About Mercy PedalersMission:
Mercy Pedalers are bicyclers and tricyclers reaching out to men and women experiencing homelessness on the streets. It is a ministry of presence and action based on the “Works of Mercy” and emphasizing “Welcoming the Stranger”.
Philosophy:
Mercy Pedalers believe that by welcoming and reaching out to men and women experiencing homelessness on the streets with a sense of dignity, respect and love that God’s mercy will be present. The philosophy of “Welcoming the Stranger” is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy which has evolved over thousands of years deriving from the Gospel of Matthew 25:31-40—
For I was hungry and you gave me food
I was thirsty and you gave me drink
I was a stranger and you welcomed me
I was naked and you clothed me
I was sick and you cared for me
I was in prison and you visited me
When we “Welcome the Stranger” we bring our openness to be and grow in relationship with the other. We approach someone’s space, or allow someone to enter our space, in a non-judgmental, warm and hospitable manner. We become present to each other, share our thoughts and concerns, and enjoy a comfortable cup of coffee or a cool glass of water. By our presence together, God’s mercy will be revealed.
Directory Board
Sister Libby Fernandez, RSM
Executive Director
A Sister of Mercy since 1990/ Masters in Social Work
“My passion is to serve those who are experiencing homelessness with a sense of dignity, respect and God’s presence between us”
Virginia Varela
Board President – Banking/Financial Services
“I serve because I believe each person deserves moments of mercy and tenderness no matter what the circumstances”
Dennis Luther
Board Vice-President – Retired
“When you did it for the least of these, you did it for me”
Dorothy R. Smith
Board Treasurer – Real Estate Broker
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family you did it to me”
Paula Lomazzi
Board Secretary – Executive Director of Sacramento Homeless Organizing Committee/Formerly homeless
“Mercy Pedalers provide that one-on-one connection with people living outdoors that is so needed…relationship, friendship, recognition”
John McIntyre
Board Member – Chief Philanthropy Officer/ Mercy Foundation/Philanthropy
“To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). “It is a joy and mission to act in support of those in need, to ease suffering and positively impact lives”
Sister Michelle Gorman, RSM
Board Member – Spiritual Director/Ignatian Exercises director/Chaplain CA State Senate
“I serve in this unique ministry of direct service to honor the dignity and humanity of women and men who find themselves without a home”
Gale Filter
Board Member – Retired EnvironmentalProsecutor/Street Photographer & Journalist/ San Diego U. School of Law
“Photography is a powerful means to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves; and, a catalyst for altering public perception by evidencing social and environmental conditions”
Tony and Barbara Rego
Board Members – (Tony)BA University of Hawaii/ Owner of an Insurance Agency
(Barbara)BA, Education, BYU/Retired School Teacher
“We are following the words of the Savior, to help those in need”
Kristen Stuass
Board Member – Project Manager/ Community Builder/ Advocate with Uptown Studios
“Doing what I can to be a better human today than I was yesterday, and help to make life better for other humans in the process”
Debbie Vanderford
Board Member – Retired/ Mercy Pedaler/Interprter to the Deaf
“My passion is to serve men, women and dogs experiencing homelessness with a sense of dignity, respect, kindness and love”
Anthony Fernandez
Board Member – Social Services/BA Child Development
“I aspire to learn more about homelessness so that I can educate the youth on how to avoid this path”