Isabel came to Taller de José fighting on behalf of her child. Her young son, Ramiro, was experiencing daily bullying in his CPS elementary school with little recourse or support offered by the administration. Isabel came to Taller de José seeming doubtful, overwhelmed and a little afraid to pursue justice for her son. Nonetheless, she came prepared to fight on her son’s behalf. Isabel presented her compañera with several letters that she received from CPS in English that she needed help understanding. The compañera was able to assist with translating these letters along with a list of concerns that Isabel had regarding the treatment of her son in the CPS system.
As they worked together to best communicate her concerns on paper, Isabel’s passion and conviction became increasingly evident. She was a mother fueled by the desire to protect her son but not discouraged by the limitations that language-barriers and bureaucratic systems create. After witnessing Isabel’s commitment to fight for her son, it became clear that Isabel sought our help not because she was timid or unable to speak out against injustices. Isabel was already very aware of her strength and was asking for our help to interpret her powerful voice. This is a key element of what we do at Taller de José; accompaniment is not only about walking with but speaking with our clients as they fight to be heard.
