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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
CELEBRATING THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE MIRACLE CENTER & MARY SANTANA
WHEREAS, on October 22, 1995, Mary Santana’s journey began with a dream of spending more time with her son, Adrian; and
WHEREAS, as a single mother, Mary felt the burden of being at work and away from her child. In a complete act of faith, Mary resigned from her position as a Sales Associate at a publishing company to turn her dream into a reality;
WHEREAS, initially focusing on the gifts and talents of her son, Mary soon realized that many of the children in her neighborhood had immeasurable amounts of obscured and promising abilities as well. Wishing to bring to light the potential of these children and to steer them away from the peer group prevalence of joining a gang or experimenting and using illicit drugs in the neighborhood, ‘Mary’s Camp’, a 9-week Summer Arts Camp was created; and
WHEREAS, operated from Mary’s basement apartment, children were taught various types of dance, choir, music and theater. By 1997, Mary’s vision expanded along with the list of children interested in participating. Thus, The Miracle Center (TMC) was born. Five years after the birth of The Miracle Center, TMC became unincorporated and recognized as an official non-profit organization; and
WHEREAS, concentrated on forging new paths for The Miracle Center, Mary cemented partnerships throughout Humboldt Park, where she ran the Summer Arts Camps. In 2002, TMC expanded to include an 8-week Saturday Arts activities, Christmas Break activities, carnivals and festivals for the community. By 2003, TMC began offering year round after school programs for children and youth 7 to 20 years old; and
WHEREAS, to date, TMC uses multidisciplinary arts approach to help children, adolescents and families grow spiritually, mentally, emotionally, socially and physically during after-school and out-of-school programs. TMC’s programming has grown to include an academic enrichment After-School program, Summer Camp, Youth Theater Ensemble, Young Entrepreneur’s Program, Emerging Leaders of Chicago Program, Community Awareness Program; and
WHEREAS, awarded the 2014 Safe Communities for Illinois grant, TMC partnered with community residents, local service providers, agencies, organizations and businesses to form Anti-Tobacco, Stay Fresh/Stay Sober and Healthy Hermosa campaigns. The Miracle Center has not only offered a focus on the performing arts and academic excellence but has created a community of young leaders, validated by the current staff members who were once program participants including her son, Adrian; and
WHEREAS, not only has The Miracle Center positively impacted thousands of children, youth and families lives, they have also provided these participants with a safe haven that will allow them to grow into the leaders their communities need.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does acknowledge the humanitarian contributions for our youth, made by Mary Santana and join in celebrating their 20th Anniversary of The Miracle Center on October 22, 2015.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this text be spread upon the official proceedings of this Honorable Body. end