Casa Teresa, an organization with the mission of providing a loving and supportive family home to pregnant women and their babies facing difficult circumstances, began a year of celebrating 40 years of service to the Orange County community. The celebration began with a luncheon and fashion show, featuring several guest speakers including Executive Program Director Dr. Jim Pugh, Reverend John R. LeVecke of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Casa Teresa alumna Toni Delgado.
Ms. Delgado spoke of her Casa Teresa experience, saying, “It was life-changing. They taught me the skills to live a healthy life for my daughter and me…skills that I was never taught until coming to Casa Teresa.”
Dr.Pugh delivered the keynote address, saying, “The cycles disappear, and rather than lean on the system, we help the women of Casa Teresa become independent.”
Over 170 guests in attendance enjoyed lunch, opportunity drawings and fashions modeled by students from local universities including California State University, Fullerton and Chapman University.
“It was an amazing event celebrating not only Casa Teresa, but the many treasured mothers and babies that are living healthy, productive and successful lives,” said Lisa Wood, Casa Teresa CEO.
The event raised net proceeds of over $44,000 that will help support the moms and babies served at Casa Teresa.
Founded in 1976, Casa Teresa is deeply rooted in the Orange County community. Its programs have positively impacted the lives of over 6,000 mothers and their children. Visit www.casateresa.org for more information.