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Hello Nune,
Welcome to a very special edition of e-news this month! We - Santa Maria's entire staff - are so proud to say that both the City of Cincinnati and the State of Ohio have declared June 18, 2024:
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This prestigious recognition celebrates not only our organization's 126 years of dedication to Cincinnati residents, but also the incredible 40 years of service by our President & CEO H.A. Musser, Jr., which began on June 18, 1984.
This honor is a testament to the exceptional contributions Santa Maria has made to our community over the years. These proclamations, issued by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval, acknowledge the leadership of all past and present leaders, including H.A. You may read more and see the proclamations on our website.
Since its founding in 1897 by Sisters of Charity S. Blandina and S. Justina Segale, Santa Maria has continually evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of Cincinnati. We began as a settlement house in Over-The-Rhine, serving the Italian immigrant population. Today, we're firmly rooted in Price Hill, offering a hand-up, not a hand-out, to empower families and break generational cycles of poverty.
We invite you to join in honoring H.A.'s long-standing service and the positive impact Santa Maria has made on Price Hill and beyond by sharing memories on social media, tagging us, and using the hashtag #SantaMariaCincy. We are also highlighting H.A.'s remarkable 40-year tenure and his contributions to the community by creating the H.A. Musser Fund to support the Youth Development program, where H.A. began his career in 1984. Gifts can be made at SantaMaria-Cincy.org by clicking the GIVE button and selecting “H.A. Musser Fund” under the “Donation Designation” drop-down menu.
You can click here or the video above to watch a short interview with H.A. in celebration of this incredible milestone, or you may click this link to view the interview in its entirety.
Enjoy your day, Nune, and if you'd like to send H.A. a message for his anniversary, feel free to email him at HA.Musser@santamaria-cincy.org.
Warm regards,
Santa Maria's Staff
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Nurturing Growth at the Joe Williams Family Center
In Lower Price Hill, socio-economic obstacles frequently constrain possibilities, with community members navigating difficulties like limited income, elevated unemployment levels, and a lack of resources.
At the Joe Williams Family Center (JWFC), our Youth Development program staff focuses on highlighting strengths and fostering connections. Jessica Polzin, Youth Development Program Coordinator, explains, "We’ve noticed that when we look for the good, we encourage the students to follow suit.” This positive focus not only boosts morale and self-confidence but also strengthens mental health and motivation.
Our youth are developing their leadership skills and building trust with the supportive adults at the center which also includes Nancy Laird, Youth Development Program Administrative Assistant, Amelia O'Donnell, Youth Development Education Facilitator, and Bri Wilson, Youth Development Program Director. “The students have pride in their community, school, and within themselves,” Jessica said.
JWFC staff recently asked students to complete in a fun contest by writing about how the JWFC has impacted them. Two winners were chosen in two different age categories. Our 10th grade winner said, “The Joe Williams Family Center has changed my life for the better. I feel way more connected with my community. Even more so with my peers. Meeting the amazing staff and volunteers as well. In short, I feel at home here!” This sense of belonging is crucial for youth development.
| | Our 7th grade winner stated, “Joe Williams Family Center has a positive impact on my life because every Tuesday and Thursday I have somewhere to go and when I do come, I feel comfortable enough to be myself here. And I don't feel like that about many places, and I have a very good connection with their staff and they treat me like family. And I like helping them clean after hours to make their lives easier.” | | |
The center is a hub of activity where students like a 5th grade student can, "get out more and hang out with my friends," enjoying games, ping pong, and cooking. Older students find purpose and learn new skills, with a 10th grader mentioning, " The Joe Williams Family Center has helped me by giving me a purpose in life instead of sitting around. It has also helped me learn things I never knew."
Students also contribute to the vibrant culture at JWFC. A 9th grader expressed how he enjoys mentoring younger children and helping around the center, saying, I like coming to the center because there are a lot of activities.” He said that he helps calm down kids, clean up, and even step in to do the dishes if needed. He shared Jessica’s earlier sentiment by saying, “I sometimes play air hockey with the kids and if they win I compliment them.”
At JWFC, each student not only grows personally but becomes a part of a larger, supportive family. Another 9th grade student said, “Personally, visiting the center helps me unwind and serves as a welcoming alternative to returning home immediately.” Our youth become teaching vessels for the younger youth, inspiring others and making a lasting impact on our community. It's a place where they can find support, engage in enjoyable activities, and feel truly valued. The 9th grader continued, "The family center has been instrumental in providing me with support and assistance in various ways.” He said the staff are compassionate and their presence is comforting.
As we celebrate Santa Maria Community Services Day today in Ohio, we hope you will consider making a gift to the H.A. Musser Fund to support our youth development program so that we may continue to provide quality programming to youth at our Joe Williams Family Center.
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Sarah Rodriguez's PATCHwork: A Community Art Project
We are thrilled to unveil the stunning mural "PatchWORK: A Community Art Project," created by the talented artist Sarah Rodriguez. This beautiful work was made possible through the support of ArtsWave's Black & Brown Artists Program - Truth & Innovation Grant 2024. Our dedicated program participants from across Price Hill joined forces to help bring this masterpiece to life, showcasing the power of community and creativity.
The mural, displayed at the Westwood Recreation Center during the Westside Market, stands as a testament to the vibrant spirit and unity of all three Price Hill neighborhoods. Each detail in the collage work highlights the unique contributions of our community members, illustrating how art can bring us all closer together.
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Become a Sponsor
Do you want to contribute to the positive transformations taking place in Price Hill? Santa Maria is a dynamic and impactful nonprofit committed to fulfilling our vision for Greater Price Hill to be a vibrant, thriving and self-sustaining community. Our mission is to provide the community with free educational tools and resources to build strong families, promote healthy residents, and foster neighborhood revitalization. Since 1897 Santa Maria has helped families help themselves.
| | Thank you to our current sponsors! | | |
Upcoming Events
Every Thursday through July 11 (except July 4) | Reading with a Twist in the Park/Conversemos en el Parque | 1-2 pm at Rapid Run Park, 4450 Rapid Run Road | Story-time & language enrichment groups in English and Spanish. Open to any family with a preschooler, ages 3-5.
June 28 | Every Child Succeeds Graduation | Friday 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Price Hill Library | Our Every Child Succeeds 3-year-olds are graduating in June! By invitation only, please.
July 20 | Hamilton County Veterans Appreciation Day | Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Great American Ballpark | This event honors our thriving veteran community while also providing them with opportunities to connect with direct services and enjoy a day of celebration and camaraderie.
July 30 | Kindergarten Readiness | Tuesday 1-3 p.m. | Price Hill Library | Our graduating Promoting Our Preschoolers participants will be gathering for a Kindergarten Readiness workshop to help prepare them for their first day of Kindergarten. By invitation only, please.
August 1 | Promoting Our Preschoolers Graduation | Thursday 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Price Hill Library | Our Promoting Our Preschoolers 5-year-olds are graduating in August! By invitation only, please.
October 3 | Passport to Success | Thursday 6-9 p.m. | Aston Oaks Golf Club (1 Aston Oaks Dr. - North Bend, OH 45052) | Our annual fundraiser is at an ALL-NEW venue this year. This year we're celebrating Journeys with special guest speaker David Da Silva, Mental Performance Coach with FC Cincinnati!
| | About Santa Maria: Santa Maria provides essential support to families, offering programs in early childhood development, education advancement, employment assistance, financial stability, youth development, and health and wellness, as well as other supportive services. We empower families to achieve their goals and break the cycles of generational poverty through tailored coaching, resources, and advocacy. Our mission is to be a catalyst and advocate for Greater Price Hill families to attain their educational, financial, and health goals. Our vision is for Greater Price Hill to be a vibrant, thriving, and self-sustaining community. | | | | |
