After fleeing violence and persecution in their home country, thousands of refugees find themselves detained in immigration centers. Due to an array of challenges—including treacherous journeys, language barriers, lack of access to legal services, limited financial resources, and ongoing trauma and health issues—most folks confront incredible obstacles as they attempt to be released from detention, [...]
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 [...]
We’re not too far away from #GivingTuesday (November 27), a harmonious global day of donating, fueled by social media and the power of the Internet! "As a global movement, #GivingTuesday unites countries around the world by sharing our capacity to care for and empower one another." This year, Casa is participating again, and we could [...]
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, [...]
At Casa Marianella, it's important to us that we provide safe spaces for residents to unwind from any stresses they are experiencing, and create an atmosphere that encourages creativity and relaxation. Two of our ESL teachers, Grace Wasson and Blair Pettit, saw a beautiful opportunity to introduce their own relaxing hobby of pottery into the [...]
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 [...]
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, [...]
The Power of Community Thank you to everyone who came out to support our efforts to clean up the backyard of Casa Salaam - our newest home for two-parent immigrant families. It has been a long road, but Casa Salaam is finally open to immigrant families, with our first family already moved in. Casa Salaam, [...]