Casa Ayuda: The New CAS Organization
- Madison Hays
- Dec 18, 2023
- 2 min read
The beginning of the school year marked the start of many student ideas – one of which is called Casa Ayuda, of which I am president. Casa Ayuda is a student-led CAS initiative that aims to brighten the lives of those who are less fortunate. With over 40 members and 4 cabinet members, Casa Ayuda has been able to help Villa Vida, a home for teen mothers (12-17) who are victims of sexual violence, by creating donation drives, raising money and forming fun events for them.
Villa Vida Spring Festival
September 23rd marked Casa Ayuda’s debut as an organization. They traveled to Villa Vida, where they held a Spring Festival full of life and color. Each student was allocated to a group -- babysitting, cooking, music, face paint, nails, and music. Each group interacted with the children and mothers to bring enjoyment to their day. Along with us, Anna Rodriguez-Stewart, a senior at FDR, created a garden for Villa Vida to help them gain access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Donations
Since then, Casa Ayuda has been able to buy and build basketball hoops for the mothers, as well as supply them with new kitchen utensils, clothes, and baby products. A group of Miraflores residents heard about Villa Vida and their need for a microwave and lovingly supplied one. Casa Ayuda created a gift registry for Villa Vida and future organizations to help give them a Christmas to remember. Bea Compton, Casa Ayuda treasurer, has reported an influx of gifts to her mailbox from the registry. The Casa Ayuda cabinet has said they’re beyond grateful for the support.
[ A mother at Villa Vida playing with
their basketball hoop for the first time]
Selena Solis, an FDR student that attended both outings, reported the following:
“I’m grateful I was able to spend time with the girls. It feels great to be able to make a difference in their lives. When we go, I always look forward to playing games with them. It makes me so happy to see smiles on their faces in such a dark situation.”
[ Selena Solis babysitting with Payas Singh]
November 18th Christmas Celebration
On November 18th, Casa Ayuda took its second trip to Villa Vida to celebrate Christmas. Bea Compton, Maitena Coone, Minwoo On and Natali Valdez baked Christmas sugar cookies to decorate with the girls and kids. Natali Valdez, Casa Ayuda vice president, shared, “I had so much fun being able to socialize with the girls. I feel that this trip we were more prepared and things went beautifully. My favorite part about the day was playing San Miguel and laughing with the girls. When we decorated the cookies, I could see the creativity lighting in the girls as we listened to Christmas songs. It made me so happy to see. I can’t wait to go back.”
Conclusion
The Casa Ayuda Cabinet has reported to be in contact with multiple other organizations for their 2024 calendar and they advise everyone interested to keep an eye out in the FDR bulletin.
If you are interested in joining this organization, reach out to the following email:
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