Culinary classes at Nana’s Kitchen located inside the SQACC Event Center located at 1225 Broadway Toledo. Classes are held on Saturdays from noon to 3 pm. Small class sizes allow participants to observe social distancing rules, while getting personal instruction to make sure each dish is prepared perfectly.
Traditional Latin Food with a vegan twist will be held on Saturday Feb. 13, 2021 and is in collaboration with Vibrant Vegan.
Latin Street Food will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021
Mexican Sauces w/ Street Tacos on Saturday, May 8, 2021
Latin Desserts on Saturday, June 12, 2021
This year was a year of many challenges. SQACC worked tirelessly to continue to provide services to the community. I am proud to say as we looked at our programs, we did not first contemplate whether to cancel, but we first figured out how we could adapt.
As schools closed, we kept focus on making sure residents in the area had healthy food. Our CENARE program (Culinary Education Nutrition and Responsible Eating) and Nana’s Kitchen provided free lunches, meals and food items to students, seniors and their families. Nana’s Kitchen also continued to host our cultural cooking classes virtually and in-person, announced a new curbside “to go'' menu, and continued to provide rental space to local culinary businesses.
We also recognized the need for arts education. It is extremely important that kids be creative and express themselves through art, especially during hard times. We distributed free take-home art kits to grade school students, thanks to donations from private and community donors.
Our Community Gardens continued on without missing a step! The need for produce increased a great deal. Our Master Gardener, Assistant Gardener and 2 volunteers worked endlessly in making sure our distribution was not negatively affected.
We were also forced to make some changes a little quicker than planned. Our gallery tiendita (store) has been moved online, so you can shop from the convenience of home. We also hosted our first virtual fundraiser through a series of videos and live stream events and found a way to still celebrate our major event - Dia de Los Muertos! SQACC overcame many challenges because of our donors, supporters and the community. We cannot thank you enough and if we learned anything this year, it is that we are truly in this together.
Sincerely,
Taylor Burciaga,
Executive Director
"These have been a lifesaver when the kids are bored! They are so nicely put together and we really appreciate them"
"We LOVE them" Thank you so much"
"The kit is very well prepared and easy to understand. We think the activities are fun and shows a connection to real life art”
-parents of Escuela SMART students
In response to COVID19, SQACC’s Art program adapted its focus to ensure students in the Old South End could continue their creativity. Over 800 art kits were provided to 200 students from Escuela SMART Bilingual School and Queen of Apostles. Each kit included all the tools needed to design and make their art project as well as historical and geographical information about the art form. Through financial support from the community and additional partners we were able to distribute these arts kits at no cost to youth and their families.
SQACC’s cooking classes are hosted by our Culinary Artist, Veronica Reynaga in our very own, Nana’s Kitchen. Nana’s Kitchen is a fully licensed commercial kitchen that offers a hands-on approach for students to experiment with ingredients and tools in a fun atmosphere. The 2020 cooking series “visited” different Latin countries such as El Salvador, Mexico, and Peru. Students learned how to make pupusas, ceviche,gallo pinto and much more. Our cultural cooking classes offer a great way to learn and celebrate cultures and bring individuals from all backgrounds together.
“The class was very well organized. The recipes were very clear and easy to understand. We have already incorporated several of the recipes we learned into our home cooking, especially Chimichurri Sauce. The instructor gave cheerful guidance and and we got to eat great food at the end of the class. Veronica is a great teacher, and we look forward to signing up for her next series of courses.”
-Elizabeth and John Roth
Daujon came to SQACC 2 years ago through the YouthWorks program. Once he ended his participation in the program, he was able to continue his time with us through Workforce Development. “My probation officer at the time was the one who sent me to Sofia Quintero to work with Joe. I learned a lot about planting and stuff, I learned how to rewire a cord that was cool, I didn’t know how to do that before. The lawn mowing and stuff I already knew about that but I liked the work we did. I like working outside. I feel like working here did change me, that is why I came back.”
Work Force Development is a state funded partnership through Toledo Lucas County Juvenile Court, which provides work opportunities for young adults and prepares them to enter the adult workforce. SQACC’s community gardens are a work safe site, where we teach soft skills such as social skills, scheduling, job commitment, time management and leadership. The program not only gives participants an opportunity to learn specific skills but provides them a consistent paid employment opportunity. SQACC is considered one of the most successful sites in the local area.
“It is very important for people in the community to be given fresh produce. We receive mostly canned and dry goods, so seniors are “tickled pink” when we get fresh tomatoes, everyone wants fresh tomatoes. We serve families, kids and seniors and many cannot afford to purchase fresh produce. We wish the gardens were bigger, so we could get more.” Maria, Immaculate Conception Outreach Center
SQACC has been involved in community gardens for over 10 years. In 2019 and 2020, we served over 400 residents and provided over 1,600 pounds of produce to individuals and local food banks. Part of the program is presently funded by the Community Development Block Grant through the City of Toledo.
Becky Williams has been attending Pottery classes at the Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center since 2018. She first heard about the Sofia Quintero Center through one of our outreach programs at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library for Hispanic Heritage month. “I always wanted to take a pottery class, just never knew where to go for it.” She signed up as soon as she heard we offered them. “It’s so zen-ful, rewarding and fun. I really enjoy making things I find online. Having someone there to help me, when I have questions is amazing!”
In 2018, thanks to grants from the Toledo Community Foundation and The Andersons SQACC was able to add a Pottery Studio to the Jose Martinez Memorial Galeria. We have been able to introduce pottery making to local community members through classes and workshops. This year we were able to host an 8 week session (with some COVID adjustments). We take students with little or no experience and let them get their hands dirty while teaching
them the ability of how to create a finished
product for their themselves or a loved one.
A participant of SQACC’s Senior Meal Delivery program,
Mrs. Jaronda McCall said, “I called Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center at a time when I really needed help. It was the beginning of COVID-19 and job stability was very uncertain. SQACC really came through for me.” When asked what she has gained from her participation, Mrs. McCall said, “Aside from the help during these times, I learned that some organizations actually do care about their communities. They (SQACC) are consistent and have checked up on me even after the program.”
CENARE is a United Way funded program focusing on culinary education, nutrition, and responsible eating. The CENARE program partners with local schools and organizations and teaches participants the importance of eating healthy as well as the benefits of leading an active lifestyle. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we really had to adapt and figure out the best way to serve our communities, while still remaining safe and socially distanced. We started a Brown Bag Lunch
initiative, which provided over 1,600 meals to students and members of the community. We also started a Senior Meal program in collaboration with Toledo Community Foundation, where we delivered over 175 healthy cooked meals to over 30 local seniors.
As the team prepares for next year’s classes and programs, we believe it is extremely important that we find new and creative ways to stay involved with the community. We are pushing ourselves to think outside of the box and adapt. As we look ahead, we ask that you please consider making a monetary donation to SQACC. Please follow the link below to make a donation. We look forward to working with you next year!
The SQACC Team
$1000 and up
The Art Commission, Joe & Pat Balderas, Mary Jane Flores, Key Bank, Marguez LLC, Karen O’Brian, Premier Bank, Barbara Winter, Barbara Winter Trust, Duane and Maria Winter-Rodriguez,
$501 to $999
Adelante, Glacken Health and Wellness, Martin & Martin Insurance, Lourdes Santiago, Debra Unerferth
$201 to $500
The Andersons, Huntington Bank, Latino Alliance, Latins United, Scott Leisner, David & Robin Marrufo, Ivonne Mendoza, Melinda Rapp, Katerina Ruedi Ra, Tireman Auto Centers, Toledo Lucas County Port Authority
Up to $200
Jeffrey Adke, Always Faithful Dog Training, Sylvia Barge, Kerrie Brimmer, Buckeye Cablevision, Taylor Burciaga, Felicia Calderon, Coyle Funeral Home, Dana Dasher, Joshua Davies, Bernadette Delgado, Anneie Devine, Liz Dickens, John Eikost, Wynne Everett, Jonathon Figueroa, Breanne Filas, Anita Flores-Snyder, Labre Free Medical Clinic, Erin Garberpearson, Becky Garcia, Jennifer Glacken, Crystal Glambin, Natalie Gray, Alyssa Greenberg, Kyle Grefe, Gary Grubb, Raymond Hafemann, Historic South Initiative, Adam Hernandez, AliciaKae Honsberger, Duane & Louise Hoschak, Nicole James, Jennifer Jarrett, Aleiah Jones, Charlie Johnson, Cory & Melanie King, Maria Kirks, Christine Krishnan, Richard Kujawski, Linda Kunz, Lincoln Mercury Bowling Green, Jennifer Lindsay, Abe Ledesma, Jennifer & Tiffany Lowe, Courtney Macklin, Peggy Martinez, Mass Media Designs, Amie McClintic, Amie McNeal, Catherine Mouch, Cheryl Myers, Father Richard Notter, Nueva Esperanza Credit Union, Devon Overton, Susana Pena, Timothy Pettaway, Ramon Perez, Harvey Povpovich, Grace Powell, Renew Properties, Reichert Financial Services, Restoration 1, Annette Roberts, Deanna Rose, Elizabeth Roth, Anita Sanchez-Serda, David Sanchez, Neeru Sekhon, Doty Senea, Mark & Yolanda Sholl, Elizabeth Snyder, Heather Stansfield, Adam Squire, Christy Toth, Hope Trukor, Jeff Vanderhorst, Blanca Wilk
Tuesday-Friday 9 am - 4 pm.
You may contact us using the "Contact us" form below or by emailing the appropriate staff member.
The Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center serves as an oasis for neighborhood residents and local artists. Through events and programs, SQACC provides interest, awareness, and education about Latino art, heritage, and culture. The SQACC Board of Trustees comprises of Latinos and non-Latinos with an interest in preserving
Latino Culture and community involvement. Since its founding, SQACC has and continues to build partnerships with the local city government as well as local and international individuals, organizations, and educational institutions to provide opportunities for community development and advancement for its residents.
We appreciate you giving of your time to help build our community and programs!
What we do is dependent on you; volunteering and your generous support. Thank you for impacting our community.
There are so many ways to get involved in your community. Drop us a line to find out about events, volunteer opportunities and fundraisers!
1222 Broadway St, Toledo, Ohio 43609, United States
The Sofia Quintero Art and Culture Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit Latino art organization founded in 1996 by members of the Mexican American community to support the artistic expressions of the local Latino community. The center was named after Sofia Quintero, the daughter of migrant farm workers who settled in the Toledo area. In her short life, Sofia was the first Latina to be voted into the Toledo Board of Education and was elected President of the Board. Her life was cut short by illness, but her joy of Latino culture, and her determination continues through the efforts of the Sofia Quintero Art & Culture Center, it's board members, and active community members.
SQACC aims to nurture and enhance the creative abilities of all people through an emphasis on Latina and Latino art and culture. The center serves as an oasis for the neighborhood residents and local artists.
The Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center Inc. (SQACC) strives to be a premier, regional, and Latino based organization that advances the important roles that art and education play in everyday lives.
SQACC supports and gives voice to the artistic and educational expressions which advance community development, responsibility and social equity, cultural diversity, global awareness and stewardship, as well as the empowerment of the Latina and Latino identities.
Copyright © 2018 Sofia Quintero Art and Cultural Center - All Rights Reserved.
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