An invitation that became a mission
St. James Institute’s story began with a personal connection between Bolivia and the United States. An invitation to a wedding introduced Br. Johnpaul Tran to Bolivia and helped him come to know its people, culture and the challenges facing young people with limited support.
Among those challenges was the transition from residential care into adulthood. Young people who wanted to continue studying could suddenly find themselves making decisions about housing, education and work without a dependable family network.
That encounter helped give shape to a commitment: to accompany young adults as they build a path toward education, meaningful work and responsible independence.
Taking root in Bolivia
Br. Johnpaul, Stefani Mostacedo Fernández and Omar Kucharsky began working together to turn that commitment into a practical response in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Stefani brought local leadership and a vocation for service; Omar worked to develop the relationships and resources the mission would need.
Rooted in the Catholic faith and connected with Servants of God of St. Augustine, St. James took shape around education, community, prayer and service. Its purpose was to support young adults in their studies while also helping them develop character, everyday skills and a sense of responsibility toward others.
The groundwork began in 2025 through planning, discernment and conversations with the local Church and people who knew the needs of young adults leaving care.
Listening to young adults
Conversations with young people, care-home staff and Church leaders helped the team understand what support could mean in practice. Young adults shared their hopes for study and work, alongside questions about where to live, how to meet expenses and whom to turn to for guidance.
These conversations shaped an approach that brings practical help together with personal guidance and accountability. Each young adult has different goals and circumstances, so accompaniment begins with listening and considering a realistic next step together.
Early relationships with residential care homes in Santa Cruz de la Sierra included:
- Hogar Santa Cruz
- Barrio Juvenil Don Bosco
- Hogar José Mercado Aguado
Working alongside these homes allowed St. James to build on the care already offered to young people and focus on the next stage of their lives.
Opening Casa St. James
Formal operations began in February 2026, following an ad experimentum authorization from the Archdiocese of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. This initial authorization allowed the apostolate to begin its work under the local Church’s guidance.
The Archdiocese also made a house available for the mission. It became Casa St. James, our first home in Santa Cruz de la Sierra and the place where daily accompaniment began to take shape.
Preparing the house meant repairs, cleaning and gradually creating spaces for study, meals, prayer and rest. These ordinary tasks were the foundation for a community where young adults could continue their education and practice the responsibilities of adult life.
During this early stage, the community welcomed a university student who had grown up in residential care and needed support to continue his studies.
Accompanying him made the mission concrete: listening to his goals, supporting his education and learning together how to build a responsible shared life.
Learning through everyday life
Today, life at Casa St. James brings education into everyday practice. Residents share responsibilities and learn through the routines and relationships of a small community.
Studying, preparing meals, caring for shared spaces, managing time and saving for personal goals offer opportunities to practice independence. Dialogue and encouragement help young adults work through difficulties and take responsibility for their decisions.
Formal education, work and service, and character and spiritual formation remain connected. Prayer and community life are part of our Catholic mission, alongside practical preparation for study and employment.
Young adults take an active part in this process. Our role is to walk alongside them as they develop their abilities, pursue their goals and prepare to contribute to others.
Growing with care
Casa St. James is our starting point. The experience of this first home continues to teach us what consistent accompaniment requires.
Our immediate focus is to strengthen the work already underway: build dependable partnerships, develop educational opportunities and secure the resources needed to support young adults responsibly.
Our longer-term vision includes additional St. James Homes, with mentor couples helping guide community life. Any expansion will depend on local needs, suitable leadership and the resources to sustain it.
Care homes, educational institutions, parishes, employers, professionals and supporters all have a part to play in opening opportunities around each young adult.
A story we share
These first steps have been possible through the support of the local Church, Servants of God of St. Augustine, and people who have offered their time, skills, prayers and generosity.
The story also belongs to the young adults who study, contribute to community life and keep working toward their goals. Their effort gives purpose to the work we share.
We invite you to follow our progress and consider how your experience, partnership or support could help this mission grow.