Spanish-speaking moms graduate course with life-changing knowledge

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Thursday was graduation day for 23 Spanish-speaking mothers at the Kipp Academy.

"This is a positive impact for all of us. We feel like a family here," says Maria Torres.

These mothers completed the Wellness for Growth Foundation Program after eight weeks of classes.

"The Wellness for Growth Program is a program designed to help women -- Hispanic women, low-income...(with their) well-being...and their families," explains Patricia Ghersi, a volunteer with the program.

The Wellness for Growth Foundation looks to partner with schools with a low socioeconomic status among Hispanics.

When they approached the Kipp Academy, they happily obliged.

"We wanted this program because we wanted the support we get from parents, and their help with the students here at school," says Leticia Castro, a Social Worker with Kipp.

Ghersi adds, "Some of them, if they don't speak English, they don't know how to get involved in the school or with the kids," and that's how this program helps.

The Wellness for Growth Foundation uses a tree as the root of their lessons.

"It represents a woman, and all the leaves and branches represent all the areas in which we are thriving every day," say volunteer, Grace Bedoya.

Some branches the students learn are wellness and nutrition, speaking English, computer skills, leadership, self-esteem, arts and crafts, budgeting and finance, selling, and entrepreneurship.

Alejandra Herrera says she grew as a person, and the day-to-day acts that may seem normal to most of us were life-changing lessons for her.

Caroina Espinosa adds, "I feel that it's a great opportunity for us to learn more things about how to be better mom; more skills that they give us to be better in this country."

Castro noticed how quickly the program impacted the confidence of these women. "We've seen a change in the difference they've done with themselves and how they interact with their children and explaining how important education is for them," she says.

For the women volunteering their time, it's made just as much of an impact. "I can say this has been one of the most important experiences in my life because when you can see that you are helping these amazing women to improve their lives and families' lives, this is priceless," says Bedoya.