Casa Central

The first part of a cooking and nutrition education workshop series was held last week in the Casa Kitchen. Parents of children in our Early Learning Academy Center-Based program joined Chef Roberto Pérez to make “Arroz con Pollo y Gandules Apastelado,” a traditional chicken and rice dish from Puerto Rico — with a modern twist. Chef Pérez of the Urban Pilόn culinary initiative is also a researcher of Afro-Caribbean traditions, so along with learning how to make a healthy and delicious dinner, participants also learned the history and stories of the spices, seasonings, ingredients, and techniques that go into the dish. Big thanks to Chef Pérez — and to UnidosUS (WeAreUnidosUS) who sponsored the event. Casa Central is grateful for this amazing opportunity. #casacentral #UrbanPilon #CasaCocinaCreativa #UnidosUS The Early Learning Academy Center-Based is now enrolling! Call 773-645-2316.

On Thursday, the Intact Family program staff tied bright blue ribbons to the front fence of the main Casa Central building as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month (April). Children from the Early Learning Academy Center-Based program joined them and received pinwheels as a symbol of awareness regarding this important issue. Paula Valencia (Director of the Intact Family program), Illeana Gomez (Vice President of Senior & Community Services), Martin R. Castro (President & CEO) and Nilda La Luz (Chief Operating Officer) helped with tying the ribbons and handing out the pinwheels. The Intact Family program faces difficult issues like these every day of the year — providing families vital services, the resources to thrive, and strengthening the communities we serve. We thank each of them for their dedication and hard work. #casacentral

A creative life is a fulfilled life. When an idea is given the chance to come to life, it transforms thought into beautiful expression, ready to be shared with our loved ones. Our Adult Wellness Center is a place where older adults are given the tools to foster their own creativity. To learn how we can do this for an older parent, grandparent or relative, call 773-645-2487 to schedule a free tour. #casacentral #olderadults

Now enrolling children aged 2 to 5 to attend our Early Learning Academy Center-Based preschool program. We offer Head Start service with the option of full-time care. Pregnant women, and children new-born and up to 3 years of age can be registered for our educational home visiting services. Casa Central is located at 1343 N California Ave in Chicago. Our hours of operations are 7am-6pm. For more information about enrollment or for a free tour, please call 773-645-2316.

Casa Central welcomed a visit from Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.). Sen. Durbin toured our School Age Program to see how we support the academic and social-emotional development of children. He also met with Casa Central and the University of Chicago’s Center for the Economics of Human Development (CEHD) leadership regarding the partnership program, Creciendo Juntos: A Preparing for Life Program. This innovative and research-based Home Visitation program provides underserved families with the resources and tools they need to strengthen parenting and child development. Caption (L-R): Isela Serna, Casa Central Director Home-Based Early Learning Academy, Alison Baulos, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Center for the Economics of Human Development at University of Chicago, Amalia Rioja, Casa Central Executive Consultant, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin R. Castro, Casa Central President & CEO, Laura Reilly, Casa Central VP, Advancement, Nilsa Ramirez, Casa Central VP, Children’s Services, Dee Vyas, Casa Central CFO.

On Tuesday, March 18th the children in our programs each got a brand-new pair of shoes — from special guest Ronald McDonald! Huge thanks to the Mendez Organization (part of MHOA) and Golden State Foods Foundation for the generous donations of shoes individually sized for each kid. The children also had a chance to take pictures with Ronald, which made for a very special morning. #CasaCentral

Words are powerful. They capture our thoughts, create connections with others and have the ability to elevate the human spirit. When used in the care of older adults, it is compassion of the highest order. This ability to care comes from how we were raised when we heard these same words from those who cared for us. And hiring people like you is how Casa Central earned the trust of Chicago's older adults for more than 40 years. To learn more about our PART-TIME HOMECARE AIDE opportunities, apply here or visit: https://lnkd.in/dVHKMsC, CASA CENTRAL 1343 N. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60622. #casacentral #homecare #homecareaides

El coraje nace de la curiosidad. Abrazar nuevas experiencias va más allá de simplemente adquirir una habilidad que nunca antes has intentado. También es una oportunidad para descubrir nuevos aspectos de ti mismo. Casa Central agradece la donación de computadoras portátiles de Comcast a nuestro Centro de Bienestar para Adultos Mayores. Más importante aún, nos sentimos especialmente honrados de haber sido testigos de la primera vez que estos valientes adultos mayores crearon palabras en una computadora. Para obtener más información sobre todo lo que hacemos para adultos 60+, llame al 773-645-2487 o visite www.casacentral.org #casacentral #adultosmayores

To learn is to explore. Something very special happened on the fourth floor (Adult Wellness Center) at 1343 N. California recently. Some very brave older adults made the bold decision to learn about something entirely new: the basics of how to use a computer. Thanks to a generous donation from Comcast, we now have computers available for participants to learn how to send messages and create digital designs. Additionally, engaging with technology offers valuable cognitive stimulation that nourishes the mind. If you know of an older adult (60+) who can benefit from a comprehensive range of activities that nourish both the body and mind offered by our Adult Wellness Center, please have them call 773-645-2487. #casacentral #caring #care

Join Casa Central in celebrating CACFP Week (March 16-22), where we highlight the vital role of nutrition in the lives of children and adults in our communities. The USDA's Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) works to combat hunger and brings healthy foods to children in childcare centers, homes, and afterschool programs as well as adults in day service programs. CACFP helps Casa Central provide healthy, scratch-made, and culturally conscious meals for our participants, allows for a fair food system, and provides tools for making healthy food choices. Visit CACFPweek.org to find out how you can get involved! #CasaCentral #CACFPweek #FoodForThought #CommunityNutrition #FoodEquity