Partnering with the people of San José Villanueva, El Salvador
Todos somos iguales - we are all equal
Partnering with the people of San José Villanueva, El Salvador
Todos somos iguales - we are all equal
It is with profound sadness that we share the news that Mike Jenkins, our beloved Epilogos founder and ambassador, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday January 14th. Mike passed peacefully in his sleep. As many of you know, over the last several years, Mike was deeply committed to caring for his wife Susie, ensuring she was able to remain in their home throughout her final days. As his friends and fellow volunteers, we find solace in imagining Mike and Susie’s beautiful reunion.
Mike was a friend to all, but especially to those who were overlooked by others or marginalized due to their social or financial status. He was a true champion of the people in San José Villaneuva, El Salvador, and they loved him for it. Wherever he went, shouts of “It’s Mr. Mike!”, “Hi, Mr. Mike!” would ring out in warm greeting.
Mike was a collector of people and stories. He started his day meditating and visiting with the Sister’s at the Ayagualo Retreat Center. Then he made his rounds of the village, checking on projects, meeting with various groups. And he always collected things-people, supplies, chickens, bananas, anything really!-along the way, helping them get to their next destination. He relished listening to people’s stories and helping them better their lives. In the storeroom of the Epilogos’ office in SJV, there are thousands of Mike’s photos of the Salvadoran people and the North American volunteers. It was his joy being with people.
He and Susie believed that people should see, hear...and smell, life in San José Villanueva, so everyone could appreciate what they loved about the village and the people. They encouraged folks to come volunteer and come they did. They learned this from their time in the Peace Corps. We know Mike and Susie cherished their Peace Corps friends, with whom they remained in strong connection and who were huge supporters of Mike, Susie and Epilogos.
Mike and Susie, along with the Epilogos staff, hosted many people for months at a time, and hundreds of students and adults from the US and Canada came on group trips for a week or two. Every volunteer was profoundly impacted by their time in El Salvador, especially because Mike and Susie modeled a loving and accepting approach to people and communities.
In the 20+ years since Mike and Susie founded Epilogos the fruits of their labor have paid off. Hundreds of families have casas dignas and clean water, the first scholarship students have completed their education and have returned to work in the village, and there is a spirit of community and volunteering that did not exist before.
The Board of Directors and Epilogos staff are honored and proud to have worked alongside Mike and Susie, and now we will carry their legacy forward, working WITH the people of San José Villanueva.
Our thoughts are with Mike’s son Michael (Gargi), daughter Jennifer, grandson Kieran, and Mike and Susie's entire family.
Rest in peace, Mr. Mike...buen trabajo, amigo.
An obituary and memorial service details will be shared in the next few weeks.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of one of our beloved founders. Susie Jenkins, wife of Mike and friend to all, passed peacefully November 3rd, surrounded by her family. Mike and Susie shared a wonderful love for each other, for their children and for all of us.
Susie’s joy and enthusiasm working with the people of San José Villanueva, along with her love of listening to music, dancing, and her beautiful singing will be missed by many. With her keen artistic eye and attention to detail, Susie worked with the school children and volunteers to paint two large murals outside the school walls. She also led our education initiatives, including the scholarship program. These actions of solidarity will serve as lasting reminders of someone whose love and compassion for others was always an inspiration to us. We are blessed that she was in our lives.
In talks with the volunteers who came to El Salvador, Susie would say, "We all need to be citizens of the world."
As Board members and Epilogos staff, we are proud to help continue the work that Mike and Susie started in San José Villanueva and will move forward with our friend and mentor Susie in our hearts.
Our thoughts are with her family – her husband Mike, daughter Jennifer, and son Michael and his family.
Link to Susie's obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/concordmonitor/name/susan-jenkins-obituary?id=56876611
Memorial Service link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW0fbWG6D-I
Teachers and administrators from Epilogos and The Complejo Educativo Catolico participated in week long exchange program in Stronsgsville, Ohio.
Tonya Barba and her colleagues at Strongsville High School and St. Joseph and John school planned a full week of activities,
They interacted with students and teachers in the classroom, shared Salvadoran culture, participated in meetings with administrators and staff, shared food, and more!
The group also met with our long-term partners at St Joseph Church - sister parish of the Parroquia San Jose.
Click on this link to see a video of the trip:
https://www.scsmustangs.org/find-it-fast/60-seconds-with-the-superintendent
Your generous contribution will provide support for the people of San José Villanueva, El Salvador.
Thank you!