Transforming the Tenderloin: USF Alumna’s Passion for Service

The University of San Francisco, renowned for its transformative Jesuit education, stands as a beacon in the realm of community learning and service. Silena Layne has taken her USF education one step further and has emerged as a servant-leader with a passion to support the Tenderloin neighborhood.

Can you describe your journey from being a USF alum to the Faithful Fools? How did you become involved with this organization?

After teaching in Pacific Heights and experiencing a cultural shock in the Peace Corps, I transitioned to creating a non-violence transformation program in West Oakland following the tragic loss of my little brother. This led me to work with Opportunity Impact, which focused on supporting underperforming students in public housing developments.

After recognizing the impact of representation, I started programs to enhance success rates for students. One of the founders of Faithful Fools invited me to contribute to Up On Top, an after-school and summer program that helps kids develop academically and recreationally and offers family and community support in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco.

Quickly transitioning from a consultant to interim executive director, I dedicated five years at Faithful Fools and witnessed a significant increase in participation from 35 to 200 students and families during the school year and summer.

For those who don't know about Faithful Fools, how would you best describe the organization?

Faithful Fools is a grassroots community organization situated in the Tenderloin, dedicated to supporting those often overlooked. Founded by women of faith, our mission is to provide a safe haven for the under-resourced.

Through the pillars of art, education, advocacy, and accompaniment, we meet individuals where they are, valuing each person's worth, while dispelling myths about those living in poverty.

Why do you feel it’s important for students to be involved with philanthropy post-graduation?

Engaging in philanthropy post-graduation is integral to building our common humanity. It goes beyond financial contributions; it's about looking others in the eye, being lifelong learners, and fostering love.

Our commitment to philanthropy is deeply rooted in a spiritual quest for healing, growth, and celebration. By acknowledging our capacity to alleviate hardships, we fulfill a responsibility to contribute positively to the world. It's a way to demonstrate a sense of community, foster good relationships, and nurture our shared humanity."

Our commitment to philanthropy is deeply rooted in a spiritual quest for healing, growth, and celebration. By acknowledging our capacity to alleviate hardships, we fulfill a responsibility to contribute positively to the world. It's a way to demonstrate a sense of community, foster good relationships, and nurture our shared humanity.

What are the common misconceptions about the Tenderloin and working with the housing insecure community? How has the Faithful Fools worked to change this narrative?

I would say one of the most common misconceptions about the Tenderloin is that if you haven't gone there to meet a person and look them in the eye, your conception is based on someone else's narrative. Whatever the media is sharing, or what’s posted on social media is never going to show the full spectrum of a community or its people; that's always a disservice.

As a person of color, especially as a Black woman, there are so many misconceptions people make. There’s a surprise that someone like me could be in this position because it’s not the typical norm.

What does the Faithful Fools mean to you? How have you seen it expand since you joined?

This is my 13th year as being a ‘fool’ in court and what is evident is I'm the only African American person in the organization's history to be working in a full capacity.

As a Bay Area native, I'm the only person active on our board and staff that has lived experience as a formerly homeless person, who has grown up in a house with addiction and has been displaced. I am also the caretaker of my family including my mother.

The organization has significantly grown in the past two years, with more African American recipients. Regardless of the environment, a person of color in the room adds depth, richness, and cultural beauty to the narrative. It enriches the experience for every single person involved, our organization, the school community, and the students that will be a recipient of that relationship.

Learn more about what USF alumni are up to.