Casa Chirilagua

It’s week 3️⃣ of Casa Chirilagua’s STEM Summer Camp! We’ve been covering the students in prayer and would love for you to join us!

Check out the slides for three ways to pray for our students this summer! Share other ways you are praying for them in the comments, and send us a DM with your prayer requests. We will be praying for you as well!

“Now some people think the Bible is a book of rules, telling you what you should and shouldn’t do. The Bible certainly does have some rules in it. They show you how life works best. But the Bible isn’t mainly about you and what you should be doing. It’s about God and what he has done.” —The Jesus Storybook Bible

Our Kids Club students love reading The Jesus Storybook Bible! The beautiful illustrations and captivating storytelling make it a favorite. We love seeing them practice their reading skills while discovering how every story, from Genesis to Revelation, points to Jesus and His redemptive work.

What do you love about The Jesus Storybook Bible? Share with us in the comments! 📚

Did you know? Hispanic American workers remain underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce. According to a Pew Research Center report, Hispanic adults make up 17% of total employment across all occupations in the U.S. but represent only 8% of all STEM workers.

Similar patterns are seen in education, where the share of Hispanic American students earning STEM degrees is lower than their share of all degree recipients. This lack of diversity stems from inequities in educational support and opportunities.

That’s where Code Rising comes in! Our partnership aims to bridge the opportunity gap in STEM and space exploration education among Hispanic youth.

Last month, Amanda Meri, our Interim Executive Director, had the incredible opportunity to attend the Space4ALL Initiative at the White House with Code Rising’s CEO, Michelle Millben. This national campaign promotes inclusion and career opportunities in the space industry workforce, extending the reach of space STEM education to students and families, particularly those in underrepresented communities.

Want to join us in impacting the future of STEM education in our community? Your one-time gift or recurring monthly donation to Casa Chirilagua helps provide support, resources, and life-changing opportunities for students and their families.

Together, we are not just bridging the opportunity gap; we are launching the next generation of innovators and leaders. Your support makes a world of difference. Visit casachirilagua.org/give to get started today!

Casa Chirilagua is dedicated to developing leaders at every level, from our youngest students in Kids Club to our part-time and full-time staff members.

Interim Executive Director, Amanda Meri, recently led Casa Chirilagua's program directors through two impactful leadership development trainings. The focus was on strengthening leadership communication skills by developing a manager's mindset, learning to provide effective feedback, and navigating difficult conversations.

The team also attended a Mindfulness Workshop with ACT for Alexandria, enriching their skills and well-being.

Leadership development is essential for creating strong, empathetic, and effective leaders, which in turn brings about positive outcomes for the entire community.

Way to go, team Casa Chirilagua! See if you can spot them in ACT’s group session photo below. ⬇️

Summer is in full swing at Casa Chirilagua!

While the season has brought a much-needed slower pace, our focus on building relationships with families continues.

Every summer, we invite the entire Casa Chirilagua community to join us for a day full of fun and celebration. We start early, waking up at 5:00 AM to get to the beach and claim space for our large group. Then the day is filled with grilling carne asada and hot dogs, playing in the water, building sandcastles, and kicking around the soccer ball.

It’s a really joyful time and one of the many ways we are intentional about developing relationships with families to see the Chirilagua neighborhood transformed by Christ.

This summer’s beach trip is TOMORROW! We are excited to see what God will do! Will you pray for us?

Have you heard? We are hiring!

Casa Chirilagua is seeking an experienced professional with a strong senior leadership background to serve as its next Executive Director.

The Executive Director is responsible for managing the implementation of Casa Chirilagua’s strategic goals, stewarding organizational assets, and fostering an organizational culture known for its values as Reliant, Rooted, Relational, Reconciliatory, and Regenerative.

If you or someone you know would be a great fit for this position, click the link for the full job description and application details. We are looking to hire ASAP, so please share this post with your network. Thank you!

Job Openings | Casa Chirilagua Job Opportunities Executive Director, Full-time Casa Chirilagua is seeking an experienced professional to serve as its next Executive Director. The Executiv ...

Hint: We’ve been counting down the days since the end of the school year!

If you guessed the first day of SUMMER PROGRAMMING, then you are correct! We are thrilled to welcome Kids Club back to Casa Chirilagua, and can't contain our excitement for what’s in store. Teens Club kicks off tomorrow, and Casa to College is hosting Wednesday night hangouts throughout the month.

We’re also pumped about our partnership with Code Rising! Their amazing team of volunteers from Tech's engineering school has a lineup of STEM activities planned.

And guess what? A field trip to Amazon.com H2Q is in the works! Thanks to Amazon's generosity, our elementary and middle school students will enjoy an incredible STEM day at their Skills Center including special sessions, a scavenger hunt, and a fantastic lunch. Plus, every student will receive cool Amazon swag during this enriching experience.

Stay tuned for an unforgettable summer filled with learning, fun, and community!

These smiling faces are the heart and soul of Casa Chirilagua! They bring joy and support to students and their families every day. We are grateful for their hard work and commitment to build strong futures!

Cheer them on in the comments and let them know how thankful we are for their leadership! 👏

“Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome;...” —from The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus

We celebrate America’s birthday as a beloved community of U.S. citizens, longtime residents, and new arrivals to the United States. At Casa Chirilagua, we recognize the beauty and challenges of this country, and we celebrate it as our home. Happy 4th! 🎆

Guess what?

Casa Chirilagua summer programs for Kids Club, Teens Club, and Casa to College students start next week, and we need your help!

We’re calling on former and current volunteers to join us again, and we warmly welcome new volunteers too! If you’re new to our volunteer family, please sign up for one of our orientation sessions.

We have three convenient options available:
💚 Tuesday, July 9th, 4:30-5:30pm
🧡 Thursday, July 11th, 11:30am-12:30pm
💜 Tuesday, July 16th, 11:30-12:30pm

Families with children over the age of 10 can even serve together in our Kids Club program! Join us in making this summer unforgettable for our students. Follow the link for more information and sign up to be part of something amazing!

https://casachirilagua.org/en/opportunities/

Volunteer Opportunities | Casa Chirilagua Volunteer Opportunities Our current volunteer opportunities depend on the season and availability. Our volunteer opportunities are now updated! Please visit ...

At Casa Chirilagua, we're not just about academic success; we're about developing relationships with families to see the Chirilagua neighborhood transformed through Christ.

We joyously celebrated our 2024 graduates, recognizing the tremendous achievements of completing 5th grade, 8th grade, and high school. However, what made it truly special was sharing these milestones with their families.

After honoring each graduate with a diploma and a special gift, we invited parents to join their children for a time of prayer. Some parents shared touching letters they had written to their children, creating a deeply emotional moment filled with tears of joy. It was a meaningful and cherished experience for everyone involved.

What an honor to walk alongside these families and work together to build strong futures for their children!

Will you join us in praying for Casa Chirilagua students and their families this summer? We know that is ultimately how we will see the neighborhood transformed through Christ!

Meet Casa Chirilagua’s newest high schoolers! These four incredible students graduated from middle school and will be joining Casa to College in the fall!

As adolescents mature and approach adulthood, they face decisions that impact their character and social development. Through Casa to College, we come alongside high school students and help shape future leaders.

We will spend the next four years providing the academic, emotional, and spiritual support they need to successfully navigate and graduate high school.

Would you consider joining us in the Kingdom work? By becoming a monthly donor to Casa Chirilagua, you'll help sustain our successful programs that provide spaces for families in Chirilagua to flourish and empower students to reach their fullest potential.

Set up your recurring donation today at: casachirilagua.org/en/give/

They did it! 🎉

These incredible students finished the 5th grade and GRADUATED from Kids Club. When they return to Casa Chirilagua in the fall they will be our newest Teens Club members.

We loved celebrating this milestone with the students and their families during our annual Graduation Celebration. Check out the smiles on their faces!

It’s our goal to empower and inspire everyone from the youngest student to the high school senior to the adults in their lives to become confident, compassionate, and effective leaders in their schools, communities, and future careers. That's exactly what Casa Chirilagua’s Leadership Pipeline is all about!

Will you join us? When you give to Casa Chirilagua you help provide support, resources, and essential programs — like Kids Club and one-on-one mentoring — that empower students to reach their fullest potential.

Donate today at: casachirilagua.org/en/give/

25% of Hispanic students at Alexandria City High School drop out before completing their senior year. At Casa Chirilagua, however, high school students achieve a remarkable 100% graduation rate.

Our students are also working hard to break the college barrier, and this year’s graduating class is no exception!

We are so excited to announce all four Casa to College seniors graduated and will be attending college or trade school in the fall.

Marisela* is going to the Aveda Arts and Sciences Institute and was a recipient of the prestigious Lynhaven Rosa Byrd Scholarship from the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria. Daniel* is finalizing his choice of school but plans to study Athletic Training at a four-year university. Gabriella* has been accepted into the Nursing program at Northern Virginia Community College, and Alina* will also be attending Northern Virginia Community College to study either Child Psychology or Business.

Way to go, Casa Chirilagua Class of 2024! We are so very proud of you. Help us congratulate them, and their families, in the comments below! 🎓

*All names have been changed for privacy purposes.

Casa Chirilagua middle schoolers showed kindness by helping prepare gifts for the graduating seniors! 🎓

One day, that will be them too, receiving the love and support from the next generation. What a beautiful cycle of giving!

Let's all spread a little more kindness today! How will you make a difference?

📣 Exciting News!!! 📣

Casa to College student, Marisela, received the prestigious Lynhaven Rosa Byrd Scholarship from the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria. This scholarship, endowed by the Eacho family, was named after longtime Lynhaven community activist and youth advocate, Rosa Byrd.

Rebeca, Casa Chirilagua's Director of Youth Leadership, had the incredible honor of presenting the award to Marisela and three other deserving students. Marisela will be attending the Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Charlotte this fall.

Way to go, Marisela! Your hard work and dedication have truly paid off. We can't wait to see all the amazing things you'll accomplish! 🌟🎓

There is incredible power in partnerships!

Our current partners represent a diverse group of churches, foundations, non-profits, and corporations – all investing in Chirilagua in a variety of ways including financial contributions, volunteer efforts, and material support.

We are deeply grateful to our amazing partners at Open Horizon for their unwavering support of Casa Chirilagua. Their generous $25K matching grant for our annual Spring2ACTion fundraising campaign not only boosted our fundraising efforts, but also highlighted the incredible impact we can achieve together.

Partnerships like these enable us to strengthen our community, foster growth, and create lasting change. Thank you, Open Horizon, for believing in our mission and standing with us every step of the way!

Have you ever wanted to partner with Casa Chirilagua? Comment or send us DM, we would love to hear from you!

Choose your friends wisely. Build a close relationship with your counselor. Go to class and do your work on time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t give up!

These are a few of the takeaways our 8th graders gathered after two current high schoolers presented what to expect next year in high school. Not only was it an incredible learning opportunity for the 8th graders, it was great for our high schoolers to share their insight and knowledge. Here is what they had to say afterward:

💚 “I liked that we had the opportunity to talk to the 8th graders and tell them our experience.”
💚 “I liked sharing what I know and helping them understand more about what is coming in the future.”

We're passionate about building strong futures for students through our leadership pipeline.

By equipping them with the skills, resources, and support they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives, from academic enrichment to spiritual and leadership development, we're committed to empowering every student to reach their fullest potential.

Will you join us? There are many ways to get involved, from volunteering to supporting our programs financially. Together, we can make a difference!

Visit our website to get started: casachirilagua.org

Moving through Casa Chirilagua’s leadership pipeline is a big deal! We know the transition from elementary school to middle school can be exciting but also challenging.

That’s why we invited two current 7th graders from Teens Club to share the inside scoop with our 5th-grade Kids Club class! They did an incredible job telling them what to expect in middle school and highlighted the importance of being responsible.

Check out their whiteboard where they listed all the things that come to mind when thinking about middle school – from lockers and teachers to making new friends and dating.

What advice would you give to incoming middle schoolers? Share your tips and stories in the comments below! ⬇️

Come and say Hi!!! Ven a decirnos hola!! TODOS SON BIENVENIDOS!

🏆 The CASA CUP Soccer tournament was an epic success! ⚽

We loved seeing the students play soccer with their friends and enjoying every moment on the field. A huge thank you to everyone who came out and supported us!

From our amazing volunteers and dedicated board members to the Casa Chirilagua parents who sold delicious concessions for the "tarde típica," your contributions made the day truly unforgettable.

Special thanks to the D.C. United Academy Team for leading the warm-up drills and donating awesome DC United gear! It was a fantastic day filled with fun, community spirit, and non-stop soccer action.

Swipe to see all the special moments! 📸

Caring mentors guiding every step,
Aspirations nurtured, dreams are kept.
Safe spaces where young minds grow,
Amazing futures, watch them glow.

Who knew poetry could be this fun? Kids Club had a blast getting creative with words! They learned all about acrostic poems and even wrote their own masterpieces.

Want to join the fun? Kids Club and Teens Club need volunteers for summer! DM us for more information or check out our volunteer opportunities on our website: casachirilagua.org/en/opportunities/

👀 Guess who stopped by Casa to College?!?!

D.C. United soccer star Santos! As our last guest speaker this school year, he did not disappoint!

Santos emphasized the importance of discipline as he shared his incredible journey from growing up in Portugal to achieving his dream job in the U.S., which is also the dream job of many of our students! ⚽

When you donate to Casa Chirilagua, you are helping sustain programs like Casa to College that empower students to reach their fullest potential.

Give today and invest in the lives of students: casachirilagua.org/en/give/

🎓 You don’t want to miss celebrating our 2024 graduates!

We still have volunteer spots for our Saturday, June 8 Casa Chirilagua Graduation Celebration.

Sign up to help out and cheer on our 5th, 8th, and 12th-grade grads! These amazing students in the leadership pipeline have worked hard, and we can’t wait to celebrate them.

See where we still need help: casachirilagua.org/opportunities/

Casa Chirilagua students are learning their identity is in Christ and to embrace who God has created them to be!

Recently, Local Leader Jayson shared with Teens Club a personal story of when he was their age. He reminded the students that with confidence and faith, God will guide their paths toward a bright future.

What would you tell our students?

“When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming.” — Dory

What a great reminder from our favorite forgetful fish during George Washington Middle School’s play, Finding Nemo, Jr. We took a group from Teens Club to support fellow students performing as jellyfish in the undersea cast. They were truly amazing!

Let's keep swimming together! 🐟

Show your support by dropping your favorite sea creature emoji in the comments below!

Check it out!

Teens Club is teaming up with for an action-packed adventure! For the next 4 weeks, our students will be working with their coaches to build volleyball, ping pong, and basketball skills to take their game to the next level. 🏐🏓🏀

We are so grateful to partner with organizations like Move2Learn in building strong futures through empowering teens, promoting physical activity, and fostering a culture of teamwork and success.

Would your organization be interested in partnering with Casa Chirilagua? Send us a DM and let’s talk!

Teens Club had the unique opportunity to shower our amazing volunteers, Kristin and Johnny, with love and gifts to celebrate the upcoming arrival of their precious baby girl! 🎀

The students had a blast decorating and showing their appreciation to Kristin and Johnny for their dedication to Teens Club. Their support means the world to us, and we wish them all the best!

Have you ever wanted to volunteer at Casa Chirilagua? Send us a DM and we will get you in touch with our Director of Volunteer Engagement to start the process. You'll be glad you did!

📣 Will you help us spread the word? We have two open positions and would love for you to share these opportunities with your network.

We are actively searching for a Full-Time Development Director and a Part-Time Program Assistant Coordinator (Local Leader). Please pray that we will be able to fill these much-needed positions quickly and direct any skilled candidates our way!

Follow the link to see job descriptions and how to apply!

Job Openings | Casa Chirilagua Job Opportunities Development Director, Full-time Build a creative fundraising strategy for the organization. Perform functions related to fundraising, dono ...

Ready to make a difference in 2024? Join our incredible team of volunteers to make an impact in the lives of students and their families in Chirilagua!

We are especially in need of volunteers who can regularly commit to weekly service in the following areas:

Kids Club Program Volunteer: Wednesdays from 3-5pm
Teens Club Program Volunteer: 8 volunteers needed
Casa to College Volunteer: Female volunteers needed

Every moment counts – let's make 2024 the year of positive impact! DM us or visit casachirilagua.org/volunteer to learn more and sign up!

Together, we can make this year extraordinary!