On a recent Sunday afternoon, 30 CASA youth and their advocates gathered at the CASA OC office to celebrate Día de los Muertos. The holiday honors the unity of life and death, a time when the spirits of loved ones who have passed are believed to return and celebrate with family and friends. Families often build ofrendas (altars) adorned with photos, favorite foods, and meaningful objects to remember those they love.
Opportunities to take part in this tradition can be hard to come by for children separated from their families while in foster care. CASA OC, in partnership with the Hyundai Capital Latinx-Hispanic Alliance (HCLA), created a space for CASA youth to remember loved ones and connect with their cultural heritage.
HCLA volunteers brought candy, decorations, and supplies to transform a CASA break area into a beautiful ofrenda. On the day of the event, they also provided goodie bags and activities for the youth in attendance. Participants enjoyed a festive meal of carnitas, bolillos, rice, beans, aguas frescas, and pan de muerto, the traditional bread of the holiday.
Pictured left to right: Norma Mendoza (CASA OC), Alexi Romero (HCLA), Chris Ontiveros (CASA OC), Maira Martinez (HCLA), Regan Phillips (CASA OC), Cathy Ureta (HCLA), and José Bernal (HCLA).
Cathy Ureta, HCLA’s project lead, explained the group’s purpose: “The mission of HCLA is to bring cultural awareness to the employees of Hyundai, but also to the broader community. This is our third year volunteering, and it’s so fun to see kids of all ages just forget about their situation for a few hours. Our team helps with all of the activities, like creating headbands and face-painting.”
Maira Martinez, another HCLA team member, shared what she values about the group’s work: “It gives us an opportunity to attend different events which extend our culture to the community. We also try to give back through food drives and gift cards for families in need.”
This marks CASA’s fourth year hosting a Día de los Muertos celebration for CASA youth. The event is led each year by Norma Mendoza, CASA OC’s Volunteer Recruitment Manager. Contact Norma to learn how you can help a youth in foster care today.