Nana's Cocina for Casa Milagro Youth Solutions

Hi I'm Gene Lucero.  Ten years ago, when Millie told me about this new non-profit organization she was developing, Casa Milagro Youth Solutions, I was intrigued.  Knowing that we definitely needed programs for our youth, I wanted to be supportive of this venture.  I had space in our building on 38th and Lowell, the Lucero Financial Group and offered Casa Milagro an office and space for their rehearsals and board meetings.  Patty Baca was instrumental in obtaining funding from the Colorado Trust to bring Pregones Puerto Rican Theater from the Bronx to train them on Augusto Boal's Forum Theater techniques.  I was able to step in throughout the five days of their training.  It was fascinating to watch the Pregones' theater group with their instruction and training.   Their performance of 'Texting for Life' on teen dating violence was unlike anything I had ever seen.  This interactive performance was absolutely compelling because it clearly touched everyone.   Their Joker, the facilitator, asked questions of the spectators, drawing on the emotions that surfaced at various points.  Then interestingly, the spectators provided responses and then were asked if they would step in and replace the oppressed actor with a change of response and behavior.  This process was captivating and encouraged more responses from the spectators. In addition to the games, they opened with, the entire program was a surprising experience to witness.  

As an organizer for the 38th Avenue Annual Festival.  I offered a table to Casa Milagro to share with the community about their programs.  We had a group of students volunteering to help with the event.  At various points during the festival, the North High students were taking part in some of the games Casa Milagro was presenting and it was clear that they all had a tremendous amount of fun in participating. 

Millie would tell me about the youth at different locations they presented at and the reactions and responses that they youth provided.  It was obvious that youth of all ages enjoyed Casa Milagro's programs and the opportunity to share their ideas, was significant to them.  

Through these ten years I have watched Casa Milagro grow and extend their reach to as many organizations with youth as possible.  They are always adding new scripts with new topics, but real-life issues that the youth relate to.  I am always impressed with what they are adding or engaging in.  They went to train the Forum Theater techniques to the Justice Heritage Academy in Antonito Colorado to provide a program for a town that has little resources, particularly for youth.  On their first visit there, Millie had an opportunity to talk to some of the Volunteer Fire and Emergency crew.  They talked about accidents where children were involved with family members.    In addition to their concern for youth, Casa Milagro also recognizes traumas children go through daily in their lives.  Casa Milagro took a supply of new stuffed animals to the Volunteer Fire Department on their next visit to provide to children in any traumatic situation they encounter. 

In December Casa Milagro is going to hold a Teen Engagement Workshop in Winter Park and taking 40 youth to be trained on the Forum Theater techniques.  They will be training and developing youth to perform, as they do, for their organizations.  There is a distinct need for this program, and we are 100% behind Casa Milagro.  

We are supporting them, this time, as a fundraiser for the Teen Engagement Workshop.  My brother, Erv Lucero has opened Nana's Cocina serving New Mexican cuisine at 38th and Lowell.  On Sunday, December 4, Erv will be serving a free bowl of rico posole to you when you stop in.  

Along with Erv, I am asking you to make a donation to Casa Milagro Youth Solutions, this amazing organization that continues to put our youth on top of their priority list with every step they take.  Each and everyday counts, tomorrow, November 29, Giving Tuesday or Tuesday December 6.