MILWAUKEE, Wisc. — On Milwaukee’s south side, a community initiative called Lideres por la Salud, or Leaders for Health, is focused on encouraging seniors to embrace a healthy future.
“Our mission is to create and maintain a healthy community. So basically, they act as agents of change,” said Patricia Luevano.
“It just feels so good to be able to come here and show love and feel that cariño, that affection, that they give to everyone. Just being part of the program makes me feel good,” said leader Maria Beltran.
Patricia Luevano is the program's coordinator. She works at Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers as a community organizer to address key issues impacting Latinos, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
“We know what they need. We see them crying, so we know what needs to be implemented in the community in order for them to heal,” said Luevano.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, 65 percent of Latino adults in the state are considered overweight or obese. Luevano says that shocking statistic pushed her team to create the group, which includes weekly walks and discussions that focus on promoting good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
Watch: Community walking group hopes to inspire Latino seniors to live a healthier future
“You come here and you expect to give to them, but instead, you leave full of love; you can feel the energy,” said Luevano.
Juanita Villalobos and Yolanda Frias say the group has changed their lives.
“I hope it never ends; I hope it continues, because it’s incredibly important to me,” said Villalobos.
“It’s helped with my depression. I don’t think about the things I used to; I feel happy again,” said Frias.
The senior walking club does activities all year long, but Luevano says their motto never changes.
“Once they are here, we motivate them to keep walking. You could see our sign, ‘just keep walking, solo sigue caminando,’” said Luevano. “So, I think it's very important to bring people together, to build community, to build trust, and to be together.”
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