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When the Milagro Center opened in 1997, its goal was to bring arts experiences to economically challenged neighborhood children.
While its educational scope has broadened tremendously in 21 years, its core mission hasn't changed.
"To help ensure the social and academic success of underserved children and teens through cultural arts, living values, mentoring and academic support," says Barbara Stark, president and CEO. "Over time, we grew the program to include more academic help, literacy classes, comprehension and STEM. We have a fully funded mentoring program through United Way."
Milagro means "miracle" in Spanish, and, for the children who are lucky enough to get a spot at the center, it can be just that. The Delray Beach nonprofit serves 135 students, from kindergarten through 12th grade. There are currently 43 children in the K-5 program, with a waiting list of 63. And, with 95 percent of enrolled kindergartners staying with the program through fifth grade, spots don't open often. But, for Stark, keeping classes small and providing lots of one-on-one attention is the key to Milagro's success.
"We're not about serving quantities of kids; we're all about quality. So we serve fewer, but we have a greater impact on each and every one of the kids," says Stark, who is proud that 100 percent of the children who have attended Milagro have graduated from high school - and many of them were the first in their families.
Because the students come from low-income families, Milagro is open 52 weeks a year and has summer, spring and winter camp programs. In January, Milagro will open a third center exclusively for the middle school program, and Stark hopes that they will continue to grow - while remaining small.
"Our classes are no more than 10 to 12 students, and that's why they do so well," she says. "We would rather open multiple neighborhood centers serving 50 children each than have one center serving 200 or 300. It doesn't work. Our model works."
She adds: "Since Milagro means miracle, we like to say that every one who walks through our front door either has a miracle happen to them or they bring a miracle with them." O
For more information, call 561-279-2970 or visit milagrocenter.org.
