Guadalupana Society works to improve lives

March 14, 2003

Margaret Mead once said that we should "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." When we look at the organizations in Oakley, that is precisely what we are, small groups that work independently to make Oakley a better place.

All of the time we hear about groups like the Chamber of Commerce, the Almond Festival committee, the Oakley-Delta Lions Club and PTAs, but there are so many more that we don't hear about.

A couple of weeks ago the chamber hosted its annual Citizen of the Year dinner and the community was introduced to many people who were recognized for their ongoing service, but for the first time a whole organization of people was recognized for their contributions. A group that, even after all of my time working in the community, I hadn't heard of. They are the Guadalupana Society.

According to the president of the Guadalupana Society, Libby Davis, the organization is just one of many that work through St. Anthony's Church in Oakley. The Catholic church located on the corner of O'Hara Avenue and Cypress Road hosts the largest congregation in Oakley.

Over the past few years, St. Anthony's Church has worked to build a community center at their location that would not only be open to those that belong to the church, but also to other residents in the community. The idea is to make it a place where people can go for committee meetings, host a basketball game or just come to have fun.

The members of the Guadalupana Society have been helping the St. Anthony's raise money for that purpose. "Donations have been coming in slow lately," Davis says. Which is common when an organization has been working to raise money for a few years, but it isn't stopping the group from seeking funds. They are currently looking to larger corporations to help donate, but that doesn't preclude local residents from still putting in a few dollars when they can.

While the Guadalupana Society runs on religiously founded goals, the organization doesn't limit itself to working only on Catholic projects. The nonprofit charity also assists those in crisis whenever necessary and within their means to do so. They also offer six $400 scholarships annually, three to students at Freedom High School and three for students at Liberty High. The society also raises funds for the scholarships and for maintenance of St. Anthony's Church.

The society was formed by parishioners of St. Anthony's, but according to Davis, there are also members of the group who are from other Catholic churches in Antioch and Brentwood.

The Guadaluplana Society has also contributed its resources to the Portuguese Festival that takes place at Flor do Oakley Hall every summer; the Oakley Almond Festival, run by the Oakley Chamber of Commerce; St. Anthony's Festival; and the former Oakley Woman's Club. The Society also assists other organizations, such as the St. Anthony's Ladies Guild, Knights of Columbus, People Helping People, and Habitat for Humanity.

In addition, many local families that are in need of financial and spiritual support have received donations from the Guadalupana Society. The society also provides support for women who have breast cancer or may be dealing with a terminally ill family member. Members of the society state that friendships have been developed through their mutual interest and participation and that they are truly a family.

Just from talking to the members of this organization it is easy to see that they live by the code that by caring and contributing to change, volunteers decrease suffering and disparity while they gain skills, self-esteem and change their lives. People work to improve the lives of their neighbors and in return enhance their own.

Roni Gehlke's column on life in Oakley appears each week in the Brentwood News.

Distributed by the Contra Costa Times

Return to Oakley in the News