Correction: the Immigrant Support Coalition Facebook page was created Monday and not Tuesday as previously reported. WhitewaterWise regrets the error. 

By Kim McDarison

Whitewater city officials announced Tuesday the creation of a series of videos designed to help bridge understanding between the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities in Whitewater.

According to the release, building on an idea that was presented to the city’s media services department by a community-organized group, the videos are meant to “foster greater understanding and inclusivity within the community, with a focus on supporting the local immigrant population.”

The community-based group, the “Immigrant Support Coalition,” according to its Facebook page, formed in November of 2023, with the goal of “supporting everyone who calls Whitewater home,” and “to collaborate among organizations that serve all members of the community,” who are working to communicate with, provide support to, and learn from the Hispanic/Latinx community.

The group, which meets at Whitewater’s Community Space, came forward with its idea for a video series in July, according to the release.

The series is titled: “Bridge to Whitewater” or “Puente a Whitewater.”

The first video in the series has been produced and will feature the Community Space, according to the release. The video focuses on a discussion between Jorge Islas-Martinez, co-founder of the Immigrant Support Coalition, and Kristine Zaballos, co-founder of the Community Space, and is designed to be understood by both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking viewers.

As noted within the release, Whitewater City Manager John Weidl said the series embraces the city’s commitment to cultural and educational opportunities offered by the city’s increasingly diverse population.

“I view this project as a practical, effective and positive step forward,” he said within the release.

The anticipated series of videos, he said, will be developed to “help new immigrants understand local cultural norms, making their transition into the community smoother.”

According to the release, future videos planned as part of the series will highlight the city’s parks and other attractions, and offer information about connecting with area schools,” among other topics.

Answering questions on Wednesday, Whitewater Chief of Staff Becky Magestro said that while the first video is produced, others are in various stages of development. She anticipates that members of the community-based coalition will continue to serve as hosts within the upcoming videos. 

At least four videos are scheduled for production,” she said, noting that the city could produce more, depending on the popularity of the series. 

Within the next two videos, she said, there will be a focus on things to do in Whitewater, including places to go, such as parks. Another, featuring schools, will offer information about expectations associated with school life. 

She said those involved with producing the series hope to offer a new episode every other month. 

The first video, featuring the Community Space, will be made available for viewing at the facility, 834 E. Milwaukee St., Whitewater, and has been shared on the city’s social media platforms, the release read. 

The video also can be viewed by clicking on the image below.

A Facebook page about the Immigrant Support Coalition community group was established Monday. It can be found here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/3263976377068444/posts/3263976843735064/.

This story has been updated.