Representing Hispanic Access, Jasmine Ezell, Hispanic Leadership Network Manager, will lead the Opening Plenary prayer and facilitate the “Latine Church & Communities” affinity group, while Christine Tamara, Chief of Networks, will lead the “Nurturing Mental Health and Wellness in Congregations” conversation. Both sessions, taking place on Thursday, October 9, 2025, will cultivate connection and shared learning among congregational leaders.

The gathering brings together project directors and colleagues to exchange wisdom, strengthen networks, and explore key capacities in evaluation, communication, and sustainability. Hispanic Access’ participation is part of its Iglesias Sanas, Comunidades Sanas (Healthy Churches, Healthy Communities) project—one of 247 initiatives funded through Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative. The project equips pastors and 35 congregations with resources that integrate mental health, Christian counseling, and emotional healing with theologically grounded approaches to church health.

“It is truly an honor and privilege to represent Hispanic Access at the Thriving Congregations gathering,” said Ezell. “Being invited to offer the opening plenary and facilitate the ‘Latine Church & Communities’ conversation reflects the heart of our work through the Hispanic Leadership Network. These opportunities affirm the importance of elevating the voices and experiences of our leaders and communities, and demonstrate that Hispanic Access is a trusted figure within the faith community space.”

“Since the pandemic, Latino clergy have been on the frontlines walking alongside their communities, providing a listening ear, spiritual guidance, and endless support,” said Tamara. “Through Iglesias Sanas, Comunidades Sanas, Latino clergy in our network are receiving training and certification in Mental Health First Aid to better nurture wellness in their congregations and communities. It was a blessing to lead an affinity group alongside others committed to fostering mental health and wellness in faith spaces.”

“For more than a decade, Hispanic Access has partnered with a robust network of Latino clergy representing tens of thousands of churches across denominations,” said Maite Arce, President and CEO of Hispanic Access Foundation. “While we are a secular organization, we celebrate the vital role of the church in Latino communities. This partnership allows us to empower churches and families to thrive spiritually and emotionally.”

For more information about Iglesias Sanas, Comunidades Sanas and the Thriving Congregations Initiative, visit www.hispanicaccess.org.