Casa Romero’s Canasta Llena Program Strengthens Families

A financial executive with Baird for more than three decades, William Mahler most recently served as chairman of equity asset management and equity capital markets. An active philanthropist, William Mahler serves on the finance committee for Casa Romero, an educational organization that provides multicultural and bilingual spiritual programming for Latino youth in Milwaukee.

At the Casa Romero Renewal Center, children and families can participate in faith-based programming designed to strengthen families and enhance communities. The Canasta Llena (Full Basket) Retreat, for example, comprises four sessions that can deepen family connections, particularly between parents and teenagers. The program includes full days of sharing and communication, concluding with a “family resolution” that identifies a common goal to work on.

The family then attends follow-up sessions where they are guided in reflection on how the resolution is going and how they might continue improving. As part of the program, the family also participates in a community service project that provides the opportunity for bonding through the pursuit of a meaningful objective.