M. A. N. O. S. FOLKLORIC | SOWING SEEDS THROUGH LOVE AND ART
In Good Hands at M. A. N. O. S. in Gilroy
By Crystal Han
Images by Gilroy Morgan Hill TODAY
What is the value in believing in others? Who deserves that belief, and how much can someone achieve if they have it? The answer to those questions can be found with M. A. N. O. S., an organization that proves anyone can shine if they’ re given an open door.
Short for Mexican American Nurtured Opportunities Services, M. A. N. O. S. is a nonprofit that helps young people express themselves through the arts. The organization is divided into two parts: M. A. N. O. S. Gilroy, run by Jimmy Castaneda, which focuses on mural painting and community restoration projects for at-risk youth, and M. A. N. O. S. Folklorico, run by Castaneda’ s wife, Mina, which focuses on traditional Mexican dance. Both sides emphatically believe that everyone deserves to pursue their talents, regardless of background or skill level.
“ There are a lot of talented youth out there who don’ t get the opportunity to express themselves,” Jimmy said.
The couple has seen kids who are barred from pursuing their interests due to issues like poor grades, financial struggles, or troubled behavior. When various institutions tell kids they aren’ t good enough to participate, they get discouraged and are unlikely to try at all. Instead, Mina thinks it should be the other way around.“ If you give a child that opportunity, that might change them to do better in school and get their grades up, because they’ re doing something they want to do,” she explained.
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