Jose’s Story
One of the most beautiful parts of knowing Jesus is that simply beholding him changes us. When we turn our eyes toward him, it is as though we cannot help but to be transformed. After being asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus answered, “The most important is… Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul… The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:29-31. Now, Jesus did not only speak powerful words, he lived them.
We see this displayed at the last supper. “Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.” John 13:3-4. Jesus knew himself to be God, and yet, he chose to take off his outer garments and put on a servant’s clothing. Our Creator Redeemer chose to serve rather than to be served. We have heard this phrase often; let us pray that we do not miss the gravity of it.
As we behold Jesus loving his neighbors, how can we not follow suit? Witnessing Jesus move in community was a major driving force for The Compassion Care Center. Our Care Center model strives to not only serve the community but to bring opportunity to the community as well.
Meet our Arizona Facilities Coordinator, Jose! Jose has been a giant blessing to our Arizona Care Center. Jose details his experience at the Care Center below:
“My name is Jose, and I would love to tell you about an incredible program that changed life for myself and my 7 year old son, Anthony. I first learned of the Compassion Care Center in 2019. I needed to do community service and chose the closest opportunity. I was immediately met with unconditional acceptance, despite the reason I was there. The center provided an incredible amount of support for my situation. Despite relentless hardships, I was able to maintain sobriety, while still facing much adversity. Due to poor choices in my youth, I was not able to obtain my work visa which meant I couldn’t have a driver’s license or work legally. Without the dignity of a job that would provide for myself and my son, I really struggled. After lots of hard work, I did receive my permanent residence card in November 2023. Since then the center has helped me obtain the resources needed to be independent. For example, I got my driver’s license, a new phone, health insurance, and went back to school for my GED. As of this February, I am now employed as their Facilities Coordinator. Through them and Az@Work, I am learning valuable career skills that will ensure my success. The thing I appreciate the most in my life is the ability to wake up every day and live life knowing that what I do is helping not only me but everyone around me. I believe getting up, doing my job, and taking care of my responsibilities is for a greater purpose. Most importantly, I am celebrating my sobriety and am excited about Anthony’s and my future!”
One of the things we love most about Jose (although there are many) is his drive to be a good father. He has a passion for understanding how things work and learning. He wants to share the knowledge he is gaining with his son, Anthony, and others. Jose is currently working with Anthony on good values and the acknowledgement of people around him. Jose never enters a room without personally greeting each individual. He has a gift for loving others and making people feel seen. Jose believes his experience at the Care Center will have a generational impact on his family. He has recently begun to oversee the facilities’ project management, as well as communications between our contractors, civil engineers, and architects. All of which he has taken to with discipline and a joyful heart as he pursues his goals of being a business owner and project manager. We are honored to walk beside Jose and be a part of his journey.
“God builds warriors, I went through a tough time but it was all to build me up” – Jose Rodriguez