From an island in the Caribbean to New Friends in Wisconsin
Donessa Belgrave grew up in Grenada, an island country in the Caribbean. From this place of sun, sea and sand, her path led to Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC), where she is in the final semester of an early childhood education degree.
“I always wanted to be a teacher and my church in Grenada opened a school, so they decided to send me to Wisconsin Lutheran College to get an education degree,” Donessa said.
In addition to classes, Donessa volunteers. She is president of the International Diversity Club and team lead for W.O.W., a freshmen orientation group that educates incoming students on what to expect, as well as providing fun and games.
Donessa also puts a lot of work into the New Friends program at WLC. New Friends connects teens and young adults in high school and college with special needs children and their families. The program is a ministry of our Jesus Cares Ministries (JCM), a national outreach ministry to people with developmental disabilities, their families and the communities they live in.
“I found out about New Friends from Professor Sharon Burow. I knew her from when she used to travel to Grenada. When I started WLC, I met her and got to know more about Dr. Burow and she taught me a lot about this club,” Donessa said.
“I think New Friends is an important program because we get to tell people about God, and our Friends get to socialize with college students. Our Friends feel a sense of acceptance and they feel like they belong. I believe we impact them in a big way.”
One of the many connections Donessa has made through New Friends includes New Friends Coordinator Elisa Bonack.
“She is the person I can go to for help and support for our New Friends program at WLC,” Donessa said.
Donessa enjoys meeting her Friends, doing crafts, having conversations and, most importantly, sharing God’s word.
“Donessa has a big heart and has been a great leader,” Elli said. “I’m excited for the opportunities she’ll have when returning to Grenada, and I know she’ll accomplish the goals she has set for herself, including beginning a New Friends.”
Following graduation this spring, Donessa will return to Grenada to student teach, then will stay on full-time at her church’s school. She also hopes to start a New Friends program there.
Volunteers like Donessa make New Friends and Jesus Cares Ministries program possible. Want to get involved? Search for a program near you.