By Tiffany Estrada-Padilla
In the summer of 2023, Staci Marrese-Wheeler, a pastor at Common Grace, a ministry of Lakeview Moravian Community Church & Zion Faith Community (ELCA), in Madison, Wisconsin, applied for and received a grant from our Racial Awareness, Equity, and Repair fund to celebrate and share Hispanic cultures.
Two schools within the Madison Metropolitan School District, Schenk Elementary and Whitehorse Middle, have not had the opportunity to host celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month. As both schools are part of the Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program in Madison, it comes as no surprise that they would want to honor their large communities of Hispanic/Spanish-speaking students and families. Administrators from the elementary and middle schools reached out to their trusted partners, Common Grace, to request any support in organizing this event. With the RAER grant, Staci and Common Grace supported schools in funding and volunteer help.
However, this is not the end of support for the Hispanic community in Madison. In ensuring authenticity and sincerity, Schenk and Whitehorse schools utilized grant funding to secure food, performers, and decorations from local Hispanic businesses – many of whose children attend the two schools.
Finding Joy Through a Bad Time
One month before the Hispanic Heritage celebrations, a shooting at a nearby apartment complex took place. Some of the students within the two schools lived at the complex and were, unfortunately, bystanders to the dangerous incident. The shock spread to the nearby schools, causing fear and apprehension among the students, their families, and faculty.
Due to this occurrence, the planned Hispanic Heritage celebrations shifted from not only being an expression of Latin culture, but also to an embrace of one another during a challenging period.
After the two successful celebrations, Schenk Elementary and Whitehorse Middle were able to support their local Hispanic community and raise awareness of the diverse cultures found within the Latin community. Students, families, and staff enjoyed various Latin cuisines while learning about traditions through dances and performances. At the end of the celebration, they emerged from the events with smiles on their faces and eased hearts.
Your Impact
Churches and ministries, such as Common Grace, accomplish their mission work with funds provided by generous donors to MMFA’s Field of Interest Funds. If you would like to support future endeavors of our churches and ministries, consider donating to one of the MMFA’s FOI Funds here.
Click here to learn more about Common Grace and their future projects and current capital campaign.
