Never Stop Fighting

The following is a reflection written by Jacob Storck, one of this year's South House Volunteers. Jacob serves as a  teacher at Perspectives Middle Academy.

I consider myself to be an educator, youth worker, mentor, and advocate.  When I walk into my service site every day, I recognize that it is my duty to not only impart science knowledge upon my students, but to provide them with the structure and skills they need in order to make their way in the world.  My students do not come from the same place that I came from.  The majority of them have grown up hearing gunshots in the night.  They have friends who have died as a result of gang violence.  They have been forced to grow up so much more quickly than I could ever have dreamed.  They have been hardened by the world in such a way that my blood boils when I think about the injustices that they have endured, even without realizing it.  When they walk into my classroom I often need to remind myself of this.  The disruptive behaviors that they often display are direct and indirect results of the way the greater society has abandoned their community, leaving children to grow up amidst a war zone.  If there is one thing that I know with every fiber of my being, it is that every human being on this earth is deserving of, and entitled to, a quality education.  Every child born deserves books, trained educators, basic classroom technology, and a safe and positive environment for learning to happen. 

When we talk about social justice, I truly believe that education is the foundation of it all.  In 2014, Chicago Public Schools announced a graduation rate of 66.3%.  Please take a moment and let that sink in.  That means that of every high school senior in Chicago, 33.7% did not graduate from high school and will NOT go on to pursue advanced degrees.  From where I stand, there is something gravely wrong with this picture, and it goes much deeper than students simply making the choice to drop out.  That choice is absolutely made, but not necessarily by the students.  The politicians make that choice when they implement standardized tests and various educational mandates, with no conception about how these affect the actual learning happening in the classroom.  That choice is made by officers of the law that gun down innocent young men and women, creating a sense of fear and panic in a community, and making survival a priority above education.  That choice is made by city officials who believe that the best way to help these communities is to send more police into them.  That choice is made by those who inequitably distribute funds to schools, with some receiving everything, and others receiving nothing.  Those of us who stand by and do absolutely nothing make that choice.  

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Volunteers created a map of all the systems associated or connected with the creation of mass incarceration after a presentation by Mariame Kaba, an organizer and educator focused on ending violence and dismantling the prison industrial complex.
  

How can a world be socially just when this is allowed to happen? How can we possibly move forward in any direction when we are failing to teach our future generation to read? The good news is that there is hope.  There are educators that I work with every day that care deeply and passionately about the education of our students.  There are many parents that I have spoken with, who want nothing more than the best possible education for their children.  There are schools like Perspectives Middle Academy, where I serve, whose goal is to prepare our students for college, regardless of the community they call home and the color of their skin.

Of course it is going to take more than just this.  What I am speaking of is real structural change in our educational systems, particularly in major cities like Chicago.  The problems we face are deeply systemic, and will take time and patience to solve. But what is more important than our children? Who is more deserving of our love? So please, never stop fighting.  This is a battle we cannot afford to lose. 

My Resolution for 2016

Greetings, friends!

Happy New Year to you and your families! 2016 is here, and I can’t believe it! With the beginning of a new year around the corner, I have paused to reflect on my time here at Amate House, where I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve as Executive Director. Although this will be my 12^th year here at Amate House, time has flown so quickly that it seems like I arrived only yesterday. Many faces have come and gone, and it humbles me that 375 Volunteers have served with us since I began my work here. Much has changed, yet much remains the same.

Looking to this upcoming year, I am sure many of you have goals for 2016. For me, my New Year’s Resolution is to continue to tell everyone I meet about Amate House and the incredible work that our Volunteers are doing. Although I’ve talked with hundreds of people about our vital ministry over the past 12 years, the fact is that so many people in the Archdiocese still do not know about Amate House. 

I half kidded with Cardinal Francis George - God rest his soul - when I pleaded with him to take Amate House out of the “Archdiocesan Witness Protection Program.” Just before Christmas, I met a newly ordained priest and I asked him if he knew about Amate House. Sadly he said no, but quickly informed me that he was still “under warranty,” which was a great line that made me laugh.

It is my hope that you, who have selflessly and graciously supported us throughout the years, will make a New Year’s Resolution to tell everyone you meet about Amate House. Talk to your pastor about having an Amate House Volunteer come and talk to their Confirmation candidates. Talk about Amate House at cocktail parties, community gatherings, and family reunions. See if you can tell one new person a day about Amate House and how our Volunteers put “Love in Action” every day all across the city of Chicago.

Will Amate House ever be a house hold name? Probably not, but in a time when all across the world we have been made witness to so much darkness and despair, it is necessary to look for the light around us. I have no doubt that we can – and will – find it in the eyes, hands, and hearts of over 800 individuals who have made a commitment to embodying Amate House’s tenets of Community, Service, Faith, Stewardship, and Social Justice over these past 32 years. Let us all try our best to bring the light of “Love in Action” to all those we meet in this upcoming year.

Again, my best to you and your family, and may this year be filled with God’s blessings!

John Lucas

Executive Director of Amate House

Movement in our Rebirth

The following is an Advent reflection written by Jesús Nuñez Xoconoxtle, one of this year's Little Village House Volunteers.

I’m a health educator at Erie Family Health. Like several Amate volunteers, my initial job description isn’t really an accurate description of what I actually do. Sometimes I talk about cavities to Kindergarteners. Sometimes it’s a frank conversation on starting to wear deodorant in the 6th grade. At least twice I’ve had to learn how to say pap smear in Spanish. “Papanicolau” if you’re wondering. But in spite of what I’m teaching, I give the same spiel everywhere I go, no matter where I am. “My job is to teach people how to be healthy, and why it’s important to be healthy”.

Erie’s mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and high quality healthcare to those in need. I live out this mission primarily through education. The neighborhoods I work most closely with are North Lawndale and West Humboldt Park. The people and students here face several challenges thanks to a complicated history with the city that I still struggle to figure out and understand. They are labeled a lot of things because of where they live, how much they earn, and the color of their skin. But to me as a health educator, I see people who have the same right to good health as any other person.

Using education as a means to achieving good health is powerful to me. Simply said: We are preventing a wound, and not fixing an infection. Although I love education as a whole, to me, the funnest part of education isn’t getting the “how to be healthy” down. Because that’s just me spewing out facts left and right and hoping what I say sticks. It’s a one sided way of doing things and although I have been prepared to provide this information, it is not always the best approach.

For this reason, the exciting part to me is getting at the “why”. Focusing on the “why” allows me for the greatest part of my job: inspiring and motivating others. Inspiring others to take ownership of their health and respecting their bodies by understanding their own feelings and knowledge of health, and why it matters. I may not be here with all of the answers, but I’m at least here to motivate you to find the best answers for yourself. It gives people the autonomy and power to take things into their own hands.

Similarly, when I think of the concept of rebirth, I think of inspiration. An inspiration that isn’t fleeting, but lingers, confuses, moves, and transforms. Amate was the natural part of my journey because I was, and still totally am confused. And better yet, I get to share this journey surrounded by other confused and confusing people. We are all in the process of rebirth.

We are moved by what our service sites throw at us through challenges and moments of grace. We are moved by our neighbors and new housemates/friends, as they reflect our biggest weaknesses and vulnerabilities, along with joys & awesome dinners we cook together. We are moved by the struggle of being away from the loved ones that aren’t in this city, but will always be in our lives. But ultimately, we are transformed to live out our journeys in a meaningful and contemplative way. So I urge everyone to use the holidays as an opportunity to evaluate what moves you, and how have you transformed yourself in the past year.


Amate House is accepting applications for the 2015-2016 Program Year! Our early application is January 15 - learn how to apply by visiting us at http://www.amatehouse.org/Volunteer/HowtoApply.aspx

Receiving the Unexpected and the Unknown

The following is an Advent reflection by Kate Kennealy, one of this year's Little Village House Volunteers.

“Mary was a beautiful, faith-filled door. When the divine visitor tapped on her heart, she was at first hesitant and afraid. Full of questions and concerns, she paused for clarity before she opened the door. But she did not let her hesitations keep her from extending a welcome to love. With her “Yes, you may come in,” Mary is every person who has stood at the door and felt fearful of the future with its unknown direction. She is every person who has experienced self-doubt or has had a totally unexpected event upset them. She is each of us struggling with our own fears and hesitations when the Holy One taps on the door of our life asking for an entrance. “–Joyce Rupp

I had many hesitations right before I left for Chicago. I questioned my decision and honestly did not want to leave what I knew, what was comfortable and easy. But I didn’t let my hesitations stop me, for whatever reason I opened the door and I'm still discovering what’s behind it.

Beginning Amate House was daunting. Starting work and Coordinating an after school program by myself was a challenge I doubted I could accomplish. I began questioning it all and had a deep fear inside of me, as Mary did when she stood at the door. Am I the right person for this job? I don’t speak Spanish very well and I’m not exactly as experienced as someone else might be in my position. Why am I doing this? Do I want to do this? Am I worthy? Am I good enough? These questions and doubts invaded too much space in my head. They paralyzed me with fear and held me back. It is a constant struggle to find clarity and comfort in the chaos. But, slowly I started proving myself wrong and even though doubts are still present, I am trying to be more accepting and gentle with them.

Amate revealed all of my flaws and insecurities and they seemed to show like an open wound for me. This was a terrifying, vulnerable place, but there is something special about having a community behind you during those times when you don't want to be seen or heard. Not only do they acknowledge the challenges, they ask questions that you want to avoid just because it's easier. Mary also had hesitations and doubts. She was authentic in her response and it took time to pause and reflect before she could accept with love.

Welcoming the unknown like Mary is something that I strive to do. With that, I can also relate to the fear she had in the beginning, and then eventually seeing the light. While working with 3rd-5th graders it has rejuvenated my energy to focus on the present moment. Seeing the world through kids’ eyes is always so refreshing for my spirit because some of them act so invincible; their dreams are so big and no one can tell them how to feel. It doesn't matter what they don't know because they live very much in the moment. The unknown can be exciting for them and it should be for us too. I miss this, back when we spoke with less doubt and more confidence. Fearless. I am lucky to have that spirit in front of me as a reminder that the unknown can take you on an exciting journey if you allow it to.

I crave Mary’s clarity and acceptance as I encounter the unknown because she welcomed love into her heart. It is easy to want control in your life. At work and in community I am learning to really focus on what I can control even if that is a very small amount. Letting go and being content with the outcome. I'm not always going to get reassurance but that shouldn't stop me from having confidence in my own capabilities. I cant control my roommates happiness and fix their problems. But, I can be present with them and hear them out when they need it most.

Mary was so gentle with herself and even though she was full of questions she did not allow this to take over her heart. Her fears were present and valid but she turned them into a fearless spirit that is admirable. I want to be kinder with myself and my fears. Though they may seem endless; it is important to not let this define who I am. Mary had doubts about the unexpected like many experience. And because of that Mary is every person. She is you, she is me. A beautiful faith-filled door.


Amate House is accepting applications for the 2015-2016 Program Year! Our early application is January 15 - learn how to apply by visiting us at http://www.amatehouse.org/Volunteer/HowtoApply.aspx

Waiting in Quiet Watchfulness

The following is an Advent reflection by Eryn Gronewoller, one of this year's Little Village House Volunteers. 

When I was in pre-school, I would wait in anticipation for the day I could go to kindergarten and learn with the big kids. When I was in high school, I couldn’t wait for the day I would graduate, leave my small school, my small hometown, and go to college. When in college, I refused to wait until I was an upperclassman to take advanced classes or study abroad. My whole life, I have been in a rush to move on to the next thing, always prepared before the world told me I was ready. I was forced to be patient though restless, to wait my turn, to wait for my time.

Now I am waiting for other things. In my work at little brother friends of the elderly, I require constant and unfailing patience.  I wait holding open doors for elders who move slow and unsteady. I wait with my elders for their social security checks so I can help them go grocery shopping. My elders in turn wait for my phone calls and visits. They wait by their doors for me to pick them up to go to holiday parties. Some wait for visits from loved ones or old friends. They wait at doctor’s offices, wait for test results on their health. Some bide their time, waiting to die.

When in the presence of my elders, -my brain, my busy schedule, my hectic life- it all slows down. I look at my elders who are all over the age of seventy, and I ask myself- why am I in such a rush? What’s my hurry? Life is long and should be enjoyed.

But my elders look at me in my youth and feel differently. They tell me- life is short, don’t waste it.
For them there is no more waiting for what the future will hold. Me- I see my whole life ahead of me. But I’m no longer rushing to the next thing. I have no idea where I will be next year, when my career may start or my journey may lead. I struggle not to have all the answers, not to have a set plan, not to have it all figured out. But for once, I am content in the waiting. I know God will guide my path, and that I need this time to quiet my heart, learn, grow, and know Him. I know he has something great planned for me just as we in advent preparation know the great coming of Jesus is imminent. It is easy to get caught up in the craziness of life, the hectic bustle before Christmas, the anxiety and anticipation. It is easy to forget what it truly is we are waiting for.  It is easy to forget that we can find peace in the waiting. Because life- whether you think it is long or short, whether you are inpatient or patient, ready or not- is made in the quiet moments when we are waiting for it to happen.


Amate House is accepting applications for the 2015-2016 Program Year! Our early application is January 15 - learn how to apply by visiting us at http://www.amatehouse.org/Volunteer/HowtoApply.aspx

Giving Thanks

The following is a reflection written by Mark Greci, one of this year's Volunteers in the Uptown Community.

To those that do not know me, I’m Mark, a current Amate House Volunteer from the Uptown Community. In a sense, I’m introverted yet love being with people. Typical for Amate House, I’ve been given a place, I’ve been met at where I’m at, and – led by example – I do hope I’ve contributed towards doing the same. 

Given that all the Amate community members have their own Amate stories, I do hope that what I share offers some light on what this year has meant for me so far and, in a non-dogmatic sense, resonates with how others experience Amate House.   

When I would explain what brought me to Amate House, I would give a two part answer. One – I needed to return to the Midwest –, and two – I was seeking a meaningful, relevant law-related position.  Retrospectively, both of these draw to my young-adult-self.   

Amate House has given me both. Right now, the distinctively Midwestern turn of seasons makes me happy. Furthermore, my service at Cabrini Green Legal Aid allows me to work with talented professionals in assisting Chicagoans find stability after encounters with the criminal justice system.   

As many of my Amate friends have uncovered, the people that we all serve each have their own stories and merit their own responses. Often, the natural North House living room conversations refocus this to me. In many other ways, the community enriches my outside engagement. Their friendship makes this service year more substantial – and fun. 

Beyond the Midwest and the legal service, the community life has come to be one of my favorite boons of this experience. We share daily life with authenticity and humor – with friendship and familiarity. To be direct, the intentional community, both of the “inter and intra” house variety, has touched me for the better.  And while autumn and the service both have profound worth in themselves, the imperfect and always-in-development community life provides much of the scaffolding and the energy that creates a significant part of the world that I’m grateful to participate in.    

To state obvious facts, it is not seamless.  Rather, the unassuming events of everyday life such as coffee at night, grocery shopping on Mondays, and scrambling to do the weekly chores on a Sunday afternoon ground the friendships, the trust, and the conversations that further inspire my maturing relationship with the world.

And somewhere in the fabric of the budding friendships and conversations, there dwells a sense of a shared experience, of growing trust, of growing acceptance, and of a comfortable silliness that only makes sense because it is silliness amongst friends.  

So, that is what I am thankful for right now – novel service experiences, Chicago having distinct seasons, growing friendships, and being able to share subtle laughter that marks enjoyed presence of truly appreciated company.

Happy Holidays, and thanks for reading.  

Amate House Volunteer featured on Taller de Jose blog!

Amate House Volunteer Roberto Martinez recently wrote a reflection on behalf of his current site placement, Taller de Jose - it's titled "Waiting Rooms, Vulnerability, and Stevie Wonder: A Reflection on Accompaniment." Check it out!

Learn more about Taller de Jose by visiting their website: www.tallerdejose.org.

"Being" and "Doing"

The following is a reflection written by Stephen Umhoefer, one of this year's Volunteers in the Uptown Community.

It’s easy to forget how quiet the world can be. A few weeks ago we had our fall retreat at Ronora Lodge in Watervliet, Michigan. At that point it had just been a little over two months since we all began our service. Two months of becoming situated at our sites and figuring out where exactly we fit in. Two months of living in Chicago and becoming familiar with its size, sounds, and tempo. Two months of living in community. Getting out of the city a few weeks ago felt like it came at just the right time. I think it was becoming easy for me to fall into a daily routine and not give much thought about what I was doing. Being pulled out of that allowed for things to be viewed from a different perspective.

There are days where is seems like the time I’ve put in at my site doesn’t add up to much at the end of the day. But I’ve wondered if it’s not to much the ‘doing’ than it is the ‘being.’ Maybe just being a presence at my service site is just as crucial as any individual moment where I’ve helped someone. Maybe just showing up every day ready to take on whatever task is asked of me is enough for those I connect with to see that they are cared for.

It wasn’t until I was out of the city and walking on the trails in the forest that I appreciated just how soothing presence can be. Gazing among the silence in the trees gave me a calm that I didn’t think I was in need of.

As the weeks accelerate towards Thanksgiving and then Christmas I will be doing my best to acknowledge my presence. My presence within myself, my presence in my relationships within my community, and my presence within my service site.

I came back from fall retreat with a new lens with which to look through during my time in Amate House. ‘Being’ can be just as important as ‘doing.’


Enjoy these photos from Fall Retreat:

The Restorative Power of Peace Circles

The following is a reflection written by Margaret Waickman, one of this year's Volunteers in the Little Village Community

Respect. Patience. Active Listening. Honesty. Authenticity.

It’s unsurprising to talk about these values during a year of post-graduate service with Amate House. These values are integral to community life and serving at our work places on a day-to-day basis. During our fall in-service at the Precious Blood Ministries of Reconciliation, however, these values took on new meaning within the setting of a peace circle.

Peace circles, a restorative justice practice used to respond to conflict, oftentimes bring together individuals on all sides of a conflict. At the beginning of each peace circle, values are set by those sitting in circle. While the leader of the circle brings some values to the circle, anyone can add the values which she feels are necessary for the peace circle. This process of setting values places ownership of the circle within the hands of those participating in the circle.

During our visit to Precious Blood, we sat in circle with other Amate volunteers and Precious Blood staff members. Our circles were of the “get to know you” variety, rather than in response to any conflict. Participating in the circle, however, allowed us to better understand the work of Precious Blood Ministries of Reconciliation. Situated in the Back of the Yards is neighborhood in southside Chicago, this ministry uses restorative justice and peace circles to respond to the neighborhood’s conflicts. Back of the Yards is a neighborhood with both joys and challenges, but it is perhaps in the news most for the violence which occurs there. Just the night after our in-service, a family coming back from an outing was shot in the neighborhood. Three were wounded, including an 11-month-old baby. The child’s mother and grandmother both died.

This is the heaviness which the community of Back of the Yards deals with on a daily basis. Precious Blood Ministries is there to walk with the community through this heaviness. Through victim-offender peace circles, community members who have committed a crime against another community member come together, in circle, to respond to the crime. Precious Blood also holds peace circles for mothers who have either lost a child to gun violence or who have a child locked up in the criminal justice system. In circle, these women come together to grieve their losses, mutually, despite the seemingly opposing differences in their situations.

Precious Blood Ministries was not my first exposure to peace circles; I studied restorative justice in college, and I work at a service site which also uses peace circles and restorative justice techniques. I find that there is a great, humble power derived from sitting in circle. Whether you are sitting in circle to respond to a conflict or to get to know those around you better, peace circles always cultivate listening. Listening is what we so often forget to do. I personally often get wrapped up in my hurt, my feelings, my opinions in a conflict, and I forget that there is another rational human being also embroiled in this conflict. The circle cultivates listening, which I always find causes me to remember the common humanity of those I sit with.

I entered into a year of service to more fully understand our legal system. I hope to attend law school next fall and eventually become a trial attorney. Before entering my formal legal education, however, I wanted to more fully understand some of those who are most negatively affected by the criminal justice system - young black men and the communities in which they live. Working at Lawndale Christian Legal Center has been a hard and humbling experience, but one thing I have definitely learned thus far is that the criminal justice system is not enough for our communities. The work done in peace circles to respond to conflict brings healing into the process of dealing with crimes, an essential component for communities.

Respect. Patience. Active Listening. Honesty. Authenticity.

Will I ever work at a non-profit which uses peace circles after this year? Probably not. But, as a future lawyer, peace circles help me to strengthen and sharpen my listening skills. As someone who wants to enter into the broken system of criminal justice, peace circles help me practice the art of spending time focused on others - hearing their stories and seeing their dignity.

The 2015-2016 Volunteers at Precious Blood Ministries of Reconciliation in the Back of Yards neighborhood

Serenity and Service

The following is a reflection written by Eryn Gronewoller, one of this year's Volunteers in the Little Village Community

God grant me the serenity…

          Like the serenity I feel when I look at Lake Michigan. Because when I look out into that great mass of water, I feel invincible, yet vulnerable. I feel small, yet not insignificant.  I feel like maybe I have a part to play in God’s plan, no matter how small, an important part.

          I thank God for the opportunity of Amate House. Without it I would not be in Chicago living with 7 other strangers who over the past two months have become my family. I would not be working for a nonprofit that cares for Chicago’s isolated and lonely seniors. I would not have grown in ways that right now are hidden to me, but I feel myself growing. It has been an adjustment. There have been growing pains. Yet I know this is where I am supposed to be and what I am supposed to be doing. I have peace in knowing God has a plan for me here. 

To accept the things I cannot change…

          My boss says the elderly are just “recycled children.” They require a lot of care and attention. Sometimes they get cranky if they don’t have a nap. When working with both, patience is a necessary skill. Yet unlike children, the elders I work with have lived long lives. Lives filled with love and loss. Personal histories touched by war and abuse. Times when they have had it all, and times when they have had nothing.

          My job is to listen and care. My job is to be there, because they have no one else. I am forced to accept that my elders are alone and lonely. Many live in nursing homes where they face indignity and disrespect. They are isolated and forgotten. It is easy for me to blame society for not valuing the elderly, or to blame their families who seldom visit, but I can’t change that.

The courage to change the things I can…

            I can be a bright spot in their day. I can provide direct service and basic care or just be the listening ear they need. I can take them out and listen to their stories about the city, appreciating the joy they get just from driving around their neighborhoods. I can provide companionship that they so desperately crave and need. To me it may not feel like much, but to them it is everything.  

            Over the past two months I have seen how a simple haircut could change my elder into a new man, spirited and alive. I have helped to throw parties where elders get the chance to talk to other elders, eat a good meal, and dance to the music of their youth. I’ve heard first hand stories of world events I’ve only read about in history books, and seen the strength of each elder as a survivor. One of my elders told me that getting old isn’t for the weak, and I see he was right. They face struggles and challenges every day that at my age never even cross my mind. While I can provide friendship and comfort to them, my elders teach me more and more each day.

... And the wisdom to know the difference

            As I reflect on the past two months with Amate House, I thank God for the opportunities he has provided me thus far. I am thankful for my education and the skills I have that enable me to better serve the people I work with. I ask God for wisdom in continuing this year of service, as I know I will need it. In the meantime, I can learn from the life wisdom of my elders. I can share in the experiences of my housemates as they too take their own different journeys through this year.

            No one makes it through life unscathed.  We love. We suffer. We care. We endure. It is in those life moments that we find each other. Eight strangers forced to live together, to support each other, to change one another. A volunteer and an elder getting to know one another, crossing a bridge of loneliness and finding common ground. Those human connections are what I have found make life worth living. I am thankful for the beautiful humans who have come into my life as a result of Amate House, and it is a pleasure to grow a little bit older and a little bit wiser with them.