It takes a village—and the participation of committed partners—to make big dreams a reality. The partnership between Iglesia La Hermosa, the Northeastern Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Obra Hispana (Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries), and Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) is helping transform a community.

La Hermosa Church in East Harlem, New York, is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. It is considered a mother church for Hispanic congregations within the denomination. They are also a leading Disciples Mission Fund giving congregation and a Disciples leader in many ways.

DCEF and La Hermosa have worked together for many years when loan funds were needed for other projects and expense needs. So, when La Hermosa began envisioning a transformational project several years ago, they reached out to DCEF. Their vision is to construct a large multi-level facility that would house their ministry while also including retail space, condominiums, and affordable housing. Located near Central Park, the church’s property is uniquely positioned for such a significant endeavor. DCEF partnered with La Hermosa and advanced loan funds to further support these efforts. Leading the congregation through this building project are Rev. Dr. Daniel Feliciano (retired Pastor of La Hermosa) and Gloria Feliciano (Project Administrator). Other partners include the Northeastern Region and Obra Hispana.

The Christian Church Northeastern (Disciples of Christ), Inc. serves Disciples congregations in the northeastern part of the U.S. and exists to cultivate growth in congregations by demonstrating true community, deep Christian spirituality, and a passion for justice. The region is led by the Rev. Dr. Thaddaeus B. Allen, who serves as the Regional Minister.

Obra Hispana works with more than 170 Hispanic churches across the United States and Canada, comprising more than 6,000 members—representing every state in the U.S., every Latin American country, and several countries in the Caribbean and South America. Obra Hispana is led by Rev. Lori Tapia, who serves as the first female National Hispanic Pastor.

La Hermosa’s members work tirelessly to address the needs of the Harlem community across generations, with a particular focus on serving migrants and newcomers. Because the migrant population’s needs frequently change, the church has learned to remain nimble and responsive in its ministry. Each Sunday, the church provides a meal for anyone in the community who wishes to participate. Over the years, La Hermosa has also offered after-school assistance, clothing ministries, and other outreach efforts that have made the church a pillar of the surrounding community.

Through partnerships like the one shared with La Hermosa, DCEF helps churches turn dreams into reality. DCEF offers investment opportunities to individuals, churches, and organizations, and those invested dollars help fund loans that DCEF makes for capital projects for congregations and ministries. It is a partnership that benefits everyone involved: DCEF is able to provide loans and ministry planning services, and churches and organizations can complete projects that strengthen the communities they serve.

On March 1, 2026, DCEF called Rev. Dr. Courtney Stange-Tregear as its new President and CEO. Leaders from La Hermosa, DCEF, and the Northeastern Region gathered in New York City so the congregation could meet and welcome Stange-Tregear, as well as meet with architects and a development firm to continue shaping the vision for the project to bring it to fruition.

Together, La Hermosa and DCEF are forging a path forward. Both ministries are excited about the project’s potential and are working side by side through the planning and pre-development phase. Once the pre-development work is complete, a development agreement acceptable to all parties will be prepared and signed between the church and the developer. The developer will then guide the church through the construction phase of the project until it is completed.

This partnership of all involved reflects the shared commitment to faithful stewardship, community transformation, and creating spaces where ministry and neighborhood needs can flourish together.