What does kindness look like?
At Casa Círculo Cultural, it looks like a group of young people gathered after school, talking about empathy, expressing themselves through art, and reflecting on how they can create a more connected, compassionate world.
We’re thrilled to name Casa Círculo Cultural (CCC) as one of our latest Kindness Grant recipients! Based in Redwood City, CCC has spent over 15 years empowering low-income and vulnerable Latinx families through cultural, artistic, and educational programming. Their work is rooted in creativity, community, and care, and their new kindness-centered initiative is no exception.
With support from a $1,000 Kindness Grant, CCC is launching a Kindness Month within their existing afterschool program. This special initiative, called the Kindness Afterschool Circle & Mini Exhibit, invites students to explore themes like empathy, gratitude, and community connection through guided conversations and hands-on creative expression. At the end of the month, their work will be showcased in a public mini exhibit! This allows their voices to be seen, heard, and felt throughout the community.
What stood out to our jury was the intentionality behind the project and the heart behind the application. CCC’s project was first submitted as part of a larger grant proposal, but they took the time to reimagine this program and collaborate directly with our team. The result? A truly inspiring project that deeply aligns with our values while creating immediate, meaningful impact!
This initiative touches on so many of our pillars:
- Amplifying Voices of Youth by creating space for young people to share what kindness means to them
- Fostering Mental Health Resiliency through emotional reflection, peer connection, and self-expression
- Building Thriving Communities by turning private reflection into public inspiration
More than just an art project, the Kindness Afterschool Circle is a space for belonging. It allows youth to express who they are, how they see the world, and who they want to be within it. And as their artwork makes its way into the public through the exhibit, the lessons of kindness ripple outward into homes, schools, and neighborhoods.
We’re honored to support Casa Círculo Cultural in this powerful and beautiful initiative. We can’t wait to see what these young artists create!
➡️ Learn more about CCC’s work at casacirculocultural.org
➡️ Inspired to bring your own kindness project to life? Apply for a $1,000 Kindness Grant at tdbff.org/kindness-grants
Photo Courtesy of Casa Círculo Cultural