Emi Carvell’s Story: Rooted in Nature, Growing Through Service
For over 25 years, Emi Carvell has been a force of nature at St. Joseph Center. Week in and week out, you will find her in the Food Pantry moving with an energy and level of tenacity that defines the spirit of our volunteer community. While her journey began in Yokohama, Japan, she has spent the last quarter century dedicated to the wellbeing of her neighbors in Los Angeles.
Healing Through the Earth
Emi’s heart is in the garden, and she has spent decades channeling her discipline into the natural world. As a Master Gardener with the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), she views the soil as a place of grit and transformation. This role requires rigorous science-based training and a deep commitment to service, and Emi has logged over 27,500 hours in this capacity.
At St. Joseph Center, her expertise goes beyond planting. She teaches sustainable gardening, soil health, composting, and even wildfire protection education. Known for her hands on approach in neighborhood workshops, she once gave a root bound orchid plant pot a firm kick to show her students that life is tougher than it looks.
“Pay attention to nature with respect and kindness,” Emi says. “That is us. We are part of nature.”
For her, the earth is a partner that offers us a sense of belonging and the foundation for a healthy community.
Compassion and Connection
In her early years volunteering at the Food Pantry, Emi felt unsettled by the weight of the crisis facing many of our neighbors. It was a heavy burden until she confided in long time volunteer Sister Kathy Stein. Representing the founding congregation, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Sister Kathy helped Emi understand the hidden pain and complexity of people’s lives when they are experiencing homelessness.
That conversation led to a meaningful compromise. To protect her spirit while staying committed to the mission, Emi moved from the frontline to the stockroom. There, she continues to serve with deep compassion, ensuring every bag packed is filled with care. For Emi, volunteering is a matter of integrity.
“To be a good volunteer, you have to be responsible. Once you have a commitment, stick to it, whether you get paid or not, and do your best. Then you learn a lot from it.” – Emi
A Legacy of Resilience
Emi’s dedication is fueled by a profound sense of purpose. In 1991, she survived a life threatening brain tumor that required a rare 18 hour surgery. She emerged from that experience not with fear, but with a mission to live a life of service. She discovered that through volunteering and socializing, she could heal her soul, mind, and heart. She has poured that gratitude into St. Joseph Center, bringing a resilient spirit to every shift.
Beyond the pantry, Emi continues to advocate for the planet through zero waste living and served on the Jewish Vocational Service Los Angeles (JVS/LA) board. She remains a wise, hopeful force, reminding us all that we are citizens of Earth. As a Master Gardener and a survivor of immense challenges, Emi proves that when we treat our neighbors and our planet with respect, we all grow together.
