Depression is the clinical term for a person who is going through an emotional and physical disorder characterized by a general loss of interest and chronic feelings of sadness. Although Robert Flournoy was going through this disease, it didn’t deter him from his yearning to help others in need.
26 years ago in Santa Ana, California, a city that’s known for gangs and drugs, Robert met a group of seven homeless people. Because his passion to help others was much greater than his depression, he felt their needs were more important than his own struggles. And so, Robert made it his mission to see that they were taken care of and that they knew they had a friend. At this moment, he had unknowingly begun his journey to fight hunger.
Since then, Robert has taken his compassionate ministry to Irvine Valley College, where he has worked for 30 years. With volunteers from his non-profit Loaves and Fishes x 10, in tandem with various campus departments such as the IVC Classified Senate, the Veterans Center, Campus Police, DSPS, EOPS, Facilities, and Student Services, Robert has helped alleviate hunger and improve students’ overall well-being.
As we are all aware, hunger can hinder students’ learning and academic success. Addressing student hunger is crucial for creating a positive and supportive learning environment. And so, in his many years on campus, Robert has partnered with the IVC Classified Senate to organize the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive and Basket Distribution.
Along with Circle K, IVC Athletics, College Corps, Facilities and Maintenance, and individual IVC employees, he has helped coordinate and glean fresh produce for on-campus food programs. He has also helped collect hundreds of canned goods for student veterans, and he played a crucial role in a toy drive that provided toys for IVC students and their families.
