Epilogos, the organization that Rick and Shelley mention in there article, does great work. Located in San Jose Villanueva, our twin puebla across the highway, it restores and uplifts the entire community. Their founders, Mike & Susie Jenkins, died in early 2025. Their extraordinary story is found on their website: (https://epilogos.org).

I know I speak for the staff at COAR, as well as myself, saying we all feel a bit orphaned by Mike and Susie’s death. They began their work in San Jose Villanueva as Peace Corps volunteers in the 1960s. They were married in the town. After they raised their family in the US and retired, they returned to San Jose just to see whatever little they could do. That was in 2002, just about the time I started at COAR. I’d get occasional updates from the staff about children Mike and Susie had referred to COAR. When I visited, I’d get the much fuller story.  Those evenings spent with Mike and Susie were invaluable in understanding all the challenges of our Salvadoran partners.

I knew I could never approach their depth of understanding. But I could at least try for the same depth of compassion, kindness, humor, and generosity.  I’ve had many teachers in this job as Executive Director of COAR. Mike & Susie rank among the tops and I will miss them more than I could ever say. My consolation, aside from my memories, is the wonderful organization they have built in Epilogos, serving the people of San Jose Villanueva in true solidarity. God or the universe or whatever you believe in gives us angels. The best you can hope for is to recognize them while they walk amongst us.  And give thanks. — Mary Stevenson, Executive Director of COAR Peace Mission