, Royals Erin Burch and Ousmane Thiam, in a third grade classroom at the Dolores Mission School.

Guadalupe Homeless Project (GHP), located at Dolores Mission Church, was the final destination for the group. The project provides temporary housing for 15 women and 40 men.

"We had the privilege of spending time. ... One night we prepared dinner and ate the meal together, which allowed for the creation of deep connections."

Reflecting on the journey of the University volunteers, Burch said that what stood out most to her was the gratitude and pride expressed by the people they met at Homeboy and Dolores Mission.

"These men and women have faced immense struggles and situations, but were deeply thankful that we took the time to visit. I am also grateful for my incredible group, who fully immersed themselves in the community, and made everyone we met feel valued and loved."

What surprised Erin Burch '26 most about the Spring Break SERVICE TRIP?

• Kindness and warmth at Dolores Mission and Homeboy
  
  "They were very open to share their powerful stories with us and provided a sense of community that was felt throughout our trip. For example, at Mass at Dolores Mission, every pew was full, and each person held their neighbor’s hand to pray together. At the end of the Mass, the congregation welcomed us to their lunch as if we lived in their community. On Skid Row, despite the hardships, there was a sense of community, as many tents held multiple families."
  
  
• The level of poverty, and the prevalence of gang activity in the Boyle Heights neighborhood
  
  "When we visited Midnight Mission to prepare for breakfast, we saw people on the streets lighting trash cans on fire for warmth. While walking through Skid Row, we witnessed people using fire hydrants to shower.
  
  Father Brendan at Dolores Mission shared that just last week, a gang had tagged the church’s street sign. Throughout the neighborhood, shifting graffiti marks the change of control of different gangs from one street to the next."
  
  
• Hopefulness and positivity
  
  "Despite carrying heavy burdens and facing challenging situations, all remained hopeful and positive, believing that their experiences, and their faith in God led them to where they were today."
  
  
• Crucial role of women in the Dolores Mission Church community
  
  "Father Brendan at Dolores Mission Church explained how the women created IMPACTO and the preschool center to shield children from gang violence and help mothers find employment.
  
  
• Strong communication 
  
  "All organizations worked together to promote social justice, including Dolores Mission, IMPACTO and LA Catholic Worker."