What began as a dream for Rafael M. Torres and Maribel Torres has become a platform for social transformation in the heart of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. In 2021, they founded the WEPA Empowerment Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families through education, job training, and professional development.
In an interview with Impacto, the founders shared the story behind the name WEPA. “WEPA is a popular Puerto Rican expression that conveys joy, celebration, and excitement. That’s who we are an expression of hope and joy. We want our communities to feel there are reasons to keep moving forward,” explained Maribel.
“This initiative was born out of my desire to help the community without feeling frustrated and to find real answers,” added Maribel. Rafael wisely interjected, “Because here, we provide wise tools.”
As a couple, Maribel and Rafael have combined education, community service, and a flexible structure to adapt to the times and deliver tangible results. “Education is the key for everyone. It’s not just about what you know, but who you know and what they know. That’s how partnerships are born,” reflected Rafael. “My message is simple: it’s not just about yourself, but about continuously learning from everyone and everything.”
WEPA Empowerment Center has provided real opportunities to traditionally underserved communities, especially the Latino population. Their programs include technical courses in fields such as healthcare, culinary arts, and mechanics, along with adult education, mentoring, and job placement services. “Sixty people have graduated so far. There’s nothing like seeing stories of people striving to better themselves people who gain skills, start careers, and avoid student debt,” said Maribel. WEPA connects participants to funding and scholarships that allow them to complete their education for free and graduate with the tools they need to secure meaningful employment and improve their quality of life.
“We saw an urgent need in our community and decided to act,” added Rafael. His wife Maribel led the initiative with a focus on inclusion, equity, and self-sufficiency.
“Our greatest legacy is that those who are empowered here go on to share that knowledge with others. That’s true empowerment,” she concluded.
With a vision rooted in respect, dialogue, and social justice, WEPA Empowerment Center is not only preparing professionals it’s building community. Its name, an exclamation of celebration in Puerto Rican culture, reflects the spirit of hope and action that drives its daily mission in Lebanon.
WEPA: Working to Empower People to Advance. For more information: (717) 708-0303