What this month’s newsletter covers: 

• Donate to our scholarship campaign this month! Follow us on social media to support this month’s fundraiser. 
• Meet Manuel Eduardo, this year’s recipient of the Don Mersch Scholarship! 
• Read more postcards from Corazón Summer Camp.
• We’re learning about Chichen Itza, a historical city in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico., for this month’s Corazón Classroom! 

Overview 

• Read an introduction to Flores Magon from a Corazón committee member.
• Learn how a decrease in income has affected the education of Flores Magon students. 
• The pandemic continues to affect the mental health of community members - Read their stories. 
• Community members reflect on their experiences from last year as they move on in 2021. 

Summer Camp 2021

Postcards located below.

We’re Back from Camp!| Our Goal this Summer

Our challenge this year was trying to figure out how we could continue our annual summer camp amid an ongoing pandemic. Our volunteers and staff worked virtually to plan for workshops and the student’s graduation ceremony. Here’s what they have to share with you!

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Summer Camp 2021 Theme

You may have noticed that this year’s summer camp theme was Navigating through Technology! In addition to the workshops we highlight below, our summer camp leaders taught students how to navigate technology and the internet safely throughout the month of July. With education moving to a remote format, learning safety tips for internet use is key.

Virtual Workshops

Our virtual workshops ran for two weeks, with multiple sessions of every workshop each week.

I Learn to Recognize And Name My Emotions and Managing My Emotions 

Children and teens are experiencing difficult times due to the pandemic - anxiety, stress, and depression frequently occur. Addressing these concerns was of the utmost importance to participants. 

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

In collaboration with mental health experts, Corazón developed two workshops - ‘I Learn to Recognize and Name my Emotions’ and ‘Managing my Emotions’. The purpose of these workshops was to 1) provide resources for the students and 2) let students know that there are people in their community who genuinely care for them and their emotional well-being. Students talked about their feelings, learned how to address them, and found a safe space in these workshops. 

Caring for Myself and Caring for Ourselves During COVID

Caring for ourselves and others is especially important right now. That is why this workshop covered physical and moral values. Children participated in several physical activities to continue exercising from their homes. They also discussed topics such as empathy and respect for others in this workshop. 

I Learn How to Play Chess!

Chess helps players improve their concentration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Not only is chess excellent for enhancing one’s mathematical skills, but it is also an activity that is shared among different generations. Grandparents, parents, and children can each share, teach, and learn from each other through activities like chess. Chess was a wonderful experience for children to do just that during their virtual workshop. Students even showed off their chess skills at their graduation ceremony! 

Graduation 

A total of 118 students participated and graduated from this year’s summer camp! Thanks to our sponsors, students enjoyed a safe graduation ceremony- featuring food, games, and prizes! 

Donate to Corazón Youth

Our Corazón Youth program is home to our scholarships and interactive learning experiences like Summer Camp. We’re honored to continue providing these resources for students, but we can’t do this without your help.

Donate to our Education Fund to help students continue their education.

Thank you for your continued support.

Postcards from Corazón Students! 

About Corazón Scholarships

As part of our Corazón Youth program, Corazón offers accessible tutoring and scholarship opportunities for students in our communities to excel in their academic endeavors. Currently, there are 3 levels in our scholarship program: 

Basic Level - preschool, primary, and secondary grades 

Middle and Upper Levels - high school, university, and postgraduate

How do students join our scholarship program? 

Students who join at the basic level (preschool, primary, and secondary grades) are usually children of parents already participating in Corazón. Students from the middle and upper levels (high school, university, and postgrad) sometimes join Corazón on their own. 

Students register with Corazón Youth at one of our community centers where they are provided with the information necessary to apply for a scholarship. Once registered, students begin to actively participate in our program to volunteer in their community. 

How do students participate in our scholarship program? 

Basic Level 

Students at the basic level attend tutoring sessions given at our community centers at least twice a week. Students at this level also register to participate in an educational workshop. 

Middle and Upper Levels

Students in the middle and upper levels volunteer in community projects and events such as - summer camps, tournaments, construction projects, and workshops. Students are eligible for a scholarship when they register for the program and contribute hours that support their community.

Tutoring - Older students in the program volunteer to tutor younger children in their studies. The role of Corazón tutors has been especially important, as younger children in the program continue to request help with their online learning.

Summer Camp

Annual Summer Camp - Summer camp is a space for students to strengthen their values through play, sports, workshops, talks, and reflections. Our annual summer camp fosters healthy spaces and a self-sufficient community for the students in our communities. Summer Camp is for children ages 6-18 years old. Examples of past summer camp themes include Mini Olympics, Superheroes, Art, and Science. Summer Camp 2021 focused on navigating technology - highlighting the changes children and teens continue to experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about Summer Camp 2021 here. 

Donate to Corazón Scholarships

You can sponsor a student's education by donating to Corazón's Education Fund. Donations to our Education fund are used to help students pay school-related expenses including tuition, school supplies, uniforms, and other school-related costs. 

Corazón Scholarships are heavily dependent on donations we receive from our donors. Please consider donating today.

What this month’s newsletter covers:

• Construction is back with the Friends of Dat House build! Read our construction updates in this month’s Program Highlight.
• We’re recognizing our Summer Camp 2021 volunteers!  
• We’re learning about Basketry of Mexico in this month’s, ¡Corazón Classroom!

Overview 

• This week we’re focusing on Cumbres, a Corazón community located in Tijuana, Mexico. 
• 50% of families shared that their greatest need is in assistance for their children’s education.
• Participants share how losing their job and leaving university affected their mental health.   
• Community members explain why 2020 felt like a missed opportunity. 
• Finally, Cumbres members share some of their thoughts about hope, family, change, and new opportunities. 

A committee member from the community shares their introduction of Cumbres with you today. 

What this month’s newsletter covers:

• Students from Cumbres are volunteering in their community by initiating new garden projects and cleanups. Read more in our program highlight.
• This month we recognize Kenia for her effort in leading workshops and her enthusiasm towards volunteering. Read more about her experience in our Community Member Highlight.
• Learn about our Scholarship Program, updates on social media, and more in our Latest News section. 
• We’re learning about traditional markets in this month’s ¡Corazón Classroom!

Overview

Two weeks ago, Corazón sent out an email introducing the culture of Cerro Azul - describing how their community has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020 up till now. To achieve this, Corazón sent out an anonymous community survey to each of our six communities.

Flores Magon COVID-19 Impact 2020-2021
Posted by Eva Rivera · September 02, 2021 11:52 AM

Cumbres COVID-19 Impact 2020-2021
Posted by Eva Rivera · July 19, 2021 4:17 PM

Cañon Carretas COVID-19 Impact 2020-2021
Posted by Eva Rivera · June 17, 2021 2:05 PM

September 2021: Fundraising in September 
Posted by Eva Rivera · September 02, 2021 3:45 PM

August 2021: Construction Updates
Posted by Eva Rivera · August 03, 2021 3:35 PM

July 2021: Supporting Corazón Students
Posted by Eva Rivera · July 06, 2021 4:00 PM

What this month’s newsletter covers:

• Update: What is the status of volunteers’ return to Mexico? 
• Take a look at a sanitization station and our current COVID-19 protocols for volunteers.
• Community Member Highlight: Local volunteers
• Behind rising lumber costs: Learn about what is contributing to an increase in lumber costs in 2021.
• Our Spring 2021 Plea is at 70% - Almost there! Find out how you can help us reach our goal! 
• We’re learning about Baile Folklorico de Mexico, Mexican folk dance, in this month’s, ¡Corazón Classroom! 
• We’re Hiring! Apply for our Operations Specialist position by June 30th.

Overview

Last year, Corazón shared a series of letters from our board, staff, and volunteers, detailing how the COVID-19 pandemic had come to immediately affect our organization and communities. This year, we want to continue updating our supporters by sharing how our community members have been impacted overall since March 2020 to now. To achieve this, Corazón created an anonymous community survey that was sent out to all 6 of our communities: 1) Cerro Azul, 2) Canon Carretas, 3) Cumbres, 4) Flores Magon, 5) Valle de Las Palmas, and 6) Nuevo Milenio.

I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THIS ASSUMPTION OF RISK AND RELEASE OR WAIVER FROM LIABILITY AGREEMENT AND I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENTS.  I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND A CONTRACT BETWEEN MYSELF AND CORAZÓN, INC. I AM SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT OF MY OWN FREE WILL.

1. I acknowledge that I have voluntarily applied to Corazón, Inc. (“Corazón”) to participate in construction and other activities at various locations in California and Mexico (collectively, the “Corazón Activities”).
2.  As consideration for being permitted by Corazón to participate in the Corazón Activities and use their tools and facilities, I hereby agree that I, my assignees, my heirs, distributees, guardians, and legal representatives will not make a claim against, sue, or attach the property of Corazón, or the suppliers of any of the tools or equipment I will use in the Corazón Activities, for injury or damage resulting from the negligence or other acts, howsoever caused, by any employee, agent, contractor of or other participant in Corazón Activities.
3. I hereby release Corazón from all actions, claims, or demands that I, my assignees, my heirs, distributes, guardians and legal representatives now have or may hereafter have for injury or damage resulting from my participation in any Corazón Activities.
4. I hereby release and forever discharge Corazón from any claim whatsoever that arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or participation in the Corazón Activities.
5. I expressly agree that this Release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by the laws of the State of California, and that this Release shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California.  I agree that in the event that any provision herein is deemed invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity of such clause or provision shall not otherwise affect the remaining provisions of this Release, which remaining provisions shall continue to be enforceable.
6. . Waiver of California Civil Code Section 1542.  I acknowledge that I have been advised regarding the effect of California Civil Code Section 1542, which provides as follows:
   “a general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release, which if known by him or her must have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor.”

I, HAVING BEEN SO ADVISED; HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVE THE PROVISIONS OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE SECTION 1542.

I am aware that construction is a hazardous activity.  I am voluntarily participating in the activities of construction with the knowledge of the danger involved and with the knowledge that medical facilities may not be available in the event of injury to myself.  I hereby agree to accept any and all risks of injury or death, and verify this statement by placing my initials here: 

Note: although Corazón accepts no liability for your participation in its projects in Mexico, we have enrolled all volunteers who register for a project in a Volunteer Insurance Policy we have purchased.  A copy of the policy can be requested by contacting us at [email protected]

I hereby grant to CORAZÓN, INC., its legal representatives, successors and assigns, irrevocable permission to take and to copyright, in its own name or otherwise, and re-use, publish and republish photographic portraits, pictures or similar images or likenesses (collectively, the “Pictures”) of the undersigned and the undersigned’s children and/or other minors for which the undersigned is/are legally responsible, including, without limitation, any other Pictures in which the same may be included, in whole or in part, composite or distorted in character of form, without restriction as to changes or alterations, in conjunction with the undersigned’s own or fictitious names, or reproductions thereof in color or otherwise, made through any medium, and in any and all media now or hereafter known for illustration, promotion, art, editorial, advertising, trade, or any other purpose whatsoever.  The undersigned also consent to the use of any published matter in conjunction therewith.  The Pictures may be published in any manner, including advertising, periodicals, trade show exhibits or other promotional applications.  Furthermore, the undersigned will hold harmless CORAZÓN, INC., its legal representatives, successors and assigns, from any liability arising from or in connection with the aforementioned Pictures.

I affirm that I am more than 18 years of age and that I am competent to sign this contract on my own behalf.  I acknowledge that I have read the foregoing authorization and release and that I fully understand its contents.

Mike Savage, Corazón Board President, discusses our organization's upcoming spring plea goals for 2021.

What this month’s newsletter covers: 

• Our local Corazón members volunteered for Corazón’s first local project since the start of the pandemic. Read about their experience in the May Program Highlight.
• Meet Luis, a Corazón scholarship student, in May’s Community Member Highlight. 
• Read our note on a Possible Return to Construction in July
• We’re learning about the history of papel picado or Mexican paper art in this month’s ¡Corazón Classroom!

What this month’s newsletter covers:

• April is National Volunteer Month - we want to thank all of our volunteers for their hard work. 
• We’re recognizing participants from our virtual workshop this past year.
• Summer Camp 2021: Find out how you can volunteer and lead a Summer Camp class for the children in our communities! 
• We’re learning about Día del Niño (Children’s Day) in this month’s ¡Corazón Classroom!

What this month’s newsletter covers:

• Honoring Dat, a good friend of Corazón's.
• Find out how much we raised to support our scholarships program in our Program Highlights! 
• We’re recognizing the Huerta Lopez family for their dedication towards Nuevo Milenio. 
• Read our latest news section for an important Corazón update
• Try out our crossword puzzle and learn about the diversity of Mexican cuisine for this month’s  ¡Corazón Classroom! 

What this month’s newsletter covers:

• February 12th is National No One Eats Alone Day. Find out how you can purchase tickets for our trivia games at Corazón’s No One Eats Alone Fundraiser! 
• Our upcoming fundraiser is supporting our Scholarships Program. Read our Programs highlight to learn more.
• We’re recognizing Samantha for graduating from middle school this month! 
• You may have noticed our social media updates recently - share our linktree with friends and family to help Corazón raise more awareness about our mission. 
• We’re learning about the importance of Mexican cinema and 1970s history with Roma (2018) in this month’s ¡Corazón Classroom!

What this month’s newsletter covers:

• Program highlight notice - becoming a sustaining donor and recent news 
• We recognize Isela in this month’s Community Member Spotlight! 
• Read about our organization's scheduled Board and staff retreat this month
• We now have 2021 Corazón Gift Certificates! Read about our certificates to find out more. 
• We’re learning about Dia de Los Reyes, or Three Kings Day, in this month’s ¡Corazón Classroom!