From the Executive Director | | |
Dear Friends,
On Ash Wednesday, we started Lent with a morning of reflection for staff, volunteers, and interns. The theme was Gratitude Through Lent. We are all well-aware of the state of the world right now. It directly impacts our work every day, and it can be overwhelming. We learned that practicing gratitude, of noticing the gifts in our daily lives and expressing thanks, will help our overall well-being. We decorated gratitude journals, experienced the Examen, and were invited to develop a practice of gratitude in Lent.
During our time of reflection, I felt incredible gratitude for this team we have built here at Taller de José. Each of them goes above and beyond for our clients. When problems arise, which they do, they come together to solve it. When there is something more that can be done, they offer to do it.
Recently, Joan, our 16-year and counting volunteer, had a client. Pedro was brought to TDJ by his friend, Roberto, who is a long-time TDJ client. Pedro needed some help with an issue with the IRS. Joan helped him set up his online profile. He, then, had to verify his identity through a video call. Joan sought the support of Jasmine, our Mission Advancement Coordinator, who dropped what she was doing to support Joan. Joan then waited with Pedro for over an hour for their turn with the IRS agent.
| | 17th Annual Builders Day Celebration | | | |
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for our Annual Builders Day Celebration:
Sunday, April 26th, 2026
Crystal Sky Banquets
7941 47th St, McCook IL 60525
| | Every spring TDJ celebrates Builders Day: a special day named in honor of St. Joseph, who through humble craftmanship and quiet strength built hope. In that spirit we gather each year to recognize those who help build stronger, more connected communities with compassion and care. We are pleased to present our three honorees at our 17th Builders Day Celebration: | | |
Builder Award
Luis Gutierrez
Founder and CEO,
Latinos Progresando
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Companion Award
Anna Sandoval
Senior Research Specialist at University of Illinois at Chicago
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Accompaniment Award
Ignatian Volunteer Corps
Chicago Chapter
| | Early Bird tickets are available now through March 31st! Visit our Giving Page to purchase your tickets or explore our sponsorship levels. | | | | Returning to Little Village | | |
Due to client demand in Little Village, we decided to partner with Latinos Progresando to staff a satellite location. This partnership allows us to once again serve neighbors in Little Village— just a few blocks from our old location.
Beginning in February, our Compañera Jeanette will offer appointments once a week at the main Latinos Progresando office. She will be available for both client appointments and accompaniments, expanding access to TDJ services in the Little Village community. If you know of clients who would benefit from being seen at our satellite site, please contact our office to schedule an appointment or learn more. We are grateful for this partnership and excited to continue accompanying our neighbors where the need is greatest.
| | Expanding Access Through Home Visits | | |
Alongside the launch of our satellite office, Taller de José is also piloting a home visit program. Through this effort, Compañeras will be able to meet with clients in their homes to deliver food boxes, assist with virtual medical or legal appointments, and help finalize important paperwork, including collecting signatures and providing notarization when needed.
We are starting with existing clients to help us learn more about how best to meet their needs. This program allows us to reach neighbors who are unable to travel to our office due to mobility, health, work, family constraints, or fear. By meeting clients where they are, we continue our commitment to accompaniment, ensuring support is accessible, dignified, and rooted in care.
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Notary Services
Taller de José has long been a trusted resource for neighbors seeking translation services for important documents, including birth, marriage, divorce certificates, and more. All translations are completed on-site and notarized, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and peace of mind for our clients.
We are excited to share that three staff members -Jeanette, Isabella, and Aaliyah - recently became Notary Publics, joining two additional team members, Alejandra and Jasmine, already serving in this role. Now with five notaries on staff, we are better equipped to provide these services efficiently, professionally, and with the care our community deserves.
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Taller de José is proud to serve as a placement site for social work and Catholic ministry students seeking meaningful, hands-on, community based experience.
During the internship, students will develop core skills while working closely with individuals and families. Interns learn how to:
- provide case management and advocacy
- navigate community resources
- build rapport and trust with clients
- collaborate with our trusted community partners
Rooted in accompaniment, this experience invites students to learn deeply, build relationships, and grow into compassionate professionals. We accept applications and interview on a rolling basis! Reach out to Alejandra Padilla, our Program and Intern Coordinator, with any questions about our next cohort.
| | If you know anyone interested in our Intern Compañerx position, direct them to our website! More information about the position is posted online! https://tallerdejose.org/internship/ | | | Jeanette and Isabella, our Summer 2025 CSJ Interns, on the Chicago Architecture Tour as part of their summer experience. | |
CSJ Internship in Leadership through Ministry
The Congregation of St. Joseph offers a paid summer internship program that places young adults at ministries throughout its Mission Network. Taller de José is proud to serve as one of these sites, welcoming interns each summer.
Through this experience, young adults have the opportunity to discover and strengthen their gifts for leadership while gaining meaningful experience in nonprofit ministry. Rooted in the mission of unity, the program supports interns in developing leadership skills, deepening their sense of purpose, and exploring their call to serve.
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1st Annual Alumni Reunion
In December we hosted our first ever Alumni Reunion. More than 50 alumni joined together for this lovely event at Monochrome Brewing in Pilsen. It was wonderful to see the TDJ family of past Compañerxs, staff, volunteers, and board members came together to reminisce on the time they spent at TDJ.
We plan to host more events like this soon, so if you missed the first one, stay connected to find out about more reunion opportunities.
| | | Make sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates and happenings! | | | | |
