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Beyond the Dress Join author Yamile Saied Méndez for an engaging conversation at La Casita exploring how the quinceañera tradition shapes identity, family, memory, and belonging across generations. Drawing on her acclaimed books Dreaming of a Quinceañera and Twice a Quinceañera, Méndez examines the cultural significance of this coming-of-age ritual, followed by an audience Q&A and an opportunity for participants to share their own stories and reflections. A reception with Lat

Beyond the Dress Yamile Saied Méndez Syracuse, NY - Join author Yamile Saied Méndez for an engaging conversation at La Casita exploring how the quinceañera tradition shapes identity, family, memory, and belonging across generations. Drawing on her acclaimed books Dreaming of a Quinceañera and Twice a Quinceañera, Méndez examines the cultural significance of this coming-of-age ritual, followed by an audience Q&A and an opportunity for participants to share their own stories an

Hispanic Heritage Rocks! Syracuse, NY - For the next four weeks, during Latino/Hispanic Heritage Month, our communities will join in this annual special celebration of our cultures, our many voices, stories, proud history, and traditions. At La Casita, we do that every day of the year, and this year especially, as it marks our 15th anniversary. We wish to recognize and express our heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary community of artists, scholars, educators, families and fr

For Lizeth Ortega, Mara Criollo-Rivera, and Shakira Santos, La Casita became part of their journeys at different moments in their lives. Lizeth celebrated her quince in Lima, arriving at La Casita years later as an intern. Mara grew up in Syracuse participating in youth programs at La Casita, where she later celebrated her quince. Shakira was a third grader in Syracuse NY when La Casita first opened, and she participated in a contest where she and her classmates submitted ide

Syracuse, NY — Vera House, the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, The Hope, Healing and Solidarity coalition, and THRIVE are proud to present a powerful three-day series of events with Mike Lew, M. Ed., internationally recognized trainer, author, and leading expert on healing from childhood sexual abuse. (See brief bio below.) “Bringing Mike Lew to Syracuse is an important step toward breaking the silence, secrecy, and stigma around male sexual trauma. Survivors deserve unde

Marking its 15th anniversary in 2026, La Casita Cultural Center presents Quinceañera Dreams, a new exhibition and immersive celebration of one of the most cherished traditions in Latino culture—the quinceañera. Through community-sourced photographs, video, oral histories, family memorabilia, stunning gowns, and multimedia installations, Quinceañera Dreams explores the history, beauty, and cultural significance of this beloved coming-of-age tradition that connects generations.

La Banda & Danza Youth Summer Tour For the first time, the talented young musicians and dancers of La Casita will be performing throughout the summer at festivals across the Central NY! Come celebrate with us and cheer on our amazing kids at the following events: July 25 – Puerto Rican Festival / This Saturday @ 1:00PM. Sharkey’s, Liverpool August 1 – Building Bridges Festival Inner Harbor, Syracuse August 8 – Taco & Margarita Festival Inner Harbor, Syracuse August 15 – Latin

Every Step Has a Story Helio Health Staff Members One of the most meaningful parts of the Run for Recovery 5K & Kids Fun Run isn't measured by finish times—it's measured by the stories behind each participant. Every runner arrives with a different reason for lacing up their shoes. Some run in celebration, some in remembrance, some in support of a loved one, and others as part of their own recovery journey. Together, their stories remind us that hope is always worth pursuin

Who says Mondays have to be spent at the office? Spend yours at Bellevue Country Club on Monday, August 31st enjoying a first-class Captain & Crew golf tournament while making a meaningful impact in your community. There are still a few foursomes available for the Helio Health Foundation Classic, and we'd love to have you join us! Whether you're entertaining clients, rewarding your employees, or enjoying a day with friends, your registration includes: Captain & Crew tourname

¡Felicidades Graduandos! La Casita wants to extend a warm congradulations to the class of 2026, especially to the interns and volunteers who supported our programs and our community this year! Ayaka Suesada B.S. in Public Health, Minor in Food Studies Jack Henry Withee B.S. in Inclusive Elementary and Special Education Iman Jamison M.S. in Library and Information Science Gilliana Galvan B.S. in Public Health Catie Joan Kobland B.S. in Creative Art Therapy Valeria Martinez G

The Helio Health Foundation's Run for Recovery 5K and Kids Fun Run (just two weeks away!) raises funds and awareness for people recovering from mental health, substance use, and housing challenges. Join us Saturday, May 16th at Green Lakes State Park Kids Fun Run @ 10:00 a.m. | 5K @ 10:30 a.m. To celebrate a decade of running and walking for recovery, we have an exciting morning to share with you! 5K course along the trails surrounding Green and Round Lakes Amy Robbins from

You’re invited to something very cute on 4.30. Get your tickets HERE Like… wander around with a drink in hand, build your own bouquet, snack on something perfect, and A Spring Soirée with SavorCuse x She Fancy accidentally spend two hours making custom things you didn’t know you needed — kind of cute. Join SavorCuse x She Fancy at The Society for a spring market filled with all the best things to sip, snack, & shop. We’re talking: – a farmers market-style grazing table momen