MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS

AmeriCorp-VISTA Volunteer-
Sofia Ventura


After being laid off from a factory job that I had for 8 years I returned to school to get a CNA degree. I have always wanted to be a nurse so that I could help people. Since I had spare time, I started to walk in the mornings where I met a PJD walking group. Nina, the walking group leader, told me that Sister Phylis was looking for someone to fill a volunteer position working in the community of Cameron Park, where I live. I jumped at the chance of helping to educate and promote health in my community because I really want to make a difference in people's life. I had been praying that God would give me the strength and wisdom to help lots of people. God answered my prayers with the opportunity to work at PJD. It has been an amazing experience so far. I do a variety of things daily. I help people fill out the US citizenship application. And I also teach them the questions they might be asked during their interview to gain citizenship. I help those who have a low-income recieve their medicine at no cost. This is very rewarding for me. Along with citizenship and the pharmacy assistance program, I assist Sister Sharon with the youth group and the gardening program for children. I have already learned a lot and am really happy that God has opened this door for me and blessed me in this way. I am proud to be here at Proyecto Juan Diego.

-SOFIA VENTURA

Front Desk Volunteer - Patricia Garcia

My name is Patricia Garcia and I have been a volunteer at PJD since January of 2008 when Sr. Phylis invited me to help out here. A year and a half ago I signed up to take a Stress Management Course (Capacitar). This course helped me to learn how to deal with the stress in my life and after finishing the class I felt more at peace. I wanted to continue to learn more about managing stress so I took the classes to become a Capacitar teacher. Then Carolina, the Coordinator of the Capactiar program, invited me along with some other women, to begin our own stress management courses. I taught the same course to others that I was first taught and had come full circle. When Sr. Phyis asked me if I would be willing to help at PJD I was happy to accept the invitation. I volunteer each morning at the front desk answering the telephone, welcoming anyone who comes, and helping the staff with whatever they need.

The time that I have given in service has served me as well. Now each day I am able to give a little of myself to others and this is very gratifying. I am a person that only wants to be a little closer to God- and I am happy that I do feel closer to Him.

I am grateful that Sr. Phylis and my friend, Carolina, believe in me and have given me this opportunity.

-PATRICIA GARCIA

Dance!

One of PJD's most sucessful programs is our community-based diabetic program. In partnership with Dr. Kirk Smith at theUniverstiy of Galveston, we are educating and encouraging those who are diabetics and pre-diabetics in Cameron Park. Blanca Escobar is a Diabetic Coordinator for PJD. She teaches classes about diabetes and living with diabetes for newly diagnosed

diabetics. After the classes, she follows up with home visits for six weeks. We've heard of the changes she has made in people's lives. One husband told his wife, "You'd better not eat that (something sweet)....Blanca is coming tomorrow and is going to ask you about your diet!" With her bright smile and uplifing spirit, she's talked with some of those who were down or depressed about their diagnosis to become more active. She's promoted dance classes and invited people to join a walking group or areobics class. Blanca dances and exercises right along the others...her life is an example for others.

The salsa dancing class, held at San Felipe de Jesus' parish hall, is now a favorite class of many people. Women of all ages light up, stepping and swinging to the music. Dancing is not only fun but it is great exercise.

Diabetes is a growing disease in our country (and in our colonia). It is something that changes lives but it is also something that can stimulate people to live a healthier life. We at PJD are always looking for ways to improve the lives of those we serve...and we've found DANCING to be one way!

(Photo above: Blanca prepares a healthy meal for those in the Nutrition Course. Below:Video of Salsa dancing!!)