By Matt W.
Since their arrival at The Family Foundation School in 2005, Pete and Caren Jacques have certainly been busy. From fly-fishing class, to the Shepherds Knitting Circle, to leading Family Five, the Jacques have changed their own lives, and the lives of many others.
The experience of being a new staff member can be compared to that of being a new student. In other words, frightening, anxiety causing, and maybe feelings of being out of place. Some, though, feel right at home.
Caren started working primarily as a counselor and sponsor for students, and also as a science and history teacher in the middle school. “When I first came here I was pretty comfortable because I’m used to a school environment”, said Caren.
Four months after Caren began working, Pete decided that maybe he would consider working at the school also.
At first Pete was reluctant to even come in to talk to Rita Argiros about starting a job here. “I didn’t come with the idea of getting a serious job. I walked in, not planning anything… I walked out with a job. I thought, ‘this is where I’m supposed to be.’” Unfortunately Pete’s experience was not the same as Caren’s. “I was new to teaching and very disorganized. I probably had more homework than any student here!” said Pete about his experience as a newbie at the school.
After a few months of working here, it became clear that Pete and Caren have a place to fit right in at The Family School.
The Jacques have seen a big change in their lives since coming to The Family Foundation School. Prior to working here, Pete and Caren were seeing each other. Caren explained how coming to The Family School not only changed her as a person but her relationship to Pete. “Peter and I have gotten a lot closer. I mean, we got married after coming here. It’s all about sharing with the other person”.
The Jacques both agree that the best part of working at FFS is being of service to others. Pete explained that for him, working at FFS “isn’t a case of rescuing anyone, but helping people and getting help at the same time.”
The Jacques have had a lot of spiritual guidance from mentors such as Mike and Robin Ducey, Fr. Stephen Morris, and Terry and Lindy McCarthy. Caren said that their plan is to “lead the students here in the same direction; and, she added with a smile, “share our dog Max along the way.”
