OUR MISSION
At Fundación Yolanda Laprea we combine wellness of mind, body, and soul, providing artistic, recreational, educational, and social activities to improve the quality of life of the elderly. Our commitment is to inspire, inform, and reaffirm the dignity and value of the older adult population within our community.
OUR ACTIVITIES
Experienced entertainers and health professionals design all of our programs. They are oriented to directly benefit older adults within a culturally sensitive environment where respect, diversity, and inclusion are paramount. Our primary goal is to increase the participation of older adults in shared activities to reinforce their sense of community and purpose.
Latin Rhythms
Dance Club
Studies have shown that an active life can be beneficial for the general health of seniors. This program not only assists in keeping an aging body in optimal condition but also targets the improvement of an aging brain. We attend to the progress of physical, mental and spiritual well-being of the senior while fostering meaningful social connections among participants. Incorporating individual, couple, and group movements, Latin Rhythms Dance Club promotes greater mobility, balance, self-confidence, physical awareness, endurance, expressiveness, and a greater sense of meaning. All of that in an environment full of laughter and joy!
MAIN STAGE
In weekly rehearsals, participants develop skills in acting, singing, and dancing as a methodology for interacting with other older adults in an artistic environment. This positive experience is about active creative engagement and self-expression, emphasizing physical and cognitive abilities, appreciating each individual’s potential, integrating cultural richness, and igniting socialization. This is vital for reinforcing a sense of community and creating feelings of belonging. After weeks of learning, rehearsals and preparation, we celebrate with a public onstage presentation of the final product for the enjoyment of families and friends.
VIVA LA VIDA!
We all have favorite songs that are attached to a particular and pleasant memory. Through our program Viva la Vida! we present live performances with music, singing and dancing to bring back memories and moments that remind our seniors just how good life can be. Our purpose is to brighten the lives of seniors living in nursing homes, where residents with limited access to any other live musical program can enjoy an opportunity to move to music that triggers a happy moment in their lives. We provide a variety of quality performances in both English and Spanish, to address the musical preferences of all seniors. It is a time for fun and to celebrate life!
THE STORYTELLERS!
Relaxing with a good book is beneficial for all ages, but especially for older adults, as it can reduce stress, provide mental stimulus, and even improve memory. Unfortunately, many seniors are no longer able to read because visual, cognitive, or body weakness limitations affect their ability to do so. The Storytellers! is a troop of dramatic readers that share an animated interpretation of characters, development of the action, and emotions in selected literature. Basically, they are performing the reading! It is a great time to stimulate the imagination and to promote positive emotions, leisure, integration and bonding.
POR AMOR
A VENEZUELA...
Right now, Venezuela is experiencing the most critical moment in all of its history. In a country in such devastating social and economic crisis, it is an unfortunate reality that the elderly have been one of the most vulnerable groups within the population. Frequently, nursing homes lack the most basic supplies of first aid and personal hygiene. With this program, we not only offer a variety of quality entertainment to the elders in senior centers and nursing homes to make them feel appreciated, but we also donate goods to ease the burden and needs of the institutions we visit. It is impossible to cease all the suffering at once, but a little bit of love and care can go a long way!
“An honest smile is a magic key that opens doors to many hearts around you.”
Yolanda Laprea
1938 – 2015
Yolanda Laprea
1938 – 2015
OUR STORY
Fundación Yolanda Laprea started activities during the early months of 2018, when a group of experienced artists working in the media and entertainment industry, along with health professionals, began collaborating.
The relationship of some of our members to many older adults in various settings helped us to identify the existing void and recognize the need to implement innovative programs that could be beneficial in terms of both health and recreation.
Yolanda Laprea, mother to one of our founders and a close friend to almost all of our members, was an exceptional human being, always willing to help everyone in her path. That is why we decided to name our organization after her: to honor her name and her legacy.
By the summer of 2018, we were incorporated as a not-for-profit organization and we began to design our own programs. Now, a couple of years later, our wellness and artistic activities have become a significant addition to the schedule of some of the institutions we visit every week. The overwhelming response has been the most gratifying experience to all of us.
Among our members we have actors, singers, dancers, stage directors, licensed personal trainers, physical therapists and occupational therapists from multicultural backgrounds.
We are pleased that our programs are very well received, but more importantly, we feel honored to see the positive changes in the lives of the seniors that we have the privilege to serve.
SOCIAL MEDIA UPDATES
It was an afternoon filled with joy, friendship, dance, cultural engagement, and new memories. Moments like these remind us why we love spending time with the older adult community we love to serve. Thank you to everyone who made this activity so special!
Fue una tarde llena de alegría, amistad, baile, participación cultural y nuevas memorias. Momentos como estos nos recuerdan por qué nos encanta pasar tiempo con la comunidad de adultos mayores a la que nos apasiona servir. ¡Gracias a todos los que hicieron de esta actividad algo tan especial!
#fundacionyolandalaprea
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We are honored to share this humble video to highlight some wonderful moments of ‘Al Ritmo de un Bolero II’, a heartfelt program celebrating love and friendship. With joy and dedication, we continue our mission of bringing the arts to older adults, enriching their lives one melody at a time. To see more, please use the link above or visit our YouTube channel.
Nos sentimos honrados de compartir este humilde video para resaltar algunos momentos maravillosos de ‘Al Ritmo de un Bolero II’, un emotivo programa que celebra el amor y la amistad. Con alegría y dedicación, continuamos nuestra misión de acercar las artes a los adultos mayores, enriqueciendo sus vidas una melodía a la vez. Para ver más, haga clic en el enlace de arriba o visite nuestro canal de YouTube.
#fundacionyolandalaprea
New York City Department of Cultural Affairs
New York State Council on the Arts
Materials for the Arts
@llartsfoundation
Video courtesy of @pixelfevermedia
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Help us CONTINUE
Fundación Yolanda Laprea is committed to creating extraordinary interactive programs for the benefit of our elderly, but we can’t do it alone. Our supporters play a crucial role in the continuity of our activities. By becoming a donor you are not only helping us to expand our mission, but also you are directly impacting the lives of our seniors in a positive way.
Fundación Yolanda Laprea is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Your gifts are generally tax-deductible, and Fundación Yolanda Laprea acknowledges all donations with a receipt for your tax records.
If you prefer to mail your contribution, please send your check to: Fundación Yolanda Laprea, 231 West 148 St. Apt 1-L, New York, NY. 10039
If you prefer to mail your contribution, please send your check to:
Fundación Yolanda Laprea,
231 West 148 St. Apt 1-L,
New York, NY. 10039
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