Nonprofit Spotlight: Maci Lago Universe

As technology infiltrates all aspects of our lives, the effect on youth has been amplified. A recent Children First report on the state of children and youth in Delaware County demonstrated that children continue to experience high rates of depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal thoughts. Maci Lago Universe, a nonprofit in Chester, aims to change that.

Maci Lago Universe is on a mission to empower youth to love themselves. They accomplish this through programs that build self-esteem and fight against mental health challenges through the programs including runway modeling, dance, and other youth development services. 

Maci Lago Universe focuses its efforts on vulnerable youth in grades K-12 and LGBTQ young adults in the southeastern Pennsylvania area. While the focus is on K-12, participants won’t ever age out. They embrace the concept of “ageless artistry”, acknowledging diversity and inclusivity in every stage of life. When a student connects with Maci Lago, they have access to dance and runway programs, and much more. Students are introduced to financial literacy sessions, counselor-led mental health workshops, local job opportunities, and can even seek out an individualized program that interests them. Some of the recent popular sessions included vocal therapy and a session on financial literacy that used gamification to teach the basics of money management.

Maci Lago was first introduced to the Center for Nonprofit Excellence through a newspaper article and a personal recommendation. From there, the relationship grew, and they  participated in the CNEx Executive Director Peer Learning Circle and various learning opportunities, connecting them with other nonprofits, as well as numerous new resources.

Maci Lago participated in the inaugural Delco Gives last year, providing a new platform for them to share their mission and raise awareness for their work in the community. This year they plan to sign up again and hope to learn new ways of utilizing the platform to connect with fresh donors and audiences engaged in giving.

The organization is in an expansion period and wants to serve more youth, but they are working with limited resources. They are currently borrowing space to work and to hold dance programs, but have recently identified a space in downtown Chester, and need additional funding for the renovation and upkeep of this new space.

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Want to Learn More about Maci Lago Universe or donate?

Connect here: (Maci Lago Universe | 501C3 | Non-Profit | Youth | Creative Arts Program)