Restoration Abbey, a church located on Autumn Drive in the heart of San Marcos that nurtures spiritual, economic and relational interconnectedness in the pursuit of peace, has been selected to receive the San Marcos Inspiration, Leadership and Excellence (SMILE) Award. The award is being given to the entire organization instead of an individual church member based on the collective extraordinary contribution of Restoration Abbey for upholding our shared values of humanity and dignity. 

The organization’s namesake pays homage to the important historic role abbeys have played over time by offering sanctuary and solitude for the weary. Restoration Abbey was presented with the SMILE Award by the San Marcos City Council on Tuesday, Sept. 12 for its extraordinary humanitarian response. City Council Member María Nuñez selected the recipient for this award. 

Nuñez is awarding Restoration Abbey for their benevolent response to the humanitarian crisis at the U.S.A./Mexico border earlier this year arising from the expiration of Title 42—eliminating the end of corona virus restrictions on asylum seekers. In May, thousands of migrants found themselves detained by Border Patrol, on U.S.A. soil, deprived of food, water, shelter, bathrooms, other basic necessities, and in many instances life-saving medical care. Without resources and leadership from government, elected representatives or established organizations funded to assist asylum seekers, the humanitarian response fell upon small grassroots groups and individuals to coordinate and provide critical humanitarian aid. Commenting on the award, Nuñez said, “Restoration Abbey stood out among the responders.” Without hesitation, Alex Aguas and Matthew Veling, along with their families and congregation altruistically, bravely, and with initiative shepherded Restoration Abbey’s key role in response to the crisis. “Restoration Abbey stepped in and rallied to organize overnight shifts at the border wall and gather blankets, food, water, phone chargers, medicine, baby formula and much more for the detainees in the open-air detention site,” explained Nuñez. “Their compassionate response to a heartbreaking situation shined a light on the generosity this group has for humankind and illuminated the very spirit of this award.” 

With compassion, Restoration Abbey upheld human dignity aiding over 50 migrants with housing, food, transportation, etc. “Restoration Abbey created a loving, welcoming makeshift shelter for the migrants that became affectionately known as “el santuario religioso,” Nuñez said.

“Historically, members of community abbeys were keenly aware of their neighbor’s needs and joined together to donate surplus goods to help the well-being of all,” explained Matthew Veling. “We are honored to be a part of this modern-day abbey effort right here in San Marcos and humbled by this recognition.”

Immersed in the San Marcos community, Restoration Abbey collaborates with community partners on a yearly Día De Los Muertos cultural art series in October leading up to a community dinner on Dia De Los Muertos, Nov.1 and 2 and hosts an annual community Posada in December. Church members volunteer year-round to tutor community members going through the citizenship process, volunteer at food distributions and gather food donations weekly to feed families in need. 

Amid crises at home and around the world, during great economic and political division, “this recognition serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the humanity in every individual affected by the ongoing immigration crisis around the world” according to Nuñez.  “It is an honor to spotlight Restoration Abby’s compassionate work and our shared values of humanity and dignity,” continued Nuñez. 

Members of Restoration Abbey were on hand to accept the award on behalf of the organization.  

Started in March 2021, the San Marcos City Council’s Civic SMILE Award recognizes community members or groups who clearly reflect San Marcos’ “Spirit of Service.” Five times each year, a recipient is selected by a specific City Council member to receive the award. 

For more information about the recognition program, please visit San Marcos Civic SMILE Award.

For more information on Restoration Abbey, please visit www.ourabbey.com.