We a
re thrilled to receive Health New England’s Where Health Matters grant! The $150,000 grant will support college counseling and arts programing at Roqué House over three years.
The Roqué House Program is part of Way Finders’ Library Commons revitalization project. The space opened in January 2021 across from the Holyoke Public Library. It offers stable housing for young parents working toward a college degree, and their children. A college counselor and artist also live at Roqué House.
The artist, Eli Alejo, moved in this summer, and is working with Roqué House residents to create arts and cultural programming. Recent events have included a Slime Making Party, Multimedia Art Class, a Tie Dye Party, and a Virtual Cooking Class! When COVID-19 guidance allows, these activities will be open to the community.
Roqué House’s 
Youngest Residents Inspire Chalk Art Installation
At an outdoor community dinner in October, some of Roqué House’s youngest residents took to the sidewalk to beautify the space outside their home. Working together, the children and Eli created beautiful chalk art. Inspired by their fun, we will be engaging a chalk artist this fall. The chalk artist will work with families to create art installations on the sidewalks surrounding Roqué House. When it’s ready, we’ll be inviting the community to enjoy the art!
Photography Class to Culminate in Exhibition 
In Photography 101, young moms are learning to use digital cameras. Throughout the semester, they will explore the art of storytelling through photography. In December, an exhibition at the Roqué House Community Cultural Center will feature student work.
Photography has long played an integral role in The Care Center’s high school-level curriculum. It is one of the avenues through which students begin to explore and express their own perspectives.
