GREEN BAY, Wis. — National Hispanic Heritage Month helps to raise awareness about the work happening daily at Casa ALBA Melanie in Green Bay. 

The organization’s mission is to promote the well-being and development of the area’s Hispanic community, said Executive Director Amanda Garcia. 

According to the group’s website, Casa means “home,” and ALBA means “dawn.” Having “Melanie” in the name is meant to honor the organization’s first executive director, Sister Melanie Maczka. The organization started as a ministry of outreach to the local Hispanic community, before growing into its own brick and mortar building. 

Garcia said roughly 300 people pass through every month, seeking help to connect with resources for healthcare, job training and legal support.