By: Hanna Guerrero  

June 12, 2026

On May 29, The Resurrection Project (TRP) celebrated a remarkable milestone as one of its oldest residents, Casimiro “Casey” Avila, turned 100 years old. A beloved member of the Pilsen community, Casey has called TRP’s senior housing development, Casa Maravilla, home for the past 12 years. 

Still Dancing at 100

A former ballroom dancer and instructor, Casey proved that turning 100 hasn’t slowed his rhythm one bit. Dressed to the nines in a sharp suit, blue striped tie, and polished dress shoes, he spent his afternoon moving to the beat right from his wheelchair and dancing with TRP staff and fellow residents. 

Dancing, after all, is the story of Casey’s life. A Mexican immigrant, Casey spent decades gliding across ballroom floors all over Chicago.   

“I learned how to speak Polish because my dance partners were Polish,” Casey recalls, “My favorite dance is the tango.” 

According to Casey, the key to living to 100 is “eating healthy and dressing well.” At his birthday party, he bent one of these rules: Casey and his party guests enjoyed pizza and cake—because a milestone this big deserves a real celebration.  

A Century of Family and Friendship

Seated at the front of the room, Casey addressed his guests. 

“I feel very happy. To me, everyone here is my brother and sister. You are all my brothers and sisters,” said Casey.  

According to his son Zac, Casey comes from a line of centenarians. The birthday celebrant’s mother and sister both lived to 100, and his brother is not too far behind at 98 years old. 

Genetics, however, tells only part of Casey’s story. 

Studies show that Hispanic older adults are among the groups most likely to reach 100. Researchers point to the powerful role of strong family ties, social connections, and community support in promoting longevity. Casey’s life is a shining example of how a strong village can support long-term vitality. 

Finding Community at Casa Maravilla

For more than a decade, Casey has called Casa Maravilla home. The development, built in 2010, was designed specifically for seniors who want to live independently while remaining connected to their neighborhood and community. With 73 apartments, on-site healthcare through Alivio Medical Center, and access to city services, residents have the resources they need close to home. 

Most importantly, Casa Maravilla provides a sense of belonging for seniors like Casey to keep on dancing. Casey attributes it to the TRP staff who organize events throughout the year at Casa Maravilla’s community space to bring residents together.  

“I’ve been here for many years. [TRP] staff have treated us all so well. They throw many events here. There was mariachi here for Mother’s Day… and we have bingo nights,” praised Casey. 

A Celebration of Aging with Dignity

As Casey celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends, neighbors, and staff, his milestone served as a reminder that healthy aging is about more than years lived. It is about staying connected, being part of a community that feels like family, and loving where you live. 

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The Resurrection Project (TRP) builds trusting relationships to educate and propel individuals, immigrants, and families to achieve their social and economic aspirations, stable homes, and equitable participation in their community. TRP is a leading provider of affordable housing, financial education, and immigration services on Chicago’s Southwest side.

During the past three decades, TRP has worked to improve the lives of individuals and families by creating wealth, building assets, and engaging residents to be catalysts for change. Rooted in the Pilsen community, TRP’s impact now extends across the City of Chicago and through the State of Illinois; we are making steady progress towards leveraging and preserving more than $1 billion in community wealth in 2025.