Tequihua Self-defense at TFD

Last week, we hosted a Tequihua self‑defense workshop led by our facilitator, Valerie Sanchez, welcoming a space dedicated to empowering women through practical self-defense and martial arts. We brought together ten community members, including four moms who brought their daughters to learn alongside them. The room filled quickly with curiosity, laughter, and a shared commitment to learning how to stay safe and confident.

We opened with stretches and introductions. Adults shared their names and what they do, while the kids lit up as they told us who they hope to become when they grow up. From there, Valerie guided everyone into a proper fighting stance and introduced basic techniques called cookies and turtle stance.

Participants paired up to practice what they learned, cheering each other on as they tried new movements. Valerie then led a round of punches and kicks, giving everyone a chance to build strength and trust in their bodies. We wrapped up the workshop with a circle of team high‑fives!

Pocket Hugs workshop with Yekseny | Art Therapy

The Pocket Hugs Workshop, led by our Art Therapist, Yekseny Guerrero, was a fun and creative workshop that fell under the theme of February, the month of love! The atmosphere was calm, safe, and comfortable for the community. Yekseny encouraged everyone to slow down, be present, and create with intention. Participants were given time to reflect on who they wanted to show appreciation for and share their pocket hug. The workshop highlighted the importance of practicing gratitude in everyday life and showed how love and care can be shared in a simple but meaningful way.

The HAP Foundation | Grief workshop at TFD

The HAP Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides guidance, direction, and grief support for all ages.

The Grief Workshop, held at The Firehouse Dream with the HAP Foundation, gave community members a safe space to talk about grief, learn about the different stages, and understand the emotions one may be feeling during these stages. Participants shared, reflected, and created memory jars as a way to cope and honor their people and moments in their lives. They also learned that grief can show up in many different ways, and everyone was encouraged to honor their own experiences. One of the Community Health Workers, Kaitlyn Macias, also shared resources, including information about their grief circles to support our community.

Dream Chasers United | Fashion Show

Dream Chasers United invited us to photograph a fashion show runway for the students they have been working with at Washington Dual Language Academy. Each student was given the opportunity to design their own t‑shirt. This fashion show was a way to showcase their own identity, creativity, and voice. Each shirt reflected something personal, like the colors they love, messages they stand by, symbols that represent who they want to become. 

As they walked the runway, each student also shared an original “I Am” poem, offering a glimpse into their stories, strengths, and dreams. These poems added depth and heart to the show, reminding us that fashion isn’t just about what we wear—it’s about how we express ourselves and the truths we carry.

To honor their hard work, every participant received a Certificate of Completion, recognizing not only their creativity but also their courage to show up, share, and shine. The room was filled with applause, smiles, and genuine admiration from staff and peers. Moments like these remind us why youth-centered spaces matter and when students are given the tools and freedom to create, they rise with confidence, imagination, and community.

We are so proud of each student who participated in the fashion show, and thank you, Dream Chasers United, for having us there to capture these proud moments. 

Art Therapy: Affirmation Mirror

To welcome the new year with intention, we hosted a Creative Affirmation Mirrors workshop led by our facilitator, Yekseny Guerrero. We created a space for community members to set positive affirmations and reflect on the energy they want to carry into the year ahead.

Throughout the session, participants shared, connected, and created through thoughtful, reflective conversations. Using colors, designs, beads, and meaningful words, everyone crafted their own affirmation mirror. After, we circled up and invited everyone to share the meaning behind their mirrors. Every mirror held a story, and intention for what was put on their own mirror.