December

News & Updates

Dear Casita Maria Families, Donors, and Partners,

As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the many accomplishments and the incredible community that surrounds and supports Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education. From the vibrant neighborhoods of the South Bronx and East Harlem, you have made Casita Maria your chosen partner in uplifting youth, families, and the broader community through arts, education, and cultural enrichment.

To our families, thank you for entrusting us with the education and growth of your children. Your unwavering belief in our mission inspires us to provide enriching programs and nurturing environments that empower every child to thrive.

To our government, foundation, and individual donors, your generosity fuels our vision. Through your contributions, we have been able to expand our programs, reach more families, and create transformative opportunities for the youth we serve.

To our esteemed community, cultural, and corporate partners-including Blackstone, Catholic Charities, Hispanic Federation, Public Works, Chamber Music America, the Metropolitan Opera, the Whitney Museum, NBC Universal, and Univision-we are deeply grateful for your collaboration. Your partnership amplifies our impact, and together we are creating a legacy of equity and opportunity in arts and education.

This year has been filled with milestones and moments of joy, all made possible by the collective commitment of people like you. You remind us that progress happens when we come together in the spirit of service and shared purpose.

As we prepare for the year ahead, we hold immense gratitude in our hearts for your contributions, trust, and shared vision. Together, we will continue to celebrate the resilience, creativity, and potential of our community.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with peace and prosperity!

If you believe in Casita Maria, please donate here.

Felix A. Urrutia Jr.

Executive Director

NEW: TEEN ARTIST APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM (TAAP)

TAAP visits the, "Where Do We Go From Here? The Four Freedoms Photographs" exhibition, NYU Center for Black Visual Culture at the Institute of African American Affairs.

TAAP is a new hybrid program offering a part-time paid position, leadership opportunities, job training and enrichment activities led by NYC cultural institutions including: the Whitney Museum, The Metropolitan Opera, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public Works of the Public Theater, Bronx Arts Space, Inspiration Point and the Bronx Museum to name a few.

We will provide training and support through high school and college inviting Apprentices to apply to work for us in the summer as SYEP workers and following college graduation as full time employees. Teens in this program will help make a difference in their community, are interested in pursuing their passion for the Arts and adding value to New York City’s cultural ecosystem.

INSPIRING FUTURES: BLACKSTONE’S IMPACTFUL CAREER DAY AT CASITA MARIA CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

Casita Maria extends a heartfelt thank you to Blackstone for their generous financial contribution to support our after-school programs, and to their wonderful employee volunteers who have committed to educating and empowering our young people! During Hispanic Heritage Month this past October, Blackstone employees visited our middle school participants to lead an inspiring and interactive Career Day. As one of the world’s leading financial services firms, Blackstone shared invaluable insights into future career opportunities while engaging participants in meaningful discussions about their dreams and ambitions.

The participants enthusiastically showcased their creativity through illustrated and animated vision boards, capturing their aspirations with vibrant energy. A Blackstone volunteer remarked, “The kids were fantastic! Their curiosity and thoughtfulness made the experience truly rewarding. We were thrilled to inspire them and help boost their self-confidence about the future.”

We are especially excited that Casita Maria and Blackstone volunteers are already planning additional visits in 2025—reinforcing their dedication to truly making a lasting difference and real impact in the lives of our young people. Blackstone’s support strengthens our programs and exemplifies the deep engagement we strive for with our corporate partners.

We invite our valued corporate donors to join us in creating similar unforgettable experiences for our program participants. Let’s collaborate to inspire and invest in the next generation together! For more information, please email [email protected]

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