The following was written by our beloved volunteer Jorge Huerta. He writes about his experiences as a volunteer, helping immigrants at Casa Marianella: --- February 20th, 2018 I close the cycle of participating as a volunteer. I would be in charge of Casa Marienella every wednesday while the staff meetings were taking place discussing evaluations, [...]
Casa Marianella’s 14th annual benefit was one big family reunion full of fun, fellowship, heartwarming stories and inspiring speeches. Austinites gathered on the 25th of April at the Asian American Resource Center to show their support for the immigrant community. Here at Casa Marianella, we strive to create an environment where hope lives while promoting [...]
March 27, 2018 Another epic Show and Tell Night for the books! The musical numbers were exceptional and I was so captivated by the many gripping and memorable stories told by our dear residents. I was especially moved by Jon’s story. Jon is so dedicated to serving Casa. He has been involved for over 30 [...]
Last Sunday at Convivio we enjoyed having residents DJ their favorite tunes! We also shared delicious food from Aster's Ethiopian and cooking by Queta, Sofia Gladys. In the words of our beloved staff member Kate Poor, "It's been a lovely night at Casa. Convivio and dancing and lots of community bonding." Several JVC (Jesuit Volunteer [...]
The “Build Hope Not Walls’ Exhibit and Fundraiser was created by Nick Ramos, a Brazilian immigrant living in Georgetown. Nick’s aim was to bring artists to create an exhibit that helps support immigrants and refugees. Each of the total 150 artists created a brick representing their individuality. Each brick was a unique work of art, [...]
This past Sunday we gathered for yet another festive Convivio! We enjoyed lots of delicious food thanks to Aster’s Ethiopian Restaurant as well as Queta, Sofia and Gladys’ cooking! We also celebrated a former resident's teenage daughter's birthday with a cake and live music from Spirit of the Drums. In the words of dear staff [...]
Our dear Teo first showed up at Casa Marianella over three years ago. At the time, his untreated diabetes had advanced so far that he was really suffering. Due to his condition, Teo had lost half of his leg, the functioning of his kidneys, and part of his vision. Initially, Teo’s health insurance was only [...]
Improv Games Night was such a hit! The evening was led by Amy Knop-Narbutis, three of her colleagues from local improv workshops, & ESL teachers Jedda, Max, & Camille. The games played included Bunny Bunny, Eights, Mirroring, Pass the Clap, Rock Paper Scissors and many more! In the words of our beloved ESL Coordinator: "We [...]
2017 has been an incredible year for Casa Marianella thus far. The support we have received for our newest home for two parent immigrant families, Casa Salaam, has been incredibly humbling. Through it all, we owe a large part of our success as a nonprofit to the kindness of the Austin community, including many different [...]
Our first annual ESL Summer Game Night was a blast! Students and teachers alike gathered on a warm June afternoon to enjoy various convivial activities planned by our very own creative ESL Coordinator. A few of the games we played included Sponge Races, Water Balloon Relays, "Run Waiter Run," Water Balloon Pops, Water Balloon Tosses, [...]