Feeding Community with Nature’s Assets
SVDP Community Garden is an initiative led by Holy Redeemer, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and St. Michael’s Catholic Churches.
"BASICS OF DIET AND HEALTH The basic principles of good diets are so simple that I can summarize them in just ten words: eat less, move more, eat lots of fruits and vegetables. For additional clarification, a five-word modifier helps: go easy on junk foods." ~ Marion Nestle
SVDP Community Garden Administrative Staff
A Shepherd on Fire: The Unstoppable Spirit of Fr. Kevin Fausz - SVDP Community Garden CEO
Fr. Kevin Fausz is not just a pastor—he is a force of nature. With unwavering devotion, he leads three vibrant parishes—Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and St. Michael’s—while also lending his wisdom and heart to numerous community boards. His vision gave life to the SVDP Community Garden, a flourishing symbol of hope and nourishment that reflects his deep-rooted commitment to service and sustainability.
With over 34 years of ministry, Fr. Kevin has become a beacon for the poor, the forgotten, and the marginalized. His life is a living sermon, echoing the Vincentian mission in every action, every word, and every step he takes. His leadership is not just administrative—it’s transformational. He doesn’t just serve; he uplifts, empowers, and ignites the spirit of Christ in everyone he encounters.
I’ve had the privilege of walking in ministry with Fr. Kevin for over three years now. I thought surely, at some point, he’d slow down—especially since I had to ease my own pace. But Fr. Kevin? He’s like my grandmother used to say: “Life never stops moving, and there are too many people who need to hear the good news.” He lives that truth daily. His homilies don’t just inspire—they challenge us. They call us to pour out our hearts, to give of ourselves even when it’s hard, and to be true disciples of Christ in a world that desperately needs compassion.
Yes, his ways are firm—unyielding in discipline and expectation—but that’s part of what makes him such a powerful leader. Even now, as he serves in a position of great honor as the Finance Head for the Catholic Church’s Southwest Region, operating out of St. Louis, his heart remains anchored in his parishes. His message hasn’t changed: Give, even when you don’t feel like it. Because your kindness might be the light that brightens someone’s darkest day.
Fr. Kevin Fausz is a living testament to what it means to serve with passion, purpose, and relentless love. He is a shepherd who never tires, a servant who never stops giving, and a disciple who never stops believing in the power of the Gospel to transform lives.
Garden Director - John Hardin
John Hardin is a man of many talents and a life rich with experience. A successful figure in the music industry, he has worn many hats throughout his journey—but his deepest passions remain rooted in faith, service, and creativity. His love for God and music is matched only by his unwavering commitment to serving others.
John Hardin is a man of many talents and a life rich with experience. A successful figure in the music industry, he has worn many hats throughout his journey, but his deepest passions remain rooted in faith, service, and creativity. His love for God and music is matched only by his unwavering commitment to serving others and purpose.
Volunteer Coordinator-Adriana Seawright
Faithful Servant | Volunteer Leader | Heart of the Garden
While many in her shoes might choose a quieter life, Adrianna chose purpose. A Sicilian grandmother and widow, she could have easily settled into the comfort of home and television. Instead, she answered the call to kingdom building—playing a vital role in the enlistment, recruitment, and coordination of garden volunteers.
Despite limited mobility, Adrianna continues to give generously of herself. She serves as a lector, leads the rosary with grace, and brings warmth and encouragement to every volunteer she meets. Her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and joyful presence make her a beloved pillar of our community. Find a volunteer action button or make your way to the volunteer portal and come grow something special with us.
IT Coordination/Administration Assistant Dakota Barron
What truly inspires me about the younger volunteers who’ve stepped forward to help with our garden operations is their remarkable willingness to embrace new challenges with open hearts and curious minds. Take this particular young man—he’ll be the first to tell you he’s not naturally drawn to dirt and plants, yet his eagerness to learn has been nothing short of extraordinary. Watching him work, I can see him not just tending to our garden today, but cultivating the leadership skills he’ll carry into his community tomorrow.
Dakota Barron brings a unique perspective to our mission. As an IT professional with Labatt Food Service in San Antonio, he bridges the worlds of technology and grassroots community service with remarkable grace. Since joining Holy Redeemer in 2024, Dakota has become an integral part of our community fabric, lending his talents to the Life, Justice, & Peace committee and dedicating his Saturdays to our food bank distribution efforts.
Beyond our parish walls, Dakota’s leadership shines through his work with COPS/Metro and his role as President of Toastmasters Club #5629—the San Antonio Sociables. His commitment to the SVDP community garden reflects a deeper calling: his unwavering drive to build a sustainable, nutritious food system that truly serves our East Side neighbors. In Dakota, we see not just a volunteer, but a visionary who understands that strong communities grow from the ground up—quite literally, in our case. Once you've spoken with our Volunteer Coordinator, Dakota is the person to speak with about onboarding and ensuring you have all requred actions to work in our garden.
Liaison to the City of San Antonio and Garden Advocate ~ Sulema Mendoza
Children’s Gardening Program Coordinator
Community Champion | Health Advocate | Mentor
Our Children’s Gardening Program is led by a dynamic East Side San Antonio resident whose passion for people and justice shines through everything she does. A single mother and tireless advocate, she works as a Community Health Worker with the City of San Antonio’s Healthy Neighborhoods program and contributes to the Culinary Health Education for Families (CHEF) Recipe Demonstrations—empowering families with knowledge and access to healthier living.
Since the garden’s inception, she has been a steadfast supporter and hands-on contributor. Somehow, she always finds time to show up—often with a joyful group of children she coaches on community basketball teams. Her heart for youth is unmistakable; she nurtures them as if they were all her own.
Though not a member of our parish, she serves as a vital bridge, welcoming others into our garden and inspiring them to grow, serve, and belong. She is my go-to person, a true force of nature, and a living example of what it means to lead with love and purpose
Volunteer Engagement/ Deputy Gardener Rico Espinoza
Volunteer Engagement/ Deputy Gardener Rico Espinoza
Volunteer Engagement/ Deputy Gardener Rico Espinoza
From the very moment Rico Espinoza stepped onto the scene, he didn’t just arrive—he transformed everything around him. In an era where “I want to help, but don’t give me too much work” has become the unfortunate refrain, Rico stands as a blazing exception. His work ethic isn’t just rare; it’s revolutionary.
Rico didn’t merely step in when needed—he grabbed opportunity by the throat and made it his mission. With the natural instincts of a true community builder, he began weaving connections, inviting friends and strangers alike into our fold, turning casual encounters into passionate volunteers. His enthusiasm became contagious, spreading through our community like wildfire.
When his car literally went up in flames—yes, caught fire—most people would have seen it as a sign to step back. Not Rico. Without missing a beat, he borrowed whatever wheels he could find and worked until darkness itself forced him to stop. That’s the measure of the man: obstacles aren’t roadblocks, they’re simply puzzles to solve.
Perhaps most telling was the day he found himself caught between competing demands—our CEO needed assistance with a critical task while our Garden Director simultaneously called for help. Lesser volunteers might have fled from such pressure, but Rico? He doubled down. With the grace of a seasoned diplomat and the strength of unwavering commitment, he juggled both responsibilities flawlessly, proving that true leadership isn’t about choosing sides—it’s about finding ways to serve everyone.
When volunteers show up ready to work, Rico is the person they instinctively turn to—not because he demands it, but because he’s earned it through pure, authentic dedication to our shared mission. Although he may not be at the garden to get you started, he is the guy that will take you from the onboarding process to assigning you to your commisioned assignment at the garden.