San Jose Obrero Mission latest news

SJOM Educates, Finkl Academy Participates

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0600

This is the second year that Finkl students visited San Jose Obrero Mission through a volunteer program called EAR, which stands for Educate, Act and Reflect. Mr. Grueba, one of the founders of the program and a teacher at Finkl Academy, explained that the purpose of the EAR program is for students interested in learning about issues affecting their community to have an opportunity outside of the classroom to explore and learn through their own initiatives as participation in the EAR program is completely voluntary.

Each quarter students choose a different topic. For the winter quarter the subject of homelessness was chosen. Through the collaboration with SJOM, the students and their families learned about the realities and myths about homelessness and the individuals that SJOM serves. Executive Director, Israel Vargas invited the students in the EAR program for a site visit on January 28, 2012.

SJOM’s Executive Director welcomed the Finkl families by personally giving the families a tour of the Families in Crisis facility explaining SJOM’s approach to providing a nurturing and safe environment to those women and women with children that we serve. Having interim housing that is secure along with providing basic needs like healthcare, individualized case management, career training, job placement assistance, life skills, and referrals is key to stabilizing participants and that leads to self sufficiency.

Many of the students had misconceptions about what a “shelter” looked like and about the different individual and family situations that cause homelessness. Mr. Vargas clarified to the families that SJOM participants are ordinary people who may have a period of facing certain barriers that lead them to becoming homeless barriers such as foreclosure, job loss, domestic violence or bed credit. Staff at SJOM is a bilingual bicultural staff that is knowledgeable about the issues affecting the community and we are equipped to assist families to stabilization

Sentiments From A Participant At Families In Crisis

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:00:00 -0600

SJOM & Staff,

I would like to thank you for your support and care that you have provided for my family. I would like to thank you for the roof, heat and beds you have provided for my family. I would like to thank you for the food and beverages you have provided for my family. I would like to thank you for all the fun time and the bad times we have shared. It might have been only four months but it seemed like an eternity of excitement, joy and laughter.

This is not a shelter, this is not a center…this is a home. Thanks to your dedications and love in these four walls, it doesn’t make you feel homeless. Instead they give you hope and strength to wake up everyday and become a better person. To turn the negative into positive. To forgive as well as be forgotten, because we are not all perfect.

I would like to thank Amanda for her workshop that helped me learn this. To be able to move on and have peace in your mind and heart, you need to learn to let go of the past by forgiving everyone and everything that might had hurt you. I would like to thank staff for your dedication and love you bring to this field that sometimes is needed... Danielle’s advice on how to deal with my situation. David and Manuel for the protection provided to us every night. To all of the donations that make this place function for all of us in need. I just like to thank everyone that makes this place. San Jose Obrero Mission is a wonderful place that I called home until today, February 4, 2012. Now I’m moving on to a better place for my family.

Sincerely,

Claudia

Carla

Camille

Christopher

Cailynn

Eastern Kentucky Honors Program Visits SJOM

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 -0600

Mr. Vargas talked to the students about the communities that SJOM serves: Pilsen and Little Village. Pilsen and Little Village have been ports of entry to newly arrived immigrants since the 19^th century.

Mr. Vargas described the need the communities have for a place like SJOM, since it is the only residential program in these neighborhoods that offers not only residential services, but supportive services that will lead to stabilization and self sufficiency to women, women with cOn Wednesday the group received a tour of Families in Crisis in Little Village, to see firsthand the services SJOM offers participants. Afterward, as a project for our families, they made a Muriel for F.I.C’s toddler room with a forest theme. In addition, the study room was livened up to make it a more vibrant atmosphere for our students to study and do their school assignments. Needless to say our Families were very happy and grateful with the visit from EKU. SJOM looks forward to partnering up with EKU for years to come. Thanks Eastern Kentucky University for your time at San Jose Obrero Mission!hildren, and men in the Latino communities.

JUST FRIENDS gives F.I.C. A Very Merry Christmas

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:00:00 -0600

On December 21^st 2011, “Just Friends” hosted an incredible Christmas party for our families. Our host brought in refreshments that included tamales, cookies, hot chocolate and cake. All the children were marveled with the gingerbread house brought in by the host, including Eduardo one who said, “It’s so big and has a lot of color, I want to break it”.

Our families enjoyed themselves, while waiting for a special visitor, by doing arts and crafts, having their faces painted and writing “thank you” notes to all those who donated to the event.

The children clapped and shouted when Santa Claus came in with presents for all the children and their mothers. All the children took a picture with Santa Claus and even some of the mothers did too.

After the presents were passed out and the celebration was over, the families and children thanked and applauded the host for an evening of fun. For this one night, the families were able to forget about their worries and just share in the holiday spirit.

San Jose Obrero Mission wants to thank all those who have donated or volunteered, their work has helped us continue to offer services that will lead to stabilization for our families.

I Won't Give Up: Elena's Story

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Elena De' La Rosa doesn't mince words when she speaks of her past.

"I grew up in the system," she revealed within the first few minutes of the interview. "That's why I don't speak much Spanish."

What followed was a troubled history that ends on a note of hope.

When Elena was a young child, her parents separated. Her mother moved to Chicago with Elena and her sisters while Elena's father and brothers stayed behind in Texas. Because Elena's mother was unable to take care of the girls, they were placed into the foster care system. Elena's eldest sister was soon old enough to leave, but Elena and her younger sister stayed together. For many years they lived at Angel Guardian Orphanage in Rogers Park, a place that Elena recalls fondly. Things went downhill when they moved in with a foster family in Wisconsin. Elena described in detail the racial slurs and unfairness she incurred while staying with foster parents and their children.

"They took us to thrift stores to buy our clothes," she said. "They spent the government money for me and my sister on their own kids."

Years of protecting herself and younger sister gave Elena a tough exterior, though on the inside she dealt with the yearning to see her family reunited. At 18-years-old, she became pregnant and left the foster care system. Her sister was sent to another foster family and the two lost touch. Elena subsequently had more children and provided for them as a single mother. She was eventually reunited with her younger sister and maintained limited contact with her estranged older sister.

When her children were grown, Elena found work as a veterinary assistant. She moved into an apartment, but it wasn't until she lost her job that things became desperate. For the first few months after becoming jobless, Elena hid from her landlord. However, he soon stopped requesting rent and let her stay for free. For ten years, Elena survived in the apartment without heat, water, or electricity, bathing in the bathroom of a local park and using food stamps to buy food. A controling, abusive boyfriend and her independent spirit compounded her feelings of entrapment. She was afraid to reach out for help.

After a particularly brutal incident between Elena and her boyfriend, a neighbor called the police. Though she was bleeding, she told the officer that she didn't need help; however, her son, who showed up to defend her, insisted that she speak with the officer. It was the first time in years that she dared to reach out.

Thinking that she filed a restraining order against him, her boyfriend stayed away. Elena eventually went into a shelter, but left to live with her son, his wife, and their child. After eight months, Elena felt that she was too much of a burden to her son and his family and decided to try another shelter. That is when she found San Jose Obrero Mission.

Timid at first, Elena was surprised and gladdened by the welcoming environment that she found.

"Everyone here has been great. When Danielle said come right now and bring your things... This place is my guardian angel," Elena said.

Though she has only been at the Mission for one month, Elena already has a full-time job and is receiving counseling for her depression.

A Time to Build

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0600

At just 24-years-old, Gerardo Flores has experienced things that most people pray never come to pass. His father left when he and his sister were still small, periodically checking in with the family but unable to overcome alcoholism and the influences of bad company. As a result, Gerardo's mother was left to care for her children alone. Because she worked most of the time, it was up to Gerardo and his sister to survive the best way they could.

With no guidance, Gerardo began spending most of his time with other kids and gang members in the streets. Eventually, his sister moved out and he was left to tend to their ailing mother alone. In 2007, he and his mother moved in with Gerardo's girlfriend. He cared for his mother until she died of early-onset Alzheimer's disease at the age of 40.

Earlier this year, Gerardo and his girlfriend got into an argument and he left. Finding himself on the streets for a few days, he eventually opted to come to San Jose Obrero Mission. Little did he know how life-changing his experience would be.

"I don't think my girlfriend expected it, you know," he says, smiling. "She didn't expect me to change my whole life around."

During the nine months that he spent at the Mission, Gerardo was able to attend Career Training and Life Skills classes and to receive the type of guidance that he missed as a teen. He began to set personal goals and to save money from construction jobs. One month ago, he moved into an SRO (single-room occupancy unit) and hopes to earn a degree in massage therapy or nursing in order to help those that experience physical hardships like his mother's.

Today, he is happy and the relationships between him and his sister and father have improved. When he talks about his niece, who was born just a month after his mother died, his eyes light up. He seems particularly proud of the personal progress that he has made since entering the Mission, and has a renewed sense of who he is and where he wants to go in life. He knows that creating a new identity can be hard when people have expectations of you, he says, but starting over is worth it.

From Participant to Serviceman

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0600

His poise and articulation suggest wisdom beyond his 19 years. Originally from San Diego, CA, Reggie and his older brother grew up parentless. Thanks to an uncle that cared for them as children, when they entered high school, the boys found employment and their uncle assisted in setting them up in an apartment. Shortly after graduation, Reggie's brother entered the Army, and Reggie was eager to follow in his brother's footsteps. They moved to Chicago just before Reggie's brother was shipped to Afghanistan. The aunt that housed them was not eager to see Reggie enter the service, and after disagreements, Reggie found himself without housing.

After spending the night at the police department, an officer drove Reggie to San Jose Obrero Mission where he was fed and housed. Reggie stayed at the Mission for over a month, even helping with renovations and painting at our Families in Crisis facility. He was then referred to partnering agency La Casa Norte, which specializes in assisting youth. Reggie signed up for college courses and eventually met with a recruiter for the U.S. Army. He enlisted and was sent to boot camp.

Today, Reggie is in the Reserves and is taking college courses. He attended our Gala this year and spoke about his experience at the Mission. Reggie is a testament to determination overcoming adversity, and we are proud that San Jose Obrero Mission was able to help him accomplish his goals.

Tickets to Mikey O's Holiday Giggle Now Available!

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Tickets now available! Just $20 for a night of comedy, live music and fun!

Pay online through PayPal or send a check. All ticket sales through San Jose Obrero Mission benefit our programs.

SJOM Hosts First Pilsen Networking Event

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 12:00:00 -0600

On October 27, San Jose Obrero Mission hosted its first-ever Fall Fiesta Networking Night at DeColores Galeria y Sabores at 1626 South Halsted Street. The event began at 6:00 p.m. and included two raffles, an open bar, and authentic Mexican appetizers provided by restaurant owner Sergio Reyes.

"We're excited about having these smaller events where we can really get to know people in the community and share how we're helping and ways that we can partner in the future," said Rudy Medina, a board member and chair of the fundraising committee.

Forty guests attended, including Board members, nonprofit workers and consultants, city workers, insurance sales representatives, small business owners, and others. Cook County Commissioner, District 7 Jesus "Chuy" Garcia was also present. Garcia not only serves as Commissioner but previously served as the founding director of Enlace, a partnering organization in neighboring Little Village where SJOM's Families in Crisis program is located.

After the raffle, Executive Director Israel Vargas thanked everyone in attendance.

"I am very proud of my management team for putting this together," said Vargas. "Look what we've accomplished."

See a slideshow from this event here.

*In the featured photo (L-R) Israel Vargas, Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, Alvaro Obregon, Sergio Reyes.

Midwest Generation Continúa Impulsando y Participando de Iniciativas Comunitarias

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Chicago, IL- 26 de Julio: La compañía Midwest Generation continuando con su compromiso de contribuir a mejorar las comunidades locales, una vez más se une a San José Obrero Mission ubicada en los Barrios de La Villita y Pilsen, donde esta semana más de 30 empleados de la compañía brindaron su tiempo como voluntarios, para efectuar tareas de embellecimiento de los dormitorios y los comedores por medio de tareas de pintado de esos ambientes.

Los Centros comunitarios de la organización San Jose Obrero Mission, se hallan en 1856 S. Loomis en Pilsen y en en 2419 S. Albany en La Villita y tienen como función primordial, ofrecerle refugio y servicios a las familias de las comunidades de Pilsen y La Villita que no tienen donde vivir.

Asimismo, el pasado 18 de julio más de 20 empleados de las plantas de Crawford y Fisk, pertenecientes a Midwest Generation ofrecieron su tiempo para dedicarse a reconstruir un espacio verde para sembrar vegetales que serán consumidos porquienes concurren a San Jose Obrero Mission.

Midwest Generation cuenta con una trayectoria de apoyar y desarrollar proyectos de desarrollo social, educativo y económico establecidos por entidades locales que por años han venido sirviendo a la comunidad.

Para más información sobre los proyectos e iniciativas comunitarias implementadas por Fisk y Crawford que han beneficiado a las comunidades de Chicago, visite www.FiskandCrawford.com.

Join Us at Our Annual Community BBQ!

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:00:00 -0600

San Jose Obrero Mission in partnership with International Christian Fellowship Church will host our annual Giving Back to the Community BBQ and Block Party on Saturday, August 13, 2011, from 10:00 am till 2:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public. Food, games, and a puppet show will be provided by the Church. Representatives from the Rauner Family YMCA and Chicago Fire Department will be present. This event will allow community members to learn more about the work that takes place at the Mission and to raise awareness regarding homelessness in Pilsen and Little Village.

Cheesecake Factory Staff Volunteer

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:00:00 -0600

On July 12, nine staff members from The Cheesecake Factory's Michigan Avenue location came to the Mission's Loomis location to tour the facility, learn more about the agency, and volunteer in memory of Jorge Martinez, a former participant who drowned in a swimming accident last month.

"I can see the impact that Jorge has had on each of your lives by your presence here today," Executive Director Israel Vargas said as he thanked the group.

The staff members spent two hours cleaning the basement and weeding and placing mulch and fencing around trees on the sidewalk outside of the facility. More photos of their efforts may be found here.

The staff also provided a monetary donation to the Mission, and The Cheesecake Factory Co., LLC, also plans to make a donation. A story about Jorge's journey remains on our site in memoriam.

Buy a Ticket, Support the Mission!

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Buy tickets from us and save $5! Tickets are for sections 106 and 107. All proceeds go to support our interim housing programs. More information maybe be found under the Calendar tab. We look forward to seeing you there!

TwelveFifty Matching Grant Campaign Kicks-Off

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Give and SAVE at Macy's!

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Macy's State Street in downtown Chicago will host Macy's Shop for a Cause on August 27, 2011. This event supports local nonprofit and educational organizations by allowing supporters to purchase $5 tickets in exchange for discounts on Macy's merchandise and a chance to win a $500 shopping spree. All ticket proceeds go directly to the Mission!

Macy's Shop for a Cause began in 2006 and has raised more than $38 million for charitable efforts nationwide. Purchase a ticket through PayPal today.

30th Anniversary T-Shirts On Sale Now!

Tue, 17 May 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Model: Gabriel Vargas, Program Staff Member.

Make a $12.50 donation through PayPal on our site, and receive this limited-edition tee featuring our "30th Anniversary" logo.

Alternately, if you plan to join us for the Hunger Walk, find the event details under our Calendar, sign up, and you can get this tee for free.

Available in sizes S-3XL while supplies last. Please forward your size to mlusk@sjom.org after purchase.

I'm Still Here

Mon, 09 May 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Clean-shaven, and sporting smart black frames, Jorge Martinez looks more like an Apple employee than a person in crisis. Martinez came to the Mission four months ago with little more than a referral. He sits patiently with with his hands folded in his lap while I search for a pen. I ask what brought him to the Mission.

"I felt lost," he says. Behind the frames, his eyes are sincere. It is a story that he is very insistent on telling.

"Drugs, alcohol, they cost me everything, including my family," he says. "H.A.S. helped me start that initiative [to get clean]."

What Martinez did have was a desire to get treatment and find employment. Through a partnership between the Mission and HealthCare Alternative Systems, Inc., or H.A.S., Jorge received substance abuse treatment and counseling to control his addictions. He is articulate and forthcoming with his past, both good and bad. He has a renewed sense of purpose and conviction about personal responsibility. He has a respectable resume.

"I grew up in the hospitality sector," he says. "I worked in the hotel industry for seventeen years. I was a waiter, a convention coordinator, restaurant manager."

"I like to serve and meet people," he adds.

Currently, he works at a high-volume, casual restaurant and hopes to move on to fine-dining. While working, he also found time to complete and graduate from the Mission's 10-day Career Training course. Though his primary goal in coming to the Mission was to find employment, what he seems particularly proud of is finding himself again.

"Getting a job was my main project," he admits, "but another priority was to find balance, and to balance my spiritual life. This system works for those who take advantage of it. The main thing is for people to take the initiative."

When asked about his experience at the Mission, he says, "The staff have been wonderful. I want to thank Abraham [Head Case Manager] especially. Oh, and the food is good." He laughs.

When I ask about the future, he says that he wants to have sustained employment, to live comfortably, and is making plans for later life. He hopes to move into an apartment by the end of May.

Finally, I ask what he would tell anyone who is considering supporting the Mission.

"I'd encourage them to visit," he says. "You guys deserve the support. It's how this place survives."

SJOM and The Resurrection Project Partner for Computer Literacy

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:00:00 -0600

On April 21, SJOM hosted an orientation for Men in Crisis and Families in Crisis participants for the new Civic 2.0 computer literacy program administered by The Resurrection Project. Civic 2.0 is a 10-week course that will begin on Tuesday, May 3, at our Loomis site. Each class will be held once per week and will last for two hours. Topics covered will include internet basics, email basics, three modules geared toward resident rights and civic participation, and use of Microsoft Word.

"We're really looking forward to working with TRP," said Abraham Jimenez, Head Case Manager at Men in Crisis. "These skills are so valuable to our participants and community; we're just glad we can be a part of it."

Civic 2.0 is a part of The Smart Communities program, which is a component of the City of Chicago’s Digital Excellence Initiative. It is administrated by LISC/Chicago and managed by nonprofit organizations in five Chicago neighborhoods, including Pilsen, Humboldt Park, Englewood, Auburn Gresham, and Chicago Lawn. The goals of Smart Communities include: expanding digital education and training, improving access to technology, generating local content about neighborhood news and resources, and helping grow existing businesses and attract new ones. As an incentive to complete the program, participants will receive a netbook and a certificate of completion.

After the initial class for SJOM participants, the program will continue for two years and classes will be open to the community. Orientation for classes is mandatory, and participants must be able to provide proof of Pilsen residency. Anyone who is interested in participating in the program may contact Elizabeth Rosas-Landa at 312-217-0053 or erosaslanda@resurrectionproject.org. To learn more about Smart Communities, click here.

Once a Participant, Always Family

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:00:00 -0600

After successfully completing our program and moving into an apartment in August 2010, former Families in Crisis participant Teresa Sandoval recently reached out to San Jose Obrero Mission in order to address her ongoing needs.

"Just because a participant successfully completes our program doesn't mean that they won't encounter other barriers," said Israel Vargas, Executive Director of SJOM. "It's always good for participants to know that there's someone there to help them."

"[Ms. Sandoval's case] is important because it also sheds light on the needs of participants once they leave SJOM," said Maghan Lusk, Resource Development Director. "Once someone is employed and moves out, there are still basic needs to be met in order for them to have the quality of life that their efforts deserve."

Not only is SJOM's Career Trainer currently assisting Ms. Sandoval in her search for higher-paying employment as a part of our program's follow-up and after-care services, but SJOM also had the pleasure of meeting her needs for furniture and basic kitchen equipment. On Saturday, April 9, 2011, Mr. Vargas was informed by board member Kristina Phillips that donated furniture was available in Skokie. Mr. Vargas and two participants from our Men in Crisis program helped transport the furniture and equipment to Ms. Sandoval's apartment.

Among the items donated were a sofa bed, a twin bed, a television, linens, and pots and pans for the kitchen. Anyone may make an in-kind donation of these or similar items by calling Men in Crisis at 312-243-4347 or Families in Crisis at 773-801-1325.

"Thank you for your support," Ms. Sandoval said.

At right: Men in Crisis participants Jose Casanova and Rene Valentin assist Ms. Sandoval.

Cook County Treasurer Celebrates Hispanic Heritage

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:00:00 -0600

Israel Vargas and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month in her downtown Chicago office with a reception and awards ceremony. Awards were presented to community leaders for contributions to Hispanic culture. “These individuals and organizations deserve to be honored and recognized for their outstanding humanitarian services,” Pappas says. Pappas presents an award of excellence to Israel Vargas, executive director of San Jose Obrero Mission Interm Housing for his exceptional work as a speaker against violence and facilitator of paths to college in schools, churches and community events. The goal of SJOM is to provide housing resources and services to homeless men, women and children in the Pilsen community, enabling them to become stable members of society.

Join Us at Our Annual Open House!

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:00:00 -0600

This year, our Annual Open House will be held at our Families in Crisis site (2408 S. Albany) on May 19, 2011, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Please put this on your calendars and join us for drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and a tour of our new women and children's facility. If you are a supporter or are interested in learning more about our services, come meet our staff and see how we put your contributions to work firsthand.

Introduction to Families in Crisis

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:00:00 -0600

We broke ground at our new Families in Crisis facility in January 2011. Watch as Israel tours the old Cermak facility, the new South Albany facility, and explains the transition process and the benefit to our women and children.

Sign Up for SJOM's Electronic Newsletter!

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:00:00 -0600

San Jose Obrero Mission distributed its first-ever electronic newsletter detailing events, awards, trainings, and other news on November 1, 2010. If you are interested in receiving our newsletter, please send your request to Maghan Lusk, Resource Development Director, at mlusk@sjom.org.

"An Evening of Hope 2010" Raises $17,500

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:00:00 -0600

The SJOM Board of Directors, Staff, and Participants would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone that supported "An Evening of Hope 2010" on September 25.

It was a wonderful night, and through tthe generosity of sponsors, individual donors, and those that participated in the silent auction and raffle, the event was a tremendous success. Thanks to those who were able to show their support, $17,500 was raised to directly benefit the homeless men, women, and children that we serve!

We would like to extend a special thank you to our Table Sponsors:

James & Kay Mabie
Dominicans, St. Pius V Priory
Fifth Third Bank
Premier Exterior and Home Improvement
St. Pius V Parish

The evening would not have been possible without Taqueria El Milagro, which provided the delicious entrees, and the Restaurant Opportunity Center (ROC) Volunteers. The evening was a truly memorable event due to the support of both of these organizations!

You may also view Event Slideshow 1 and Event Slideshow 2, which include professional photos taken by Pepe Miranda.

THANK YOU again! Your efforts help bring hope and housing to the homeless. We hope to see you all next year!

SJOM Presents Career Training Course

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:00:00 -0600

San Jose Obrero Mission was honored to present a 2 week Career Training Course for participants. Mirna Garcia, the resident Career Coach, spoke on a variety of topics in order to prepare and support the participants as they search for and enter stable employment.

Five SJOM participants completed the entire training series which covered the following topics:

Values Assessment - What is Important in the Workplace?
Mock Interviews
Ethics
Safety and Etiquette
First Impressions and Proper Hygiene
Positive Thinking
Building a Resume and Cover Letter
Post Interview Thank Yous

Ms. Garcia hoped to convey the importance of keeping a positive attitude saying that she believes "you can't change anything until you change your mind." San Jose participants often face a variety of barriers in finding stable employment including a lack of training, work experience, and access to transportation. Although it may be difficult to overcome these struggles, Ms. Garcia hopes that the trainings provide important skills and competencies along with an optimistic outlook in order that the participants may begin to move toward a more stable situation.

The purpose of the trainings is to meet the goal of transitioning at least 50% of unemployed participants into a stable workplace during their stay at San Jose. The majority of participants enter the agency with no employment and those who are working typically have part-time or seasonal jobs.

In order to celebrate the achievements of the five participants who completed the trainings, SJOM hosted a special graduation event. On August 19, several San Jose employees and participants gathered at the Emergency Men's Shelter on West Cermak for a special guest speaker and certificate presentation. Mr. Victor Gonzalez, General Manager of the neighboring Staples on Cermak, encouraged the participants in their search for employment and generously presented each with a $15 gift certificate to Staples along with free access to printers for resume purposes. As a local businessman, Mr. Gonzalez is active in supporting his community and has presented motivational speeches at several area schools.

As part of the agency's comprehensive services to meet participants' full needs, Ms. Garcia hopes to provide continued career training sessions for San Jose participants and local community members. If you are interested in participating in these free classes, feel free to contact San Jose Obrero Mission at 312-243-4347 today!