Alumni Update: Joanna Jew Dunn

Joanna Jew Dunn is a Cameron House alumna who is currently serving as an Associate Pastor at University Presbyterian Church in Rochester Hills, MI. Although she has been living outside of California for over 20 years, she continues to support Cameron House and took time to share some of her story with us.

When were you introduced to Cameron House?

I started at Cameron House the summer before I started Kindergarten as a day camper. I grew up in the summer day camp program, Saturday program (Best Day of the Week and Super Saturday) during the academic year, and the Friday Night Club program. I also traveled on several Mini-Caravan teams to Northern California communities.

Can you share about how Cameron House has helped influence or shape your thinking?

Cameron House and parochial schools shaped my faith, life, and way of thinking. My own faith comes from the exposure and practice of several faith traditions. Cameron House specifically was always a place where individual opinions were significant. The well-rounded nature of living the Gospel was significant. It wasn’t just about the knowledge of God, but the movement of the Spirit that was nurtured. When asked recently about where I met Jesus, I usually say, I met Christ at 920 Sacramento Street.

I would not be clergy without the influence of the Cameron House community. CH shaped my ministry style, the openness and inclusiveness of many perspectives, and my passion for youth and young adult ministry. I still practice the “four square” ministry I learned at CH. So, I believe we nurture spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially. And we live in community through prayer, study, work, and worship.

Who were some of your role models at Cameron House?

Rev. Norman Fong, Norma and Terry Chan, Corrine Lee, Kelly Quon, Patty Chang, Ernie Lew, and others who taught me so much about faith, life, and community

How has the experience of living so far away been for you and your family?

God’s call has kept me away from home since 1993 other than for short visits. I miss the community and love to see the posts on Facebook and other media. My family knows about Cameron House and its history from me. I have shared it with each congregation I have served, making connections for others.

To you, what is special about Cameron House?

WOW, where to start. There are so many parts about Cameron House that are special.
The relationships made; the commitment; the leadership training and the number of people who have spent at least a part of the careers in the “helping” fields; the idea of giving back to the community in which we were raised – from generation to generation…and of course, Carnival!

Why do you continue to support Cameron House?

It will ALWAYS be home for me! I believe in its mission and ministry.

What are your hopes for the future of Cameron House?11094723_10152808010268297_110306086911739811_n

I hope Cameron House continues to work and grow and expand its ministry as the needs of the community change. Also that Cameron House and its history will continue to be a light to the world in and outside of Chinatown, San Francisco, California.