Growing up in Mexico, Pancho learned to see his identity woven with that of his community. He found his own dignity depended on seeing the dignity in others.
He helped communities in Mexico and Nicaragua tap their strengths to improve the lives of everyone there — work that required years of building trust. When he followed his American girlfriend, now wife, to the United States, he had to start over.
In Houston, Pancho met immigrants with spinal injuries who were denied county medical support for wheelchairs and health supplies, so he became part of the Living Hope Wheelchair Association. Pancho says he doesn’t serve; he accompanies the members as they move from needing help, to living independent lives, to becoming valued community leaders.
This article was created by Weave: The Social Fabric Project of the Aspen Institute. Weave supports people who live in a way that puts relationships and community first. These “Weavers” lead with love and defy a culture of hyper-individualism that has left Americans feeling more lonely, distrustful and divided than ever. See their stories and learn more here.