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OCCTAC News
Creative Journeys & Community Highlights


OCCTAC Celebrates Outstanding Arts Organization Award at 25th Annual OC Arts Awards
The Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) proudly celebrated receiving the Outstanding Arts Organization Award at the 25th Annual OC Arts Awards, presented by Arts Orange County.


OCCTAC Selected as Recipient of Samueli Foundation’s Inaugural Breakaway Fund Grant
OCCTAC is honored to be selected as one of 138 nonprofits awarded funding from the Samueli Foundation’s new Breakaway Fund, a $11 million initiative supporting Orange County organizations. This unrestricted grant will help OCCTAC strengthen its infrastructure, retain talented staff, and continue delivering transformative arts, education, and therapeutic programs to children, youth, and families across our community.


Newsletter - August 2025
August News & Updates


Threads of Art and Generosity: Honoring Elaine Weinstein
Elaine Weinstein brings a lifelong passion for creativity and philanthropy to OCCTAC’s 25th Anniversary Celebration. With a background in art and architecture, and a family deeply rooted in the arts, Elaine is a devoted champion of OCCTAC’s mission to empower children and families through creative expression. Introduced to OCCTAC by her daughter, Beth Krom, former Mayor of Irvine, Elaine’s generosity fosters creativity and resilience throughout the community.


Announcing Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez as Master of Ceremonies for OCCTAC’s 25th Anniversary Celebration
The Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) proudly announces Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez as Master of Ceremonies for its 25th Anniversary Celebration. A distinguished public servant and community leader, Ambassador Vasquez’s legacy of leadership embodies OCCTAC’s mission of empowering families through the arts. The milestone event will feature performances, stories of impact, and recognition of community champions.


When Faith Becomes Song: Cesar Galvan’s Award-Winning Composition
Cesar Galvan’s award-winning composition Tres Caballeros tells a powerful family story of faith and divine protection. Inspired by his grandmother’s miraculous escape from danger in 1996, the piece captures the moment three mysterious horsemen blocked a gunman’s aim, saving her life. Cesar transforms this story of courage and hope into music, showing how faith can become a living song that inspires and uplifts.


Roberto Reyes Selected as Only American Performer for 2025 International Special Music & Art Festival in Seoul, Korea
The Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) is thrilled to announce that Roberto Reyes, a student of our Preparatory Arts Academy for over 17 years, has been selected as the only American performer for the prestigious 2025 International Special Music & Art Festival in Seoul, South Korea.


From Strings to Service: The Echartes’ Legacy of Compassion
As OCCTAC celebrates 25 years, we honor Arturo and Susan Echarte, whose generosity helped shape our journey. From donating refurbished instruments through Acoustic for A Change to championing our programs as board members, their faith-driven commitment has empowered countless children. “With the right environment, there are no limits,” says Arturo. Their story reminds us that giving back creates lasting change.


Newsletter - July 2025
July News & Updates


OCCTAC Featured on Spectrum News for 25 Years of Empowering Disadvantaged and Neurodiverse Youth Through the Arts
The Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) is proud to announce it was recently featured on Spectrum News 1 in a heartwarming segment titled “Arts School Founder Creates Space for Learning and Self-Expression for Disadvantaged Youth.” The story, reported by journalist Nikki Kay, aired on May 26, 2025, and highlights the remarkable work OCCTAC has done over the past 25 years to support neurodiverse and underserved youth through innovative arts and therapy-ba


Newsletter - April 2025
A Milestone Month for OCCTAC | April News & Updates


OCCTAC Selected as Honoree for 2025 Outstanding Arts Organization Award by Arts Orange County
OCCTAC Selected as Honoree for 2025 Outstanding Arts Organization Award by Arts Orange County


OCCTAC Founder Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami Featured Among Top Latina Entrepreneurs in Orange County
We’re proud to share that Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami, Founder and Executive Director of OCCTAC, has been featured in the April edition of Empresarias Latinas que Dejan Huella, recognizing 8 visionary Latina entrepreneurs in Orange County. As OCCTAC celebrates 25 years, Dr. Ana continues to inspire with her story of resilience, leadership, and commitment to empowering underserved communities.


Historic Win for OCCTAC Students at 2025 MTAC Composers Today Competition
OCCTAC proudly announces that three students from its Preparatory Arts Academy of Music placed in the 2025 MTAC Composers Today State Contest. Jesus Reyes won 1st Place, Cesar Galvan 3rd, and Jessie Leon earned Honorable Mention. This marks OCCTAC’s first time placing, celebrating the talent of neurodiverse, Latino, and Romanian composers. Winners will perform their original works at the MTAC Convention on July 6.


Newsletter - January 2025
As we welcome 2025, we thank you for your unwavering support.


Newsletter - October 2024
October Edition | OCCTAC Quarterly Newsletter


Recognizing and Responding to Opioid Overdoses: A Comprehensive Guide for Prevention and Harm Reduction
Learn the signs of an opioid overdose, how to respond, the protections offered by Good Samaritan Laws, and additional resources.


OCCTAC Suggestion Box
Your suggestions are important to us as we strive to improve our programs and services. Please take a moment to share your ideas.


Introducing SUN Bucks: Summer Food Assistance Program with $120 per Child
SUN Bucks provides food benefits
to families with eligible school-aged
children during the summer. (Spanish Translation Included)


Join the OCCTAC Parent Committee!
Join the OCCTAC Parent Committee and make a meaningful impact! (Spanish Translation Included)


The Preparatory Arts Academy Introduces New 11-Month School Calendar
Prep Arts Academy announces a major change to its 2024-2025 academic calendar. (Spanish Translation Included)


Newsletter - June 2024
June Edition | OCCTAC Quarterly Newsletter


Jenn Klein's Podcast Interview with Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami
Tune in to an inspiring episode of Jenn Klein's podcast, featuring Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami, Founder and Executive Director of OCCTAC.


Meet OCCTAC’s House Band: A Symphony of Talent and Passion
OCCTAC is proud to introduce our exceptional House Band, a group of talented and passionate young musicians.
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