Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen recognized Centro Mater's efforts and mission over the past 50 years by addressing the House with a one-minute-speech.
As Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen graciously mentions in her speech, Centro Mater provides quality programs to disadvantaged children of all backgrounds, over 1,200 daily, accross five nationally accredited sites in Miami-Dade County.
We know how important the summer months are for both young childrenand youth who have nowhere to go when the school doors close.Ensuring that these young learners have access to educational opportunitiesalong with having their basic needs met under adequate adultsupervision is one of our highest priorities.
Thanks to generous individuals like you, we can keep our doors openat The Centro Mater Wellness Summer Camp. The program reinforcesessential reading and writing skills through a literacy curriculum andallows children to further develop their gifts and talents. Recreationalactivities include instructive field trips, physical education, and enrichmentclasses in arts and crafts, music and dance. All children enrolledare also guaranteed 2/3 of their daily nutritional needs with a balancedbreakfast, lunch, and snack. What better way to support disadvantagedchildren in reaching their full potential?
You can provide all of the above for just $100 a week per child, $500 amonth or $1,000 for the whole summer. You may also mail a check to:Centro Mater Foundation, 418 SW 4th Avenue, Miami, FL 33130. Ifyou need additional information, or prefer to make a credit card donationvia telephone, please call Marbelys de la Osa at (305) 545-6049.
Your gift, of any size, will help keep our doors wide open and give childrenfrom all walks of life an opportunity to change their futures.
On January 19th, Centro Mater celebrated 50 years of service to those neediest in the community with a Mass led by Archbishop of Miami, Thomas G. Wenski. The Mass was followed by a reception to thank and recognize loyal supporters, board members, staff and families serviced.
Centro Mater celebrated Dr. Seuss's Birthday with a fun-filled carnival enjoyed by Things of all ages.
Teachers and students decorated Centro Mater to represent different Dr. Seuss's books such as The Cat in The Hat and Green Eggs and Ham. Students went around the different stations to listen to their favorite stories, pin the hat on the cat, get their faces painted and enjoy delicious green eggs and ham.
Centro Mater kicks off its 50th anniversary with a reception at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Downtown Miami. At the small and intimate celebration, the organization’s chairman, Octavio A. Verdeja, spoke of Centro Mater’s impressive achievements in early-childhood education since its foundation in 1968 and invited everyone to join in the celebration with a series of events in 2018. Among those attending was Miami-Dade County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro, who addressed guests and honored the organization with a proclamation, designating December 13th as Centro Mater Child Care Services Day. Board members present received the proclamation and thanked the county for the many decades of unconditional support to the organization. Among supporters present were Matthew Bruno, Centro Mater Foundation board member and Senior Vice President of Mercantil Commercebank, which was the presenting sponsor of the night; along with Rick Riesgo, Centro Mater Foundation board member and Vice President/General Manager of Coastal Wine and Spirits, which generously donated the liquor enjoyed at the event. The highlight of the night was the Centro Mater Children’s Choir which delighted guests with a cappella rendition of “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars. The choir stems from a Centro Mater collaboration with the University of Miami School of Music which provides professional music teachers to implement lessons to children enrolled in the after school program. Guests visibly enjoyed the night at the museum’s incredible surroundings, with special experiences and a panoramic view of the Miami skyline.
