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Catalyst Hip-Hop, a program that serves thousands of graffiti artists, rappers, break-dancers and deejays, is opening its long-awaited permanent location at 2093 W. 76 St. in Hialeah on Wednesday, Aug. 9 at 11 a.m.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will showcase B-Boy dancers and live artists painting a large mural inside the unit, featuring the elements of hip-hop.
“Catalyst was founded in 2001, and we have been meeting in various church locations since then,” said Catalyst director David Arnaez, who serves under the auspices of Miami Youth for Christ. “We are very excited to have our own space, where we reach out to youth in South Florida, offering them an outlet to come together to express themselves through art, music and dance.
“At the end of each meeting, we share the Christian faith with those in attendance, and we mentor them to live a life free from drugs, crime, and violence,” he added.
“Our mission at Youth for Christ is to heal and lift up the hearts of youth, and our mission field is right here in Miami-Dade,” said Miami Youth for Christ executive director Tia Diaz-Balart. “Teenagers today are facing unprecedented challenges mentally, socially, emotionally and spiritually. I’m very excited for the Catalyst program to unfold in its first permanent home in Hialeah.
“We are creating a special space where youth can laugh and make friends. We see walls break down, and mentoring relationships form. Our hearts burst with joy when we see the beaming smile of a teen whose life has been turned around by Jesus,” Diaz-Balart said.
Since its inception 20 years ago by minister and founder Joel Stigale, Catalyst has served over 10,000 youth. Many of these youth turned their lives around, are now responsible citizens, and, in many instances, are parents who live and contribute to the community. Sadly, Stigale passed away in 2016 from a lung disease at the age of 41.
“His passion and vision lives on,” said Arnaez, who worked with and was mentored by Stigale.
One of the features inside of the new location is a beautiful, 56- by 19-foot mural that brilliantly depicts Catalyst. The unnamed artist is expected to be on hand for the ceremonies as well. In addition, a portrait-style mural depicting Stigale will be showcased.
Miami Youth for Christ has been serving South Florida for 75 years, and just recently celebrated its anniversary with two fundraising banquet galas at the Miami Blue Lagoon Hilton Hotel, attracting nearly 1,000 guests. Youth for Christ Miami serves over 3,000 students each year through five major programs: Campus Life, Juvenile Justice, Catalyst, City Life KIX, and Cloud Life.
Youth for Christ International began in Chicago in 1945, following World War II, and is now a world-wide Christian movement working with young people in over 100 nations, working together giving every young person an opportunity to be a follower of Jesus. The late evangelist Billy Graham was the first full-time employee of Youth for Christ.
Miami Youth for Christ is a non-profit organization and is located at 9350 SW 79 Ave. The telephone number is 305-271-2442. The website is www.miamiyfc.com.
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