By Sr. Betty Being a nun, I have found myself in various service opportunities. From inner city youth to recent immigrants to the US, with each opportunity I have served a unique group of diverse individuals. With everyone that I encounter, I have been known to be realistic about situations with anything and anyone. Most…
By Leslie D. Offsite Accompaniment is one of the various services which Taller de Jose offers. Accompaniment can be described differently by each client that Compañeras interact with. It might mean accompanying someone, due to language barriers. It can also mean accompanying for moral support. Each client we accompany and give our time to sees…
By Patty When I first saw the work Taller de José did, I was intrigued. Reading the blogs of compañeras as they shared their stories and encounters made me even more interested. Now, as a new compañera here, it is my turn to share my experiences in my work and journeys with clients. As I…
By Bianca “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7, NIV These verses have not held more truth to me than…
By Sarah “Sarah, your 10am appointment is here.” Downstairs in the waiting room I met Sandra*, a new client to Taller de José, and likewise one of my first intakes as a new compañera. Bundled in her arms (with tiny feet covered by too-big pink socks peeking out of the blanket) was her sleeping baby,…
By Joan “May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May…
By: Damaris This summer has been full of lifelong learning experiences. Working at Taller de José I gained a lot of insight on the issues that our clients go through on a daily basis. I learned that the same issue can affect people differently. I was able to accompany different individuals to the same court…
By: Adam “It helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view. The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision.” So read the opening lines of Bishop Ken Untener’s famous prayer, “A Step along the Way.” When I first read these words as part of my…
By: Alec As I wrap up my Jesuit Volunteer year of service at Taller de José, it is natural for me to reflect on gaining a sense of closure to my experience. Working as a compañero and living in an intentional community with four other volunteers defied and upended my initial expectations of what this…
By: Brenda Transitioning from being the office manager to a compañera has been an interesting experience. I think that deep down inside I was meant to be a compañera. Before I was even considered for the position, a woman named Camila* came to the office. Camila is an elderly woman who I remember had previously…
