The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos) is a holiday which is celebrated throughout Latin American countries. The celebration allows families to welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes elaborate ofrendas (altars), food and drink. Over 50 CASA volunteers and their youth recently attended a Día de los Muertos celebration which was hosted by CASA OC.
The event provided an opportunity for CASA youth of all ethnicities to learn about and celebrate a unique and heart-warming holiday that is revered in the Latino community. Many youth, who have been removed from their family of origin and placed into foster care, are separated from family traditions and significant cultural celebrations. Keeping kids connected to these traditions is one of the goals of CASA’s Diversity Committee, headed up by Norma Mendoza, CASA OC’s Volunteer Recruitment and DEIB Manager. Norma worked with CASA OC’s Community Partnership Coordinator, Misty Webb to create an event celebrating diversity and honoring loved ones who have passed away.
(left) CASA Family Finding Specialist, Galdina Franco
(right) CASA matches lining up for a special meal
*Jessie, a 12 year old youth who recently lost both her mother and grandmother, attended with her CASA. Jessie loved all the decorations, traditional food, and sweet bread she remembered enjoying with her mother and grandmother when celebrating this day. She remembered her mom making the familiar dishes and the family building their altar with colorful decorations. CASA’s Día de los Muertos celebration brought back a lot of memories for Jessie, who said she knew her family would be proud of her attending the celebration and continuing to engage in her Mexican culture.
CASA OC Advocate Supervisor Kevin Plata said, “Jessie was over the moon the entire time. At the mention of sweet breads and carnitas, her eyes lit up with joy. And though her mother and grandmother are no longer with us, Jessie felt a bittersweet sense of pride knowing she was keeping those cultural traditions alive for her loved ones.”
The Dia De Los Muertos event included an ofrenda where CASA youth and staff displayed photos of loved ones who have passed away. Other activities included crafts, sugar skull masks, printmaking, flower headdresses, goodie bags, a screening of Coco the movie, and food and drinks including the traditional sweet treat, Pan de Muerto.
(left) Friends of CASA Members - Giselle Deese, Liz deSousa, Alena Gromova
(right) CASA Advocate Supervisor, Kevin Plata and Volunteer Recruitment & DEIB Manager, Norma Mendoza
Special thanks to our generous contributors and community partners who supported CASA OC’s second annual Día de los Muertos celebration.
Hyundai Capital Latinx/Hispanic Alliance
Friends of the Arts (FOTA)
Friends of CASA - Liz DeSousa, Giselle Deese, Alena Gromova
Small Business Alliance Group
National Charity League Monarch Chapter
CASA Staff
Independent volunteers - Trena Berrier and Bailey Webb
To learn more about how you can support children in the foster care system by becoming a CASA, please visit our website and sign-up to attend an upcoming Information Session.
*Name changed to protect privacy