Bridging the Gap

We connect resources to needs.

Because of our relationships with parishes and ministries, The Catholic Foundation of Northern Colorado is often the first to hear about needs that arise in our community.

We can therefore make well-informed decisions about giving—whether for grants approved by our Trustees or for donors who seek our counsel about where their dollars can do the most good.

In addition, the Foundation provides many services at no charge, such as outreach and planning to help Catholics become more engaged in giving.

Thanks to donors who care about the Foundation’s mission as much as we do, we are building our capacity to meet these needs as our faith moves us to bridge the gap.

Alberto’s Story

“I’m here to learn to read and write.”

At his age, Alberto’s answer came as a surprise.

Jennie Marquez, Assistant Director of Centro San Juan Diego, remembers the moment she met Alberto in the hallway and asked whether he was looking for the senior health fair.

No. He came to sign up for a Plaza Communitaria class—one of Centro’s programs supported by grants from The Catholic Foundation. Alberto is motivated to learn.

“It’s hard to learn a second language as an adult, especially if they don’t understand their first language,” Jennie explains. “So we teach them how to read and write in Spanish and then help them continue to learn in English.”

Coming and Going

In a year, more than 30,000 people come through Centro San Juan Diego, located in Denver’s Curtis Park neighborhood.

And the ministry also reaches out to 6,000 weekly through a television program, Fe Católica Viva—Catholic Faith Alive—on ABC’s Azteca America channel. Luis Soto, the program host and Centro’s former Executive Director, credits annual grants from The Catholic Foundation for keeping the program on the air.

Connecting With the Hispanic Community

“The topic might be about a sacrament or a social issue,” Luis says as he describes his approach to evangelization in his role as a television host.

“Recently, I interviewed a visiting priest that has a ministry in Mexico City, serving children. They are dealing with drugs, alcohol and violence in that community. So we had a conversation about losing the everyday life of the family.”

The topic resonates—not only because of what communities encounter here in the United States, but also because of family ties back in Mexico.

A Gifted Life

For all its programs, the heart of Centro San Juan Diego is its people—people like Luis and Jennie, who embrace both their Catholic and Hispanic heritage.

“People come here knowing that we speak Spanish. People feel the warmth and acceptance, like ‘I am understood,’” Jennie says.

“Some have just arrived, and some have been here for five years or more. But they all come feeling like they are not judged. They are encouraged to do their best, to get an education, to integrate into American society and give back.”

And as they themselves give back, Luis and Jennie are leaders who are bridging languages and cultures within our Catholic community.

Alberto’s name has been changed to respect privacy.

Giving Catalog

If you are inspired to support The Catholic Foundation in bridging the gap, please browse our Giving Catalog of opportunities.

Or, if you are still exploring your options, take a few moments to consider: What Inspires You?