By: Sara A. Tejeda As a Mexican immigrant, advocating for the Latino and migrant community has always been a part of my life. Fighting for the human rights of under-represented and disadvantaged groups was a main reason for choosing a career in social work. I’m originally from El Distrito Federal, Mexico but I moved to…
DetailsBy Eli We sit next to each other on the bus, returning from the 555 West Harrison courthouse. The weather hasn’t quite begun to settle into its downward spiral for winter temperatures. There is a nice breeze that calls for a light sweater, if that. We talk of Puebla, Mexico and folkloric dancing. I am…
DetailsBy Vicenta V There is joy in knowing that I am part of an incredible mission and that alongside me are marvelous human-beings. I’ve only been at Taller de José for a little over two months, and these two months have been filled with sadness, perseverance, confusion, gladness, and so many other emotions as I’ve accompanied…
DetailsBy Nico I’ve been in Chicago for about two months, which feels like enough time to see the ways I reply to family members and friends who ask how I am via email, call, text, or the odd letter. I have a few options I tend to use as responses. Sometimes I’ll say I’m getting…
DetailsBy: Brenda R I recently celebrated three years at Taller De José! Time does fly, especially when you’re accompanying, learning, and walking with clients and other compañerxs. While I do not have an exact number in the three years that I have been at Taller De José I have seen more than 400 clients. I…
DetailsAfter serving two years as our Office Administrator, Leslie Carranza moved into a role of Compañera this summer, offering accompaniment services in partnership with the Quinn Center of St. Eulalia in Proviso Township. Below is a reflection on her first several months as a Compañera. It feels most organic to use Bishop Untener’s prayer “Prophets of a Future…
DetailsBy Matt M. It was cancer: breast cancer, to be specific. This is the same cancer that killed my grandmother, the same cancer that scared the rest of my family to death a decade ago when my mom found a lump, the same cancer that killed my mom’s best friend just months ago. My very…
DetailsBy Maggie S. In my life I have always been taught to use my abilities for good. I fundamentally believe the privileges I have been granted throughout life should never be left unchecked and should be used to help those who have been dealt harder circumstances. My work here at Taller allows me to do…
DetailsBy: Daniel D I have only been a Compañero at Taller de Jose for six weeks, yet I have had many eye-opening experiences. There was one client who especially stuck out to me, Cecilia*. It started out just like any other meeting regarding translating and filling out some paperwork. In this case, it was regarding…
DetailsBy Tim Gale Here at Taller we are asked to hold a lot in our hands; the sticky palms of energetic children of the parents we accompany, heavy stories and hearts. Somewhere along the way I got it mixed up that I was the only one alongside the clients holding their heart. In a gentle…
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