Making the invisible … VISIBLE

Discover the transformative work of Illuminators at First United Methodist Church in Boulder, empowering community integration through gifts, talents, dreams and passions of people who live on the street. 

The work of Jaime (see below), the “Animare" (the Latin verb animare meaning "to give life to") is to animate those gifts by connecting them with social capital, and inviting people to parties where they can fall in love with one another.

Our People

Jaime Encinas

Jaime Encinas

Nestoria Castillo

Scroll down for more about Jaime

Animare

Nestoria Castillo

Illuminator

Gabe Aarons
Illuminator

Gabe Aarons

Travis Hale-Kesler
Illuminator Emeritus

Travis Hale-Kesler

Jaime Encinas portrait

Jaime Encinas

Jaime Encinas is a Bolivian American community leader, author, and spiritual leader (Animare) dedicated to fostering healing and restoring community across lines of difference. After bicycling across the United States twice as a personal journey toward healing, he developed a deep conviction in the power of shared humanity and social connection. He is the founder of Wheeling to Healing, author of two books, and serves as a spiritual leader (Animare) at First United Methodist Church of Boulder, working alongside people experiencing homelessness to illuminate their gifts. A former actor and educator, Jaime brings thoughtful facilitation and relational leadership to his work.

Jaime is a Weaver on the Weave Speakers Bureau, part of the Aspen Institute, highlighting people who are connecting their communities together from the ground up.

Explore a collection of Jaime’s work where each project reflects thoughtful narratives.