Madre-A-Madre
The Problem
In the heart of downtown San Jose’s Washington neighborhood, something invisible was happening.
Washington Elementary was a school afflicted by poverty and gang violence, chronically under-resourced, easy to write off. But underneath all of that, there was something that the numbers couldn’t capture: a deep and powerful network of communal ties, strong families, and mothers who would do anything for their children – if only someone gave them the tools and the room to lead.
For Latina mothers in low-income neighborhoods, that room rarely appeared. Leadership development programs weren’t designed for them. Civic institutions weren’t accessible in their language. And the weight of raising children in a difficult environment left little space to step into their own power.
The Program (What it Does)
Madre-A-Madre (Mother to Mother) started in 2004 when Washington Elementary Principal Maria Evans recognized the hidden strength of her school’s community. She tapped that power by launching a program and selecting community leader Maria Marcelo to lead the program.
It started with two or three moms. Then four or five. Then 10–15. Then 30. On the best weeks, more than 80 mothers showed up.
Each week, Madre-A-Madre invites a speaker to present in Spanish on an important topic: immigration attorneys, physicians, mental health professionals, college and career counselors, pastors, community leaders, and prominent politicians.
Past speakers have included San Jose Chief of Police Eddie Garcia, Mayor Sam Liccardo, U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, and Senator Jim Beall.
As an official ministry of Healing Grove Health Center, Madre-A-Madre’s impact has grown beyond Washington Elementary and now aims to reach the whole city of San Jose. The program continues every Thursday.
What the program does, week by week:
- Empowers women to be leaders of their communities, schools, and families
- Trains mothers to be effective parents and leaders
- Engages women in political advocacy to systematically change their communities for the better
- Builds community among women to encourage healthy relationships and reduce isolation
- Partners with local organizations as women volunteer, collaborate, and expand their networks
- Equips women to shape policy that makes their communities safer and more affordable
- Mentors young women from elementary school into college
In Memory
Madre-A-Madre’s leader, Maria Marcelo, was tragically killed while leading a prayer walk on December 7th, 2022. Maria was a beloved community leader, activist, organizer, mother of three, and extraordinary chef. Her program lives on today under her daughter’s leadership and remains a living testament to what one person’s courage can build over twenty years.
Outcomes
I’ve belonged to Madre-A-Madre since 2010. It’s a program that has made a real impact on the Washington community. Personally, it has helped me grow and not be afraid of the obstacles in this country, whether the language or immigration status. Over this time, it has helped me better myself through all the classes and resources the program offers. It truly is a source of support for the mothers in our community.
— Yazmin Balderas
I have been part of Madre-a-Madre for 5 years. It has helped me a lot. I went through a season of depression after my mom passed away and since I don’t have any family here, the group has made me feel that I am not alone and has equipped me to be more independent. I like that each week we have different presenters that motivate us to better ourselves.
— Rocio Sosa
The Need
$600/month sustains one weekly Madre-A-Madre gathering for the full cohort of women.
- 20+ Years of ministry
- 150 women served annually
Your gift helps a mother in downtown San Jose step into a version of herself she may not have known existed.