Increasing Our Ability to Serve Spanish-Speaking Families

After the first year of operating in Waco, Texas, it was clear that Together for Good (TFG) needed a way to reach the many Spanish-speaking families in the community. Vulnerable parents were looking for support as they cared for their children during crises, but found the language barrier at TFG to be too overwhelming to navigate.

It became a priority for TFG Waco to hire a bilingual case manager to help make TFG’s services more accessible to Spanish-speaking families. God answered that prayer, and a few months ago, Zaira joined the team. 

On Zaira’s second day of working for Together for Good, we received a referral from a mom, Elena*, who recently moved from Colombia. Elena only spoke Spanish, had no social support in Waco, and was about to deliver a baby. She had learned about TFG from another participant mom who recommended Elena use our support as she welcomed her new baby and became established in Waco. 

Shortly after she reached out, Elena went into labor, and Zaira traveled to the hospital to conduct the intake. Being able to speak one-on-one without the need for a translator not only increased the ease of the intake process but also built Elena’s trust with TFG. She knew that TFG would meet her where she was and in her language. 

Zaira quickly reached out to one of Together for Good’s partnering churches and organized wrap-around support for Elena and her new baby daughter, Sophia*. Support volunteers provided meal deliveries, diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and other essential items. Elena has also been connected with host families who care for Sophia, giving Elena the time to secure employment and housing. 

It has been amazing to see the difference that having a community has made in Elena’s life.

*Names are changed to protect privacy.