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USDA Boosts New York Agricultural Economy
Syracuse, NY — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is delivering approximately $89 million in farm safety net and conservation program payments to New York farmers, ranchers and landowners. USDA recently announced nationwide historic safety net assistance totaling $13.8 billion in gross payments through the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2025 crop year and an additional $1.8 billion in Conservat
2 days ago3 min read
Kailee Buller to Cohost President Trump’s Syracuse Rally with Bruce Blakeman
Syracuse, NY – Kailee Buller, former Chief of Staff for Trump's U.S. Department of Agriculture and Republican candidate for New York’s 22nd Congressional District, will cohost tonight’s rally with President Donald Trump and Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for Governor. President Trump's visit came at the urging of Buller and Blakeman. The rally follows Alexandria Ocasio Cortez's visit to Syracuse to rally Democrat voters. It's a sign of how competitive the race for N
Oct 91 min read


Happening at La Casita in October
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
Oct 23 min read


Quinceañeras, Dreams, &, Cultural Identity
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
Sep 241 min read


Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
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
Sep 181 min read


La Casita Turns 15: Quinceañera Stories
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
Sep 82 min read


International Expert on Healing from Childhood Sexual Abuse
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
Sep 14 min read


La Casita turns 15!
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.
Aug 171 min read


La Banda de La Casita | Summer Tour 2026 Newsletter
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
Jul 242 min read


Recovery Today Newsletter
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
Jul 224 min read


Play a Round for Recovery
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
Jul 221 min read


Congrats to our SU Graduates!
¡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
May 132 min read
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