Explore St. Vincent DePaul Community Garden Community Garden

Fr. Kevin Fausz isn’t just a pastor—he’s a powerhouse of faith and service. With over 34 years in ministry, he leads three vibrant parishes, serves on community boards, and brought the SVDP Community Garden to life—a living symbol of hope and sustainability.

Rooted in the Vincentian mission, Fr. Kevin uplifts the poor and marginalized with every word and action. His leadership is bold, compassionate, and Christ-centered. His homilies challenge us to give generously and live as true disciples in a world craving compassion.

Even now, as Finance Head for the Catholic Church’s Southwest Region, his heart remains with his people. He reminds us: your kindness could be someone’s light in the darkness.

Fr. Kevin is a tireless shepherd, a servant of relentless love, and a living witness to the Gospel’s power to transform lives.

John Hardin is a man of many talents and deep purpose. A full-time musician since his debut album in 1974, he’s never stopped creating—but his heart beats just as strongly for faith and service. Despite being visually impaired and a two-time cancer survivor, John leads the SVDP Community Garden with unwavering passion, nurturing both soil and souls.

Starting October 1st, he’ll host and produce the garden’s new video podcast, Roots and Real Talk, with support from an industry veteran friend from California. Together, they’ll bring stories of hope, growth, and gritty truth to life—amplifying voices that inspire and uplift.

John’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of giving back.

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.

What inspires me most about our younger volunteers is their openness to growth. Take Dakota Barron—an IT professional at Labatt Food Service—who admits gardening isn’t his natural passion, yet shows up eager to learn and lead. His dedication is shaping not just our garden, but his future as a community leader.

Since joining Holy Redeemer in 2024, Dakota has become a vital part of our parish, serving on the Life, Justice, & Peace committee and helping with food bank distributions. His leadership extends beyond our walls through COPS/Metro and as President of Toastmasters Club #5629.

Dakota’s commitment to the SVDP garden reflects his deeper mission: building a sustainable food system for our East Side neighbors. He’s not just a volunteer—he’s a visionary. Once you’ve connected with our Volunteer Coordinator, Dakota is your go-to for onboarding and garden operations

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

From day one, Rico Espinoza didn’t just show up—he elevated everything around him. In a time when volunteers often shy away from heavy lifting, Rico leans in with unmatched drive and heart.

Whether rallying new volunteers or juggling urgent tasks from leadership, Rico handles it all with grace and grit. Even when his car caught fire, he kept showing up—proving that obstacles only fuel his commitment.

Though he may not be at the garden to greet you, Rico is your go-to for onboarding and getting assigned to your garden role. His dedication is the heartbeat of our mission.