President’s Letter
March 2026
I hope this message finds you inspired by the shifting light and gentle transition into spring. I am looking forward to all of the opportunities this month to come together to reflect, listen, and imagine the next chapters of SepulvedaUU. Your voices in our upcoming Town Hall and committee meetings are vital to shaping our vision.
As pledge season continues, I want to personally thank you for your generous commitments. Whether lifelong or newer members, SepulvedaUU is your spiritual home because you believe in the values of our faith. It’s members like you who have sustained this beloved UU community in the San Fernando Valley for decades, and your investments of time, talent, and treasure sustain our social justice work, vibrant worship services, and dedicated staff.
I’m happy to share a meaningful update from The Drop In Access Center at Studio City, a program our congregation supports through generous donations. Here’s their latest:
Tuesday Drop-In Access Center Update
Things have gone well at the Tuesday Drop-In Access Center this fall and winter. We remained open during both the Christmas and New Year’s weeks—a time when many other centers were closed—ensuring that our guests continued to have access to food, clothing, and support during the holidays.
Attendance has decreased slightly in recent months. We are currently serving an average of 45 guests each week, compared to the 55+ we were seeing in the fall. Even with the lower numbers, the need remains significant, and our dedicated team of volunteers continues to keep everything running smoothly and efficiently each Tuesday.
Unfortunately, we have not yet been able to restore shower truck services. We have been told the delay is due to city bureaucracy, which continues to be a source of frustration—for us and especially for our guests, who deeply valued this service.
In terms of current needs, boxer briefs remain a priority—particularly in large and extra-large sizes. We distribute approximately 100 pairs each month. I did locate a bulk purchasing option through Amazon for shelters, and thanks to your generous financial support, we have been able to purchase additional supplies as needed.
Although spring seems to be approaching, nights and early mornings remain cold. Our guests are requesting warm clothing—sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets, jeans, sweatpants, and similar items.
I want to express my continued gratitude to the Sepulveda UU Society for your financial support. We would not be able to meet our guests’ needs as effectively without your partnership.
I’d also like to share a brief reflection I wrote on why we do this work and what it means to our community.
Why We Do What We Do
Each Tuesday, we serve food and provide clothing to a line of unhoused and food-insecure guests. Some are openly grateful. Some are too hungry, too weary, too irritated, or too proud to express gratitude. It doesn’t matter. Each person receives the same generous serving as the one before them.
As I hand over a plate or a cup of coffee, I try to look each guest in the eye. In that brief moment, I am reminded that every single one of them is a human being—with hopes, desires, loves, and dreams. Circumstances may have pushed them to the margins, but their humanity remains intact.
It may not be within my power to determine whether their dreams will someday be realized. But if a warm meal, a clean pair of underwear, or a kind word moves them even one inch closer to stability or hope, then every bit of effort is worth it.
There is something powerful—almost addictive—about seeing someone’s eyes light up. About feeling good by helping someone else feel seen, fed, and cared for.
That is why we do this work.
Thank you for being part of our Beloved Community,
Janet
Janet Landau
President
Sepulveda UU Society
818-724-4260
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