By Okon Ekpenyong

The Martin De Porres Center, affiliated with the Dominican Sisters of Peace in Columbus, symbolizes hope and empowerment for the community it serves. Named in honor of St. Martin de Porres, a Dominican saint known for his compassion and service to the impoverished, the center embodies his spirit by providing mentorship, sisterhood, and social services to those in need.

Since its inception in Columbus, the center has become an essential resource for the community, offering support and assistance to more than 18 primary and secondary schools in Central Ohio, for example. Through peace-making, anti-violence initiatives, and empowerment programs, the center creates an atmosphere of healing and growth for all who seek its services.

Apart from its community outreach efforts, the center hosts art shows and events, providing a space for conferences, lectures, performances, and training sessions. With meeting spaces that can accommodate groups of all sizes, the center offers a range of amenities to meet different needs.

Recently, the Martin De Porres Center partnered with several organizations to collect and pack 18 boxes of healthy period bags for schools in need.

“These bags, filled with pads, information, and stickers, represent a small yet significant gesture that will significantly impact the lives of young women in the community,” said Yahaira Perez Caraballo, the Director at Martin De Porres Center at Dominican Sisters of Peace. 

Bridge Gate Community School on the West Side of Columbus is one of the schools receiving these healthy period bags from Martin de Porres Center. The bags are a thoughtful gesture that will bring smiles to the faces of dozens of female students. It will also help those students who may not otherwise have access to them. The support not only helps to ensure the health and well-being of these students but also promotes their education and future success.

The center is grateful for the support of Proyecto Mariposas, the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Besa, the Department of Spanish and Portuguese at Ohio State University, Columbus Public Health, and others who contributed to making this donation possible.

As the Martin De Porres Center continues to serve the community with compassion and dedication, it honors the legacy of St. Martin de Porres and his commitment to helping those in need. Through their efforts, the center creates a brighter future for all who seek their support and guidance.

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