poner mi granito de arena
. . . . .
contribute my grain of sand
. . . . . . . . . . . .

As a high school student in my hometown of Madera, I began to participate in my community. I volunteered with various nonprofits, particularly those that engaged with immigrant and farm working families. I had a heart for people, and discovered my passion for serving.

After graduating from high school I began working with the United Farm Workers. It was an incredible experience. Every day I would hear an abundance of stories about injustices that farm workers suffered. Stories such as unpaid worked hours, no access to water in extremely hot weather conditions. Their stories resonated with some of my own experiences as a farm worker. I carried those stories with me as I began my B.A at Fresno Pacific University.

I challenged myself to live on campus to obtain the full college experience. I constantly reminded myself that I was attending college not only for myself but for my family and for all those hard working people who did not have the same opportunities as me. Shortly after I entered college, I received multiple job opportunities and I began working on campus.  While I appreciated the opportunity to work in a comfortable office setting, the stories of these farm workers were constantly on my mind.

When Brenda, a friend and classmate, introduced me to Every Neighborhood Partnership, I was very excited. I had been praying and anxiously waiting for an opportunity to give back to my city and reconnect with my love for the community.

Soon after starting at ENP, I began meeting with parents who were eager to walk and learn with us. It was a fascinating transition from helping workers in the fields to engaging with parents in the schools. It has become a fascinating part of my daily life. The energy our parents have is immeasurable; I thoroughly enjoy hearing their laughs and voices every time we meet. We are growing and learning so much together.

The best part about Parent Engagement is the opportunity to establish personal relationships with with people in our community. Work is not just about showing up to a meeting and presenting information to parents. It goes beyond. We take care of each other!

In the short time I have worked for ENP, I have grown in a positive manner. It has been so rewarding to learn about our city, its people, and the many cultures. I have met amazing Fresnans that are in love with their city. The energy and positivism encourages me to join them in, “poner mi granito de arena,” (contribute my grain of sand) and make our city great.

I have also learned that ENP is more than just the five steps, it is an organization with access to neighborhoods and many other organizations in our city.

ENP has become a pivotal hub of Fresno.
ENP is community.
ENP is Fresno!

Jose Chavez, ENP Parent Engagement