Daughters of Wisdom has awarded $5,000 to JustFaith Ministries. They are a first-time Wisdom Grant recipient.

JustFaith Ministries (JFM) inspires action for justice through small-group programs focused on peace, racial equality, and sustainability. The Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads division holds both virtual and in-person programs and events centered on helping others through social change.

They were awarded a grant for the Hampton Roads Local Organizing Project. Their team will organize small groups for JFM’s educational programs, recruit and train program facilitators, build relationships with local churches, and connect inspired program participants to organizations in the region.

After the program ends, groups will be connected with local grassroots efforts working on the same issues. The project is community-focused, and participants will support each other in addressing the root causes of injustice. Over 90% of participants have increased their volunteerism, advocacy, and commitment to social justice after being part of a JustFaith Ministries program.

The majority of current participants in their programs are white, and use their resources as anti-racist social justice education in their communities. JFM is also working to connect its programs with BIPOC communities, enabling them to use the materials to empower and mobilize their members for systemic change. JFM offers robust scholarships and stipends to program facilitators and builds relationships with underserved communities.

Participants will also be connected with local nonprofits and advocacy groups in the region, including the Legislative Collaborative Table Initiative, the Food Security Initiative, and the Safe Learning Centers Initiative.

JustFaith Ministries was recommended for a Wisdom Grant by Sr. Marie Chiodo.

Sr. Marie highlighted the Daughters of Wisdom’s relationships with the leaders of this project. Sr. Margaret McCabe, who passed away in 2023, had a huge influence on JustFaith leaders Teresa Stanley and Renee McCarthy. Teresa said she still feels Sr. Margaret's presence when she engages in JFM projects.

"The Daughters of Wisdom, Sisters Margaret, Marilyn [Soeder], and Grace [Malonzo], have changed our lives,” said Teresa.

Teresa also thanked the Daughters of Wisdom for their help while writing to Sr. Grace. “It was wonderful to talk with you [Sr. Grace] this evening about all the generous funding coming from the Daughters of Wisdom Mission Grant that is making possible the ongoing active engagement and service to a wounded world, starting with our local community,” she said.

She also stated that even in dark times, "We must be joyful, not lose hope.”

Participants of all ages have been involved in JFM programs and are now engaging in social justice action to make a difference in both their community and globally.

“As Daughters of Wisdom, we are so grateful for the ongoing Mission of Wisdom in Virginia through the prophetic voices of those who follow in our footsteps. Thank you, Teresa, and all who are standing in solidarity with the oppressed, in making ‘good trouble,’ in being God's Love to our world,” said Sr. Marie.

Daughters of Wisdom Awards $5,000 Grant to JustFaith Ministries