WHO WE SERVE
Casa Romero’s concern is with people on society’s margins, reflecting Pope Francis’s and Jesuit priorities. All of our retreats and programs strive to affirm the dignity of individuals and nurture their capacities to lead joyful, generous and justice-seeking lives. Casa Romero’s roots are grounded in the Latinx community. Today, more than 20 years later, the majority of our participants are low-income, 1st and 2nd generation Latinos in Milwaukee’s central city. Most of our staff members grew up in this community.
YOUTH
FAMILIES
ADULTS
OUR IMPACT
2,059 Youth and Adults enriched by Casa Romero’s programming in 2023.
62 Urban Teens participated in “Ignite Youth Leadership Training” thisyear, later leading retreats for 1,310 younger students.
25% growth in retreat attendance led to expanded Spanish language offerings such as “Retreat in DailyLife” and seasonal retreats.
70% of teen participants reported feeling ready to assume a variety of leadership roles after programming.
Over 200 Latino families from 30 different parishes engaged with programs.
4,045 hours of service was collectively offered by Ignite Youth Leaders in 2023 - serving 37 different parishes, schools, and community organizations.
IMPACT STORY
Fatima Jimenez
Casa Romero Renewal Center will always have a special place in my heart, as it took a significant role in my upbringing and left a lasting impact on my life. I was first introduced to the center as a middle school student at Notre Dame School of Milwaukee, where I participated in class retreats. Every year, these retreats helped me learn more about myself emotionally and spiritually, created an avenue for deeper connections with my classmates who now are some of my best friends, and led me to better understand concepts of bullying, healthy friendships, self-love, and many more.
OUR PROGRAMS
*Spanish
**Spanish and bilingual
Youth Programs
Empowering Milwaukee’s urban youth to be a powerful voice in their community as agents of hope and positive change.
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Middle and High School Retreats
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Youth leadership development cohort
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Arts programs and retreats that affirm culture, voice and dignity
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Summer camps
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Urban plunge retreats for high school, college, and independent groups
Family Programs
Reinforcing family and cultural bonds as immigrant families navigate the journey through a new culture.
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Family retreats**
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Quinceanara retreats**
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Retreats and support groups for moms**
Adult Programs
Culturally specific retreats, Ignatian formation programs, and urban immersion experiences that offer faith-informed social analysis of our society.
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Spiritual companion training program*
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Ignatian weekend retreat*
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Ignatian retreats in daily life*