Guadalupe Gonzalez joined the St. James ESL Program as a Student Liaison in 2003. Helping immigrants and refugees gave her the opportunity to improve her English and a couple of years later she was able to take the ESL Coordinator position that was open.

“I enjoy this job a lot. I remember always that I was given the opportunity of learning so I have to do the same and provide this opportunity to new immigrants and refugees. The biggest reward of this job is when I see students more confident about talking and expressing themselves at their best. It feels very good to help others to be independent for the good of them and the society.”

She recently completed the six-month Cabrini Ministry Training. As a lay minister she can provide pastoral care services to people who are hospitalized, homebound, incarcerated or in hospice. Eventually she would like to do all four but she will start her ministry with people in hospice care.