My name is Jenna Langley, I am a fifth-year senior at St. Bonaventure University. I have spent 4 years at St. Bonaventure trying to find my place and it wasn’t until the end of my fourth year that I finally did. I came to the FCSC looking for a summer job and it turned out to be so much more.

Over the summer I worked for FCSC in the Farm to Table program. This program is 10 weeks long and consists of working mornings at Canticle Farm and afternoons at the Warming House. I chose this job because I love farming and cooking, but throughout my experience, I gained a passion for service. Not only is it fun to make the food, but it warms my heart to help those in need. Being able to make warm meals for people and being able to use fresh nutritious produce from the farm for those who don’t always have access to it was inspiring. I have gained some really great relationships while in this program with my coworkers and the Warming House guests. It makes my day when I come in and see their faces and I try to put a smile on them. I also learned how to portion out food to feed 120-plus people. At the Warming House, we always serve a balanced meal of fruit, vegetables, starch, protein, and of course dessert. I love that we hit the major 4 food groups; because sometimes the meal they have with us is their only one that day. I loved Canticle Farm and the Warming House so much, I continued with both jobs as fall semester began. I continue to find satisfaction and joy working while carrying a full-time academic load of classes.

The FCSC opened many doors and opportunities for me. During the Fall midterm break I went to the St. Francis Inn, in Philadelphia, PA. This was a life altering experience. The St. Francis Inn is a soup kitchen that serves over 300 people a day. They also have a Clothing Store called Marie’s Closet which allows the guests to go once a week to get a pair of pants, a shirt, a sweater and undergarments. Everything from the food to the clothes are donations from the surrounding communities. From this experience I am interested in doing a year of post graduate service.

The FCSC also introduced me to the opportunity to participate in the Franciscan Leadership Justice Conference in Washington DC. I learned a great deal about the environment and care for creation. A highlight of the conference was to participate in congressional visits. We spoke to the staffers about the black farmers Act and the Environmental Justice for All Act.

Six months ago, while I was looking for a summer job, I never imagined the direction my experiences would take me. I have found support, employment, friends, family and experience through the FCSC and am anxious to see what comes next!