“OCCTAC arts center is the first and only organization in Orange County offering unique programming that combines the arts, academics, and creative therapies to help children, youth and adults reach their highest capabilities.”
Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC) is a “community- based organization committed to providing access to services for all families either impacted by physical, cognitive, language, social, emotional disabilities, or that are at risk.” (Our Story | OCCTAC)
Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami smiling with her award for 2013 Hero Of The Year
Dr. Ana Jimenez-Hami is the Founder and Executive Director of the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center (OCCTAC). She also taught at Chapman University from 1999-2015. What began as 150 children, has grown to serve over 1,000 children every year. She wants to provide underserved children in Santa Ana access to multidisciplinary art programs.
Dr. Jimenez-Hami recalls one of the members stories, “Martha was failing at school but wanted to learn piano; her mother, who spoke no English, offered to clean in trade for her daughter to be able to learn. Dr. Ana spotted her talent right away and gave the family a scholarship. Today Martha not only plays a number of instruments but just graduated from Harvard with a master’s degree in education, and has her eye on pursuing her doctorate.”
Her story for why she gives back is emotional for her. She is inspired by her father, an immigrant from Puerto Rico who had very little resources growing up. He was able to attend vocational school to learn jewelry and watch repair, and eventually he became a successful jeweler in San Juan, Puerto Rico. After his success, he used to time towards philanthropy in the community. Tragically he and his wife, both of Dr. Ana’s parents, were murdered in a 15-person massacre over the jewelry store.
Dr. Ana was studying for her Doctorate at USC when she received the news. She finished her education, and settled down with her family when the idea to continue her father’s philanthropic legacy came to be.
They currently have several employment opportunities available: tutors, dance instructors, receptionist, teaching artists, and literacy and numeracy coaches are all open to apply now.
So exactly how many children have special needs in Santa Ana?
“every year between 5,000 and 6,000 are designated as needing special education in [the] Santa Ana, a number she sees as high for the given population.”
Do you know someone impacted by physical, cognitive, language, social, emotional disabilities, or that are at risk? With more resources, OCCTAC can help more children across the city, and eventually the county. You can volunteer, donate or use Amazon Smile to support the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center.