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THE PESA POST

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Parents, Educators/Teachers & Students in Action


November 07, 2024

DIA DE LOS MUERTOS

PESA Engages with Families Through Cultural Celebrations

PESA’s recent participation in Día de los Muertos events showcases the organization’s dedication to engaging with the communities they serve and fostering cultural pride. Día de los Muertos, a celebration with deep roots in Mexican culture, honors deceased loved ones, symbolizing remembrance, community connection, and cultural significance. These gatherings bring people together with vibrant altars, traditional costumes, and festivities, creating a lively environment that emphasizes the importance of heritage and togetherness.


This year, PESA joined two key Día de los Muertos events in the community. The first was the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health Service Area Leadership Team 2’s Hauntingly Sweet Día de los Muertos Resource Fair on October 31st in Panorama City, where over 30 community members visited PESA’s booth. Staff members Steve Martinez and Elizabeth Sosa, along with college interns Jacqueline Vazquez and Maxine Newton, provided information and resources, connecting with attendees of all ages. 


On November 2nd, PESA also participated in Councilmember Imelda Padilla’s Día de los Muertos Event in the Sixth Council District of Los Angeles, where approximately 45 community members visited their booth. This event saw a larger team from PESA, including staff members Steve Martinez, Seymour Amster, Michael Johnson, and Elizabeth Sosa, along with interns Maxine Newton, Amable Vasquez, Nicole Ruelas, Starr Risper, and Latonya Lazard, all actively engaging with the public.


Sosa highlighted the importance of these events, saying, “It’s critical for community members who have genuinely never heard of PESA to encounter us at events like these. We’re here to let them know that we’re available, we’re showing up, and we’re ready to support.” Through PESA’s presence, they raised awareness of their wide range of services, from case management and educational workshops to diversion programs. PESA’s “tabling and boosting” strategy, which involved handing out candy, pamphlets, and other materials, successfully attracted attendees—especially families, children, and educators—to their booth.


Each event was filled with vibrant cultural elements. “There were so many beautiful altars, or altares, that community members created. People dressed up as Catrinas, there were calaveras everywhere, traditional music, and delicious food,” Sosa shared. The November 2nd event featured eight themed altars, along with cultural performances and local artwork, creating an interactive experience that allowed attendees to immerse themselves in the Día de los Muertos tradition. “We attend events like Día de los Muertos because it’s more than just a resource fair—it’s a cultural event that resonates deeply with many of our staff and the families we serve,” Sosa explained. 


PESA’s presence at these celebrations reaffirms their commitment to inclusivity and being an essential part of the community. Honoring Mexican heritage and fostering connections with families allows PESA to engage meaningfully, providing support and resources that align with the community’s values and traditions.



If you’d like to support PESA’s many social and educational initiatives, please contact us.

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