Windchime Decorating Workshop at TFD

Community art therapy workshop led by Yekseny centered on creative expression, mindfulness, and community connection. The workshop started with a check-in, welcoming both new and recurring community members to feel welcomed. Yekseny introduced the meaning and origin behind mandalas, along with their connection to reducing anxiety and creating a sense of balance. Community members decorated their own windchimes with colors, patterns, and symbols.

Conversations throughout the workshop encouraged reflection, connection, and comfort while creating alongside one another. Once everyone was finished decorating, everyone went around and presented their windchimes and where they planned to place them. The workshop encouraged others to create freely, reflect openly, and leave with something meaningful to them.

Painting Pots with Yekseny | Art Therapy

Our Painting Pots workshop, led by Yekseny, centered on reflecting on growth while painting pots. Yekseny talked about how spring is a reminder of growth and noticing change over time. Our community members painted terracotta pots as a personal expression of where they are in life. They used the process to reflect on accomplishments and goals for continued growth this year. Each potted plant was selected, connecting intention to a physical action, and group conversations allowed everyone to share the meaning behind their designs and choices. Overall, it created a grounding space for creativity, reflection, and community connection.

Mujeres Business & Fitness Fair

We are so excited to have participated in the Mujeres Business and Fitness Fair hosted by State Representative Norma Hernandez and her team! It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with community members and fellow small businesses, share the work The Firehouse Dream is doing, and provide resources and programming. We also offered items from our mental health kits to help support and sustain our co-created “Bag of Big Feelings” giveaways.

The fair was full of resources and activities: Zumba by Marcela Velazquez, yoga session led by our community partner Dasia Key, CrossFit by Susie Castro, and a panel discussion where our board president, Karina Mora, was one of the panelists. We also had the chance to walk around and check out the other businesses and vendors.

Legal Wellness Clinic at TFD

We recently welcomed the Legal Wellness Clinic back to The Firehouse Dream for another Legal-Aid Wellness Check-Up for the community. Just like the first visit, community members had the chance to sit down with a licensed attorney and walk through a series of questions covering key areas like housing, immigration, family matters, employment, debt and credit, and future and safety planning. These conversations offered space for clarity, reassurance, and help with next steps. After each check-up, our community members received a Legal Wellness Plan outlining any areas of concern and resources to help them move forward.

We are grateful for this continued partnership and for the opportunity to bring accessible legal support directly to our community.