Exploring Nature and Plans for the Holidays The past seven months have caused Casa to pivot programming. In addition to the online classes that we have organized with our nonprofit partners and volunteers, we have found success in scheduling outdoor educational activities for small cohorts of youth. One of our most recent activities was a 2.5-mile hike at O'Melveny Park, a trail not too far from Casa. We collaborated with a volunteer from Outward Bound, a Pasadena based nonprofit focused on outdoor activities for inner-city youth, to take 10 youth in our leadership program on the hike. The sun was blazing that day, so it was not easy, but they did it and are excited about going on future hike in the area. The safe social distance hike was the first time that most of the youth have been outside for some time and was the culminating event of a series of workshops on the outdoors. A few weeks after that event, we had another great day outdoors as our youth spent their Sunday at the Crystal Lake Fire Prevention Project at the Angeles Forrest. The event was in collaboration with Gabriel Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians and, in addition to fire prevention, youth received a lesson a lesson on the rich indigenous history of the land. Until it is deemed safe to open our doors, these small outdoor events will continue to be one of the most important Casa programs.
away. The event will adhere to all social distancing protocols. Families will walk through our parking lot and receive food and supplies, with volunteers and staff on site to ensure the six feet apart guidelines are followed. We plan to organize a similar style event around Christmas. If any Community members are interested in donating new toys--there is a particular need for toys for 13+ youth-- please contact me at jaren@casaesperanzaihm.org or 818-7861076. There is still no immediate plan to open our doors to the public. Unfortunately, Panorama City, Van Nuys, and other areas close by continue to have some of Los Angeles’ highest rate of new COVID-19 cases. That stated, we will continue to organize several small, safe events, including facilitating a homework center where small groups of youth can come to Casa once a week to receive tutoring assistance.
While the holiday celebrations at Casa will be different this year, we are adapting and will still have events for the community. On November 18, from 3-6, we will be hosting a Thanksgiving and essential supply give-
IMMACULATE HEART COMMUNITY
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