Graciela visited Taller de José because she had just been laid off. There’s never a good time to lose one’s job, but right before the holidays is probably one of the worst times. By the time she came to Taller, Graciela had already found new temporary work, but she wasn’t going to be able to…
DetailsAcela was a friendly older woman referred to us by Esperanza Health Clinic, a local clinic in Little Village that provides quality bilingual, bicultural medical services to the community. When she arrived at Taller de Jose, she already knew where to go. “Cook County,” she said, “Last time they wouldn’t see me.” It was my…
DetailsThis Thanksgiving, I have been thinking about how grateful I am for the relationships I’ve formed with clients and all that they’ve taught me. One such client is Juana, who came to Taller de José looking for help as she applied for U-VISA immigration status, a special visa available to those who have been victims…
DetailsOn Tuesday, I was scheduled to assist a client with voting. The client has visual impairments that prevent her from seeing detail, and thus would be unable to read the ballot. The client had called and confirmed with the election board that she could bring someone to assist her, and as I found out on…
DetailsWhen a new client comes in to Taller de Jose for an initial intake, I first meet him or her in the waiting room. If there are multiple people in the waiting room, there is this brief moment of panic in which I frantically look around thinking, “Ok, now who exactly is my client?”. But…
DetailsYolanda is a shy young woman who came to Taller de José last week. She was referred by Mujeres Latinas en Acción, a local agency that serves victims of domestic violence and seeks to empower women in the community. Yolanda is soft spoken but self-assured. She credits Mujeres Latinas for helping her develop this self-assurance…
DetailsAs I near the completion of my first month volunteering at Taller de José, it is amazing to think of how many diverse cases I have faced with clients in such a short amount of time. This past month has shown me how the ministry of accompaniment impacts our clients and the way that we…
DetailsOn days when he does not have dialysis, Raul often stops by to see his compañera. He always greets us with a warm handshake and asks if his companera is around before slowly making his way up the stairs. A year ago, he was concerned that he would not be able to get treatment for…
DetailsOn June 24th, Taller de José partnered with Catholic Charities and A Night Out to provide a night of fun to women who have suffered from domestic violence. Taller de José often works with domestic violence victims who continue to carry heavy burdens in their lives. A Night Out provides these women with a brief…
DetailsIn some cases, clients come to Taller for a single visit, receive the support and referrals they need, and do not need to return. In other cases, Taller has longstanding relationships with clients that last for years. Mariela and Gabriel are two of those clients, and their stories are indicative of the courage and strength…
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