businesses and organizations, including Casa Familia.  In-person meetings still were not taking place, visits to the office were carefully scheduled and coordinated, and connecting with those who were so supportive of us was still being done electronically.  Even with all that going on, we made it work and continued to grow and thrive!  Here are just a few highlights from the past year:

• The Bankers Alliance was started by board member Erbi Blanco-True. You can read more about her in this newsletter. This Alliance is comprised of banks with a South Florida presence which made a financial commitment to support Casa Familia.
• As restrictions began easing, we held our “All Jazzed Up” luncheon, attended by over 60 people at The Coral Reef Yacht Club. Our potential residents and self-advocates were able to share the importance of building The Village of Casa Familia.
• We developed a Virtual Tour of Casa Familia, an online presentation for supporters and friends that takes them through all the details of The Village of Casa Familia. Starting next month, we will be holding them monthly for anyone who is interested in learning more (details are also found in this newsletter about how you can attend).
• With $1.5M raised so far towards our Capital Campaign, we are only $1.5M away from reaching our $3M goal this fiscal year. We are optimistic that with your help we will meet or exceed our goal! Become part of the Founders Society today!

All this would not be possible without the dedicated board and team who don’t hesitate to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. I know with their support and yours, this next year will be even bigger and better. 

To everyone, I say thank you for making this past year so memorable not only for me but for all of us at Casa Familia!

Are You Interested in Taking A (Virtual) Tour

of Casa Familia?

Then please plan to pour yourself a cup of coffee (or tea) and join us on Tuesday, June 7th at 9:00 AM for Coffee at the Casa!  During this short virtual tour you will learn about and see the vision for the Village of Casa Familia as presented by members of the Casa Familia family.  Space is limited so please click on the button below to sign up and we will provide the link to attend prior to the date. We look forward to having you join us!

the outstanding community leaders who founded the organization, she was very excited to be a part of the Casa Familia family.  We are also so thankful to Erbi for stepping up and assuming the role of treasurer when that position became opened.!

In 2021, she founded the Bankers Alliance by reaching out to banks that have a presence in the South Florida community and asking them to support Casa Familia and its mission.  To date, we are happy to announce that over 13 banks have become members of the Alliance.

When asked what she wanted to share with others about her involvement with Casa Familia, she said, “It’s been an amazing journey to see this nonprofit organization grow from a “concept” by a concerned group of parents, to the first affordable housing community in Miami-Dade for adults with intellectual, developmental, and other related disabilities. The unwavering commitment of an incredible chair, executive committee, and board of directors to make this dream a reality is so inspiring.  Our local, state, and federal government, combined with experts in this field have been a huge part of our success.  I’m proud to have had a small role in the development of this wonderful project.” 

Casa Familia is so grateful for all that Erbi brings to our board and for her continued support and commitment to our mission. 

When Erbi is not working or volunteering, she loves to travel,  visiting new places, exploring the outdoors and seeking new adventures.  We always look forward to Erbi’s social media posts as she is a wonderful photographer.

Thank You to The Whitehurst Family!

We are proud to announce that Tom and Marie-Ilene Whitehurst and their family are our newest Groundbreaking Sponsors.  Their commitment as one of the founders of the organization has really been pivotal for our growth, community awareness and connecting community leaders to our mission. In addition to being part of our Founder's Society, they are now also Gold Shovel Sponsors! We are grateful for their ongoing support as we build the first affordable housing community in Miami-Dade County for adults with intellectual, developmental and other related disabilities. 

Prospective Resident Spotlight

Meet Namrata (Nami) Tandon!  She is looking forward to the possibility of becoming a resident of the Village of Casa Familia.  Nami, who is on the autism spectrum, is a graduate of FIU where she received a bachelor’s degree in Communications in 2019 with a 3.6 GPA!  Since graduation, she has worked as a Teacher’s Assistant at a private school, Diamond Minds Academy, in Miami Gardens. 

When she is not working, she reads, plays sports, enjoys music, walks her dog and hangs out with friends.  She is also a HUGE Harry Potter fan and collects Harry Potter memorabilia.

Nami is excited about the independent living arrangement that the Village of Casa Familia will be offering. While she realizes she will need some support services, she is looking forward to living “on her own” for the first time, with her family close by.  Another big draw for her at Casa Familia is having neighbors with whom she can become friends. 

Support Our Mission

to create sustainable, enriched and affordable housing communities, with features, amenities and services designed to benefit adults with intellectual, developmental, and other related disabilities.

In this critical year of our planned groundbreaking of the Village of Casa Familia, our greatest need is mission-building support. You can help make a lasting impact in your community. Your donation to Casa Familia will give adults with IDD the gift of affordable residential options and a pathway to independence. Ways to help:

Casa Familia, Inc. Recognizes Our
Village of Casa Familia Partners