Inclusion in Church Ministry Network of Catholic Inclusive Educators Juan “Papo” Pollo Inclusion in Church Ministry Network of Catholic Inclusive Educators November 5-6, 2010 Miami, Florida

Meet Papo Juan “Papo” Pollo is a Miami native. Despite any challenges that were set in front of him at birth, Papo has overcome them and can proudly say that he owns his own business. As an active member of Saint Augustine Catholic Church and its campus ministry, he has found a welcoming and lively group of people to share his faith with. He enjoys fishing, playing the video game Guitar Hero with friends, playing bongos and frequenting Orlando theme parks.

At Birth… Papo was diagnosed with CP and with a hole in his heart the size of a quarter. Papo explains that his birth is a miracle because his mother gave him a gift that he has cherished. That gift was his life. Doctors said that Papo’s heart condition wouldn’t allow him to live past seven years old if he did not receive a heart surgery.

The Gift As any mother would, Papo’s mother allowed this surgery, and to this day Papo regularly speaks about his gratitude and love for his mother. He often talks about it as being his favorite gift from his mother and God Himself.

“Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty”-Teresa of Calcutta

Papo was not a stranger to that feeling when he was younger Papo was not a stranger to that feeling when he was younger. His family tried to have him accepted into a Catholic school, but due to his disability he was not admitted. He entered the public school system and graduated with a high school diploma from South Miami Sr. High.

The Dream As a kid I had dreams of owning a bait shop, but for a while I lost some hope. My mom told me to never give up on my dreams.

How did I get started? On a Sunday afternoon, in September 2002, my Mom, was reading the newspaper and she saw an article that read: LATEST IN FISHING CONVENIENCE: LIVE BAIT IN VENDING MACHINES (c) 2004,

After, my step dad read the newspaper article too, and thought about buying one of those live bait vending machines as a “test” And a few days later, my step dad signed the papers and bought a vending machine. I was there too. It was September 25, 2002, the day of my 25th Birthday! (c) 2004,

Papo’s Step-dad as his Support The machine was placed at Bass Pro Shops, Papo’s favorite fishing store! This is where the “test” began! (c) 2004,

“No” is not an answer! Getting Papo’s business off the ground seemed difficult at first, but luckily for Papo, his mom is not the kind of woman that simply takes “no” for an answer.

Disabled Rights Advocate Here I am speaking as an advocate for Disabled Rights on Developmental Disabilities Awareness Day at the Capitol. I have been invited to share the story of how I started my business for other formal events. (c) 2004,

Meeting with Former Governor Bush Even the Governor of Florida invited me to meet with him to talk about the development of my business. Never give up on your dream or the dreams of people with disabilities. “If God is for us, who can be against us?”- Romans 8:31 (c) 2004,

“To Papo… God bless! Jeb Bush” At the end of the meeting, Governor Bush also signed an Executive Order. It was a very good day for people with disabilities! (c) 2004,

Pop’s Vending, LLC Juan “Papo” Pollo, Owner July 26, 2004 Opening Day 14th Anniversary of the ADA

Because Papo was so thankful for all of his blessings he began to go to church more, where he became involved with campus ministry (Papo in the center)

Catholic Student Association (CSA) St. Augustine’s Church and Catholic Student Center Coral Gables, FL Every Thursday Papo comes to our campus ministry meetings and usually joins us on the weekends too.

Catholic Student Association Papo is one of the important faces at campus ministry. If there is ever a meeting he misses, everyone is sure to notice and some of us call to make sure he is okay.

Who brought you to campus ministry Papo? Catholic Student Association Who brought you to campus ministry Papo?

Is there something that keeps you coming back every week? Catholic Student Association Is there something that keeps you coming back every week?

Why is it important to you that you go every week? Catholic Student Association Why is it important to you that you go every week?

What kind of stuff do you do with Campus Ministry? Catholic Student Association What kind of stuff do you do with Campus Ministry?

What other trips do you go on with CSA? Catholic Student Association Papo what trip was this? What other trips do you go on with CSA?

Papo do you ever have days where you are cranky? Catholic Student Association Papo do you ever have days where you are cranky?

What do you feel when you get cranky, Papo? Catholic Student Association What do you feel when you get cranky, Papo?

Catholic Student Association Usually after prayer we have noticed if Papo is upset or anxious, Papo will become more peaceful and positive after praying with a group or being prayed over. Why is that Papo?

How do they treat you at CSA? Catholic Student Association How do they treat you at CSA?

How do they show you respect, Papo? Catholic Student Association How do they show you respect, Papo?

What do you do outside of CSA events for fun with the members of CSA?

Papo do you remember where this was taken? What are you doing with Campus Ministry in this photo?

If you would like this presentation for your group, please contact: Juan “Papo” Pollo Pop’s Vending, LLC 786-344-8428 305-740-8382 Popsvending@bellsouth.net