Taller de José, also known as TDJ or Joseph’s Workshop, was born from the spirit and tradition of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, rooted in the belief that “all may be one.” Inspired by this vision of unity and love, the three founders – Archbishop Robert Casey (Fr. Bob at the time), Sr. Kathy Brazda, CSJ, and Sr. Carol Crepeau, CSJ, – dreamed of creating a ministry that would respond to the most pressing needs of the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago. These needs were poverty and a lack of access to essential resources. TDJ was envisioned as a place where God’s dream of uniting love could be tangible through service and accompaniment.
From the beginning, collaboration was essential. An advisory board was formed, bringing together community members, staff from Our Lady of Tepeyac Parish, and friends of the Congregation of St. Joseph. Their collective wisdom and support helped shape the path forward, ensuring the ministry would remain deeply rooted in the needs and hopes of the community.
Soon after, Sr. Kathy Brazda, CSJ, joined as executive director, working tirelessly to develop the ministry of accompaniment, TDJ’s guiding approach. With a small but dedicated staff of Compañeras and Compañeros, TDJ opened its doors to the community. These accompaniment staff members, speaking both English and Spanish, were specifically trained to listen, understand, and walk alongside clients as they navigated complex systems in search of help. The mission was simple but profound: to accompany and connect people to services and services to people, creating more connected communities.
In 2008, its first year, TDJ formed key partnerships with local agencies and organizations. Through these collaborations, TDJ was able to support over a hundred individuals, helping them access everything from healthcare and legal support to housing and emotional care. As demand for services grew, so too did the staff. An Associate Director role was added, and the organization formalized its structure with incorporation and established a Board of Directors, ensuring sustainability and good governance. Around this time, TDJ also became an official
sponsored ministry of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph and expanded into new office space, located in Little Village, to better serve the growing community.
In 2016, Sr. Kathy Brazda, CSJ, stepped down after eight years as Executive Director. During her time the organization grew in its reach and size. New staff members joined, including full-time volunteers from Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Dominican Volunteers, and Amate House, interns from local universities and theological institutions, and seasoned professionals offering their time and experience. The growth of the team allowed TDJ to serve more clients and meet increasingly complex needs.
In Fall 2016, TDJ welcomed Anna Mayer as Executive Director. She started at TDJ as a Compañera and later as Program Director. Anna continued to grow TDJ, expanding its reach to the Western suburbs with a partnership with the Quinn Center at St. Eulalia.
Then came a challenge like no other – the COVID-19 pandemic. TDJ, like so many other organizations, was forced to close its physical doors. The spirit of accompaniment did not waver. Staff pivoted and adapted to remote services, connecting with clients by phone and online. With the help of federal grants and generous donations, TDJ continued to support individuals and families through the most difficult times, offering assistance with rent, emotional well-being, and critical resources.
In 2022, TDJ joined the newly formed Congregation of St. Joseph (CSJ) Mission Network to ensure continued growth and ongoing support of the Congregation.
In April 2024, Elizabeth Jennings White joined TDJ as the new Executive Director. Due to the sale of adjacent property, TDJ was asked to move out of the convent building where they had been for a decade. In September 2024, TDJ moved to its new office in the Gage Park neighborhood of Chicago. TDJ is now in the former convent building on the campus of St. Gall Catholic Church. This move, while challenging, has afforded TDJ the ability to expand its reach and impact, while maintaining strong connections in the Little Village neighborhood.
Today, TDJ clients come from more than 120 zip codes, and TDJ collaborates with over 150 partner agencies. Services are offered in both Spanish and English, and each year, between 1,000 to 1,500 individuals and their families receive the personalized support they need to thrive. Through it all, the heart of the mission remains the same: to accompany, to connect, and to build a more connected community.
