"The difference that you can make in families' lives is remarkable. It doesn't get any better than this."
Behind La Misión - Serving Families for Over 25 Years
Christina Jasso has been a cornerstone of Guadalupe Centers (GCI) for the past 25 years. What began as a simple request from an old friend and former GCI employee became the spark that launched her journey with this long-standing Latino organization. Today, Christina serves as the Director of Family Support, leading the Family Support Center and meeting individuals from all walks of life, becoming a meaningful part of their journeys as she offers a helping hand.
Her path to GCI began while she was working at her grandmother’s restaurant. There, she crossed paths with Mercedes Mora, then the Director of Substance Use Treatment. Mercedes invited her friend to join the organization, knowing Christina had the heart and spirit to work with families. The Family Support Center is known for providing aid to families and individuals in need, offering housing stability to prevent homelessness, emergency assistance, case management, economic and housing security support, and connections to community resources and opportunities. Christina quickly felt aligned with the mission: to improve lives in Latino communities throughout the Kansas City area.
Supporting families in crisis can be emotionally challenging. Staff members often work closely with clients facing homelessness, the loss of loved ones, or other personal hardships. Yet, amid the heartache, there are moments of profound joy that come with the job. One bittersweet memory that stands out for Christina was helping a mother with her terminally ill daughter. Several years ago, Christina worked with this mother, who was alone in the U.S. after her husband’s passing, and now faced her daughter’s declining health. Determined to help, Christina sought funding to bring the woman’s parents from abroad. When local support fell through, she reached out to a former GCI colleague, Bernarndo, who was working with UnidosUS. Bernarndo connected her with another UnidosUS staff member working at the White House, which led to a link with Ted Kennedy’s aide. Through these connections, the grandparents were flown in to spend precious time with their daughter and granddaughter.
The story reached the local newspaper, inspiring community members to donate to the family. As a final wish, the mother surprised her daughter with a visit from her favorite local band, Tropicana Azul. Fully gowned in hospital gear, the musicians took photos and shared a special moment with her. Although the daughter passed away, Christina cherishes the memory and remains grateful for the network of support that made it possible.
Heartbreak is an inevitable part of Family Support work, but Christina finds strength in her colleagues. “My teammates, they’re rockstars,” she said. “There was a time when we were months without a receptionist, but everyone really stepped up and worked hard as a team. We really try to make an impact when families come in.” Working alongside Patty, Jorge, and now Alma (featured in the above image), whose tenures range from just a few months to 15 years, Christina is proud of their “small but mighty” team.
Outside of work, Christina enjoys gardening (she’s especially proud of her cucumber harvest) and caring for her son’s dog. She is also an avid soccer fan. If the Mexican national soccer team is playing, she’s on “do not disturb” mode.
Her time at GCI has brought her pride and, above all, joy. “It’s a complete honor, and the best job I’ve ever had…The difference that you can make in families’ lives is remarkable. It doesn’t get any better than this.”