We provide a creative outlet to foster self esteem, deter feelings of isolation, and provide a safe, stable environment where the children/youth/families can express themselves. Aside from art workshops and our locally recognized Youth Summer Mural Project, we incorporate many cultural artistic practices into the program to help develop a positive sense of identity and further build their self-esteem. We hold a complete series of workshops for Dia de Los Muertos, silk screening workshops, incorporate presentations from other children’s folkloric groups, host guest bilingual authors talks, host posadas workshops, and participate in Dia de Los Niños, which is a major day of celebration in Mexico. Children/youth learn how to get involved in positive social action activities and learn how even the youngest “artists” can make a difference in the community. Parents are also involved in many cultural activities which helps bring unity within the families in our community. We have expanded to include cultural arts programming into community gardens and social justice events such as the Cesar Chavez Memorial Presentation and Rally.

Our long term goal is to continue providing artistic programming for at-risk, socioeconomically challenged children and youth and include the whole family in our community, while striving to create open spaces where they can discuss and express their thoughts and feelings without prejudice.