Casa Mia
is located in Ponticelli, Naples. Casa Mia, "my house", is a non-profit that runs after school and summer programs for elementary through junior high aged children who live in this rough and crime filled neighborhood. Founded by Teofilo Santi, this respite center has provided warm meals, homework assistance, health seminars, day camps, and Christian love to needy children for over 20 years.
pictures taken at Casa Mia in July, 2011
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Report from Casa Mia
Is. 43.10 You are my witnesses, says the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.
Mark 16.15 And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation."
The economic crisis that has hit the world has effected Italy and especially Naples where poverty is already part of daily life. The situation is critical as there is a great lack of employment especially among the young. We have asked much of the families who are part of the center. We have asked for donations for much of the food supplies- pasta, oil and other such items. Once local assistence was plentiful, now we have returned to former practices asking families to help with certain needs that the center has. We work with the local Methodist Church of Ponticelli to assist the particularly needy families in the area. We have identied certain familes who are at risk for violence and we have helped them by encouraging regular attendence at the center and by offering special programs for them.
Every day the Center offers help with homework, a workshop to develop motor skills and games and sports. More than the academic assistance, we provide a place to play together. Learning how to play together is essential to communal life. To achieve an optimal work envoronment, we rely on numerous volunteers who are indespensible to our daily work. There are 12 or 13 who come regularly. We join together to thank you for your gift to the mission of Ponticelli. We will use the money to help these families who are in difficulty and need and to purchase new games for the children.
A cordial and fraternal thanks from Salvatore Cortini,
Director of Casa Mia
Napoli, 12 April 2011
