(Located within Second Presbyterian Church)
210 NW Menninger Rd,
Topeka, KS 66617
VIDA Ministry
VIDA’s primary mission is to teach English to Latin American immigrants. We offer a variety of other services and classes. But at our core we are a team passionate about teaching English and helping the community.
VIDA was started in 2006 in response to the call clearly professed in the bible and to help the largest and the fastest growing sojourner group in our land, the Latinos:
“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”
Lev. 19:33
VIDA Governing Body:
| Bryn Aytes | President of Board |
| Jason Kuehl | Treasurer |
| Jorge Soto | Board Member |
| Julia Shaw | Board Member |
| Rosemary Menninger | Board Member, Community Gardens |
| Rev. Teresa Ingle | Board Member Pastor 2nd Presbyterian |
| Constancio Garay | Executive Director |
Why does Topeka need an organization like VIDA?
Because Latinos are a growing population and especially new immigrants to our community need a welcoming and nonthreatening center where to contact and learn basic skills such as English (ESL), nutrition, computing, citizenship classes and other services with childcare.
Executive Director of VIDA
Constancio Garay, joined VIDA as a volunteer teacher in Fall of 2007. He has been coordinating VIDA English classes (ESL) and other programs since then. He also recruits help for VIDA community garden from among volunteers and students.
Our Mission
VIDA means LIFE in Spanish. VIDA Ministry is a non-profit organization supported by twelve Presbyterian Churches of Topeka area. VIDA’s mission is to provide hope and services to our newer neighbors, the Latino community in Topeka. We provide programs and activities run by volunteers such as the ESL classes with free homework center and nursery for children. See other programs we offer.
Partners
VIDA ministry partners at various levels with local organizations like United Way, Topeka Public Schools, Topeka Common Ground, and others. VIDA board members dedicate their talents to guiding the organization to serve the Latino community.
VIDA Ministry, Topeka, KS 