From an idea to daily accompaniment
Groundwork began in 2025. In February 2026, St. James began formal operations in Bolivia, turning a commitment to young adults into a home and a practical response to their educational needs.
Beginning the apostolate
An initial ad experimentum authorization from the Archdiocese of Santa Cruz de la Sierra allowed the apostolate to begin its work under the local Church’s guidance. Conversations with young adults and care homes helped shape the support needed.
Establishing Casa St. James
The Archdiocese made a house available for the mission. Repairs, cleaning and preparation created spaces for study, shared meals, prayer and rest, providing a setting for daily community life.
Welcoming the first university student
Welcoming a university student who had grown up in residential care made the mission concrete. Supporting his studies alongside shared responsibilities showed how education and community could work together in everyday life.
What meaningful progress looks like
Each young adult has different goals and circumstances. These outcomes guide our accompaniment and help us consider progress over time.
Continuing education
Choosing a realistic technical or university pathway, attending classes, developing study habits and working toward completing a qualification. Guidance and educational assistance can help address barriers as they arise.
Practicing independence
Managing time, budgeting and saving, gaining suitable work experience and taking responsibility for daily needs. These practices help prepare young adults to support themselves and make informed decisions.
Growing in character and community
Developing honesty, perseverance, respect and care for others through relationships, prayer and service. Our Catholic formation connects personal growth with vocation and responsibility toward the wider community.
Everyday responsibilities give learning a place
At Casa St. James, formation takes place through ordinary routines: studying, preparing meals, caring for shared spaces, managing time, praying together and learning to live with others.
Young adults contribute to their own growth
Residents take an active part in caring for the home and organizing their studies. Daily responsibilities provide opportunities to practice reliability, cooperation and judgment, with guidance when difficulties arise.
Accompaniment responds to the person
The team considers each participant’s goals, needs and responsibilities when agreeing on support. Ongoing conversations help review progress and possible next steps. Housing and assistance depend on assessment, available places and resources.
Building a clearer picture of progress
As the mission grows, we aim to bring together consistent information on participation, educational progress and preparation for independence. These areas will help us learn from the work and share more useful updates with supporters.
Participation and continuity
Record whom we accompany, the support agreed and how participation changes over a defined period. This will help distinguish current participation from the total number of people reached over time.
Education and work
Follow enrollment, continuation of studies, qualifications and suitable work or training experiences, considering the circumstances and support behind each step.
Independence and participant feedback
Review practical goals such as study routines, budgeting, savings and shared responsibilities. Include young adults’ own perspectives on what is helping them and where support needs to improve.
Follow the work behind the milestones
Our stories, updates and Walking with Hope newsletter share activities, community life and current needs. They offer a closer view of the daily effort behind the mission’s early progress.
As we develop reporting, we aim to share results with dates, context and clear definitions. Personal stories are shared with care for participants’ privacy and the appropriate permissions.
Help sustain the work already underway
Your support helps sustain educational assistance, daily essentials and the guidance around young adults as they pursue their goals.
You can contribute through giving, professional expertise, mentoring or a suitable education or work opportunity.
