Safe Place for Youth

To get your tickets to Evening of Inspiration, or make a gift in honor of Katy and Bill:

visit our event website. 

For over a decade, Kathy and Bill Bitting have been pillars of service at Safe Place for Youth (SPY), where they lead a monthly meal service that provides warmth, nourishment, and a sense of belonging to unhoused and at-risk youth. These meals, distributed with care and community spirit, have become such a cherished tradition that youth at SPY recognize them instantly, often asking, “Are you the church people?” Though Kathy humbly credits her team, her leadership has been the driving force behind this beloved program and continuously inspiring widespread parish involvement.

Kathy and Bill’s dedication to service is deeply rooted in their lifelong commitment to faith and community.

The couple met at UCLA and married in 1960 before settling in Pacific Palisades, where they became active members of St. Matthew’s Parish. Bill, a lifelong parishioner, tended the church grounds while Kathy served as church secretary —the beginning of their 65 years of leadership within the parish. Their commitment to supporting vulnerable youth spans decades; they began serving meals through HYPE, a program of Common Ground, and later through St. Matthew’s Outreach Program in Venice. Since SPY’s founding in 2011, they have remained steadfast in their mission,  providing food, dignity, and hope to young people in need. In recognition of their extraordinary impact, SPY is honoring Kathy and Bill for their unwavering dedication to uplifting the local youth community.