Time On Their Hands—Urban Angels Featured Volunteers

By: Dawn Siddons

Time is the only value that cannot be earned back. It will always move forward and will never be replaced. It’s something people will spend a lifetime appropriating. Try to understand its complex concept but don’t spend too much contemplation, because, well—no one needs to waste time.

“People need to know it’s a different rewarding method of socializing,” said Miki Airada, San Diego’s modest gem and volunteering angel.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Airada attributes her approachable, helpful, and daring heart (her three self-describing words) to her father who was an LA officer. “He was the kind of man who’d pull over on the highway to change a strangers flat tire, said Airada. “He’d help any stranger that needed it.”

Wrapped up in the many roles of life, Airada seems to balance out well—or as well as any single mother, working full-time, with a college kid, and volunteering four separate organizations could. She might not be a wonder woman, unless wondering meant marveling over how she manages time, but she is a community hero with an invisible bound lasso showcasing justifiable truth of happiness. Airada volunteers for Sharp Hospice, Foster Youth Mentor, Race Crew, and of course Urban Angels.

“Quality of life for me is being happy,” said Airada. “Happy is being who I am and loving what I do.” Airada said that value is measured beyond monetized depths; it’s personal experience, individual growth, and the power of support in community. “Don’t be afraid to give of yourself,” said Airada.

While it’s no wonder Airada makes a great candidacy of Urban Angels featured volunteer, the busy bee is not the only volunteer devoting time to the community.

“It’s good to share our stories, to take each others experiences and apply them to our lives,” said Ron Buccat, San Diego’s step-to-the plate compassionate leader and volunteering angel.

It takes a certain kind of humility, compassion, and above all purpose for anyone to gain reputable reputation and influence change. Having been on both spectrums of the Urban Angels concept, giving and receiving, Buccat explained the importance of serving others and being a part of the community.

“I’ve lived out of my car for a week once, begging for gas money to keep it running during the harsh winter nights of New Mexico,” said Buccat. Digesting the emotional strain of losing his job, drinking his sorrows and being evicted from a home, Buccat said he overcame personal pride and sought out help.

After a rough reality check, Buccat illustrates nothing short of human humility and expressive gratitude. Back on his feet, Buccat is a cheerleading coach at Del Norte High School, as well as, a part-time speed and agility coach, and of course an Urban Angels volunteer. “Serving others is rewarding,” said Buccat.

“It’s all the same story but a different struggle,” said Buccat. “Don’t take life too seriously and remember to enjoy the moments that count.”

Buccat’s take-nothing-for-granted attitude not only reflects on his own struggles but the recent loss of his mom & younger brother. Buccat said that he use to always plan for the future rather than live like each day could be the last. While he endorses hard work, he also wants to remind others to give and be grateful for every passing moment.

Urban Angels Takes 150 Connections Residents & Staff to Padres Baseball

An Urban Angel Purpose

By: Dawn Siddons

At some point everyone will be brought to his or her knees – metaphorically speaking. While mothers achieve a beautiful thing releasing us out into the world, there are no provided manuals to life because no one can really prepare anyone for an arbitrary existence.

We will spend our entire lives trying to find purpose, fighting to live the best way possible and to not feel obliged by the expectancy of others. We will make every choice as life is nothing but an everyday decision. Unfortunately, not all the choices made will be promising and some of the experiences will be disheartening, however, even in moments of darkness light can be found.

At Urban Angels we help out by re-energizing beyond the plates served. We bring genuine smiles, share conversations at the table, and remind each other how to dream and pursue. Urban Angles will not spend time calling out others for what they are not doing, rather invite anyone seeking positive change to join the cause.

Join us and help provide familiar eyes seen through gestures of care at the dinner table. After all nothing shows more care than nourishment!

 

 

Urban Angels Needs Your Help!

Connections Housing, San Diego’s brand new homeless community located at 1250 6th Ave., is set to open on January 21st. Connections is an integrated service & residential community whose primary goal is helping homeless people off neighborhood streets and into permanent housing. Virtually every resource a person needs to break the cycle of homelessness will be available at Connections.

Urban Angels is excited to be a major food provider at Connections Housing. We are looking for enthusiastic & reliable volunteers to build an official Urban Angels food service crew. Nourish those in need, give back to the community and help save lives when you help Urban Angels serve food at Connections!

Email volunteer@urban-angels.com for more information and signups

Urban Angels to be a Food Provider for Connections Housing

 

Urban Angels is one of the primary food providers for San Diego’s new homeless shelter, opening January 2013.

Urban Angels will be serving food every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.