In remembrance Maya Angelou

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." - Maya Angelou



Even the smallest form of affection can have a long lasting impact on someone. To know that we impact these children's lives each day is a blessing. Always remember do to others as you would have them do to you, as Maya said, "Be the rainbow in someones clouds." We will never forget how you made us feel Maya. 

Today's Reflection

Our thoughts create our reality, what we think about we bring about. 

Today's reflection encouraged the kids to think about what our thoughts are attracting to our lives... Positivity and negativity 

If I am constantly thinking negative, deceitful violent thoughts I am attracting negativity into my life. I must become conscious of these thoughts and change them. I can't stop the thought but I don't have to give that negative thought power. 

Always remember what we think about and say we manifest. We could be having a bad day, the more we sit there and ponder on the bad day we're having, that's exactly the way the day will stay. Change it, constantly tell yourself.... my day is great and it will get better, positivity goes a long way. And that applies to anything in our daily lives. 

Lets all take a moment to remember and honor all the men and women who have served our country proudly. Lets also remember all the loved ones who have given their all.

Check out what went on today at MKC!

The Diabetes Education Class demonstrating a cooking class! They are taking control of their Diabetes lean ring how to cook everyday healthy meals! Nice job! 

Our ELL learners have come a long way! We are proud of you! Way to go! 

Ms. Quinn's last day here at the MKC, come back and visit us!

We will miss you Ms. Quinn, 

“The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye, the story of love is hello and goodbye...until we meet again” 
― Jimi Hendrix


Until we meet again! 

Introductions: Meet Ms.Josie

Hello Everyone! 

My name is Josie Magana- Miss Josie, I have just started my first days here at the Maria Kaupas Center and already filled with so much happiness and excitement. First, I have to say how happy I am to have been given the opportunity to be working at MKC, heaven sent, and none would have been possible if it wasn't for Carmen Ontiveros- Thank You! 

Not to long ago I was asking God for guidance, what should I do? What's right for me right now? I had my own plans, but God definitely had the last word and now I am here, 2nd day and I couldn't be more happier. It gives me much pleasure knowing how much these kids look forward coming everyday after school to the center, how they all hold hands during reflection and truly listen with open hearts to what Ms. Eckhouse and their peers have to share. I can only anticipate my future here at the MKC, and the bonds I will soon create with all the students, and all gives me ease and comfort. I now know that I am most definitely in the right place! 

Thank You! 

Did you know...

. . .that students who came to the Maria Kaupas Center today celebrated May by forming a non-denominational prayer circle around the statue of Mary behind the school.

MKC Program Director Amy Eckhouse urged the students to take a new look at miracles . . .

 

 

Rather than simply PRAY for miracles, Amy urged the scholars to BE the miracle.

 

She pointed out to them that being the miracle can be as easy as offering acompliment, a word of encouragement, or an act of kindness,

and she reminded them that a seemingly small gesture can have a huge impact on someone’s life . . .

Farewells: A Note from Britt Quinn, Director of Media Outreach & Alumnae Relations

Greetings, 

Happy Friday, everyone!

I would like to take the chance to thank each and every one of you for all the love and support you’ve given me during my time at the Maria Kaupas Center and the Alumnae Association.

It is with great sadness that I announce my departure from the MKC and Alumnae Association. It has been quite a journey, and I am so grateful for all the opportunities with which I’ve been presented.

This is a beautiful place. It’s special and important. I am so blessed to have been a part of it, and I am so confident that this mission will grow and be amazing.  As a fledgling organization, we have done so much good for the community. 

Imagine all the MKC is capable of when you think of all we’ve accomplished in this short time.

The same goes for our Alumnae Association. This is a social organization—made of some of the most amazing women I’ve ever met. I am so glad to have known each and every one of them. Thank you so much.
 

A new author will be taking over the blog next week. It's been such a joy writing for you all.

Much Love and Good Thoughts, 

Britt Quinn

 

Teen Service Week!

Join the Maria Kaupas Center for Teen Service Week 2014!

Always More, Always Better, Always with Love…

 

Come spend the week at the Maria Kaupas Center!

Make new friends, learn lots, and make new friends.

We’ll have teens visiting from all over the state!

 

June 22^nd-28^th, 2014

 

All teenagers, regardless of religious affiliation, who are between the ages of 15-18 or who have completed their first year of high school through those recently graduated are invited to participate.

 

For more information on participation, please visit the Teen Service Week website:

www.teenserviceweek.org

 

Please contact Amy Eckhouse at the MKC for details!

aeckhouse@mariakaupascenter.com

773.925.8686 x5001

 

Did you know...

. . .  that the Maria Kaupas Center has been hosting an

English Language Learning  (ELL)

class for community residents?  The class, led by MKC volunteer Ms. Mireya Hernandez meets on

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 till 2:00 to brush up on

conversational English.

If you know of any scholar’s parents who would be interested in joining the group, please let us know.

Did you know...

. . . that Tuesday's 4th & 5th grade concert at the SSC Motherhouse

 was a hand-clapping, feet-stomping, derriere-wiggling

success?

 The scholars sang their hearts out, much to the delight of all those in attendance, especially the 

Sisters of St.Casimir.

Afterwards, the Sisters treated the audience to lemonade, cookies, and cake; thank you Sister Bernadette!

We are so proud of the performers and so grateful to

 Harmony, Hope, and Healing

for bringing this very special opportunity to the MKC.

. . .for those of you who were unable to attend the concert, we would like to bring the concert to you! 

We know you will enjoy the following songs, performed enthusiastically by your 4th and 5th grade scholars:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlI2e7iyayw&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFDtV1gCy2o&feature=youtu.be

Introducing The Kaupas Kloset

The Maria Kaupas Center is always looking to make an impact on the surrounding community and the people who live there.  We have decided to move forward with a new project to bring an element of restorative justice and professional development to the residents of the Marquette Park neighborhood. 

"The Kaupas Kloset" (Alt: Kazia’s Kloset)

Our MKC Teens are looking good in their Kaupas Kloset wears! 

We will invite members of the Catalyst family (and then the greater Chicago Lawn community) to take part in a free exchange program. We can help the community by preparing new and gently worn "business casual" and "professional" clothing items for adults and youth with jobs/special occasions that require nicer clothes.

We can ask for a suggested donation of new or gently worn items that the person no longer needs. This would allow us to replenish our stock while still assisting the community.

For instance, if a woman needed a blouse for work, perhaps she would bring us a pack of black socks for the students, or a blazer that no longer fits her. 

This would not be mandatory—as we would want to help people that cannot afford to donate.

We could set up appointments outside of programming hours and have a "walk in" once a month (outside of programming hours). This way this project wouldn't interfere with anything we have going on during the day, etc...

We need some essential items-- all of which should be easy to find as low-cost donations.

Garment Racks

Hangers

Shoe Racks

Shoe polish

Shoe sizer (from a shoe store)

Clothing steamer (hand held models start at 10 dollars)

Lint Rollers

Ironing board & Iron

Currently, we are collecting donations, organizing clothing, and preparing space, and coordinating drop offs for garment & shoe racks, hangers, etc…

If you or someone you know would be interested in helping with donations of amenities, hangers, clothing racks, etc... please contact Britt or Amy at the Maria Kaupas Center. We'd love to have a conversation! 

Thank You, MKC!

The St.Casimir Academy & Maria High School Alumnae Association had their All-School Reunion this past Saturday.

 The Alums were able to get tours of the Maria Kaupas Center, and learn about the continuation of the Sisters of St.Casimir legacy! It was a great event that couldn't have been accomplished without our fantastic volunteers, the Sisters of St.Casimir, MKC staff, and many more! 

Thank you for all your hard work! Look at those smiling faces :)

For all you Alumnae, MHS followers, and MKC enthusiasts-- there will be photos and videos from the event available in the days to come!