This Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting partners across the region that provide more than just food assistance. For our next feature, we head to Alexandria, VA, to highlight Mother of Light Center, a 100% volunteer-run organization dedicated to both meeting basic needs and uplifting education throughout their community.
Founded in 2019, Mother of Light Center serves a predominantly Hispanic community, including many clients who have immigrated from Central and South America. Their mission is holistic, focusing on feeding, clothing, supporting, and nurturing those in need. In addition to food distribution, they offer a wide range of services, including support groups for single mothers and after-school programs for children.
Since opening, Mother of Light has partnered with the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) to operate a food pantry that serves more than 1,500 families every month. The pantry’s food comes both directly from the Capital Area Food Bank and through connections with grocery stores like Amazon Fresh, made possible by the food bank’s Partner Direct program. The food is distributed in two ways: through home deliveries and direct pick-up at the center. With 70% of the food delivered by van to local neighborhoods, the pantry ensures that food is as accessible as possible. They also prioritize their clients’ preferences by making sure to offer rice, beans, eggs, and fresh produce whenever possible.
Beyond providing food, the food bank also has provided grants that have empowered Mother of Light to expand their services. One grant enabled the launch of an outreach program that increases awareness of their programs through text messaging software. Another supported the Read & Shine summer program, which began this summer in response to concerns among the community that children were behind on reading skills. Designed to improve literacy and foster a love of learning, the four-session program served 70 children and teens, with trips to the local library and reading activities that encourage children to explore books freely available to them.
Grants from the food bank also supported the development of a Life Skills Training Manual, a comprehensive eight-session guide designed to equip participants with the tools they need to navigate daily challenges. The program is geared toward empowering single mothers in the community by preparing them for a “train-the-trainer” approach, where they can pass these valuable life skills on to other women in the community, fostering a network of support and leadership development.
“We want clients to see our organization as a safe haven where they are treated with kindness and respect.” says Matilde Alvarado, founder of Mother of Light. Through their efforts, Mother of Light Center is not only addressing immediate needs but also empowering the next generation, exemplifying how good food today can lead to brighter futures tomorrow.