Milwaukee seniors celebrate culture and sewing skills through local fashion show

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- To find the heart of Milwaukee's Hispanic and Latino culture, you don't have to go further than the United Community Center.

At the center, stories are told through music, dancing, and even clothes.

"Today is our second big event of the year, which is the fashion show," said Ana Castaneda, UCC's elderly programs manager. 

For the past year, a group of seniors have been picking out fabrics and sewing day in and day out. On Thursday, they got a chance to show off their hard work on the runway. Forty-seven dresses were made by the seniors and all the materials were purchased through community donations. 

“I love it. I love my sewing class," said Socorro Robles, a member of the community center and sewing class participant. 

This isn't an average sewing class, though. It's one that brings Hispanic and Latin heritage into needlework. Robles gets to wear the product of her labor.

“If you ever have the pleasure of going to Mexico, you’ll find a lot of handmade products everywhere," she said. 

Castaneda says each person gets a chance to represent the country they left behind. 

"We had some people that like to sing, some people who like to dance, and then, you know, even in the dresses you will see the colors and the cuts and the way that they showcase [what] that is representing. They’re proud to be the culture of their countries," said Castaneda.

For Robles, the fashion show is a way to keep her Mexican culture alive.

"That’s what we’re going to leave to our children. You know, our heritage – so they know where their grandparents come from," she said. 

While these seniors may have been born thousands of miles away, they've found a community of their own to call home. 

“It just gives them a sense of belonging," said Castaneda.