Why am I Running for Team Taller?

Hello Everyone!

As you know, I am running the Chicago Marathon this fall. I have wanted to run a marathon for several years now but registration is so early, this is the first year I have felt that I knew where I would be come marathon time. I am  excited to finally be fulfilling my dream, but I wanted it to be more than just a personal journey, I wanted my race to count. That is why I am choosing to run for Taller de José. As you may know, last August I started my year of service with Amate House and my service site was Taller de José. I was fortunate to be hired on this summer until I started school late September. Not only was working at Taller de José a life changing experience, I truly believe in the mission of the organization and the power of its accomplishments in the community.

Taller de José is a sponsored ministry of the Congregation of St. Joseph—a group of nuns who enter a community and ask what the community needs and how they can help meet those needs. In the Little Village community of Chicago, predominantly populated by Mexican immigrants, they saw a need for helping connect people to services. You see, there are a lot of services in the neighborhood and throughout the city, but brand-new immigrants might not know where they are, how to get there, or how to sign their kids up due to language barriers. They may have court dates to file for child support or an order of protection or even immigration interviews but need someone who speaks the language to feel more comfortable going to these daunting buildings. This is where Taller de José and the mission of accompaniment comes in. Taller de José does not replicate the services of other agencies, it bridges the gaps between them. Compañeras (companions) at Taller de José make calls for people, take them on the train to court and sit with them to explain what is going on. If clients cannot afford to pay for their train ride downtown, Taller de José will cover that for them---that adds up pretty quickly. In fact, each accompaniment costs $9 ($2.25 each ride and with both the compañeras and client going both ways…).

The word has gotten out about Taller and they are constantly busy. When I left in September I thought we were swamped, but they have only gotten more and more clients—which means more and more accompaniments. Most of the compañera staff is made of volunteers so every dollar really counts toward serving clients. I have decided to accompany Taller in my journey for the marathon, would you consider accompanying me to the finish line by making a donation to Taller de José? Every little bit is appreciated!

I hope to use this blog as a way to update everyone on my journey and to share more about my choice to run for Taller de José. Feel free to subscribe and you will get emails each time I post so you don’t have to keep checking. Thank you for accompanying me on my journey!