A local organization is celebrating 50 years of helping kids stay out of trouble and focus on the arts. 

South Bronx Kids was the dream of Marina Torres, or Mama Marina, a woman from Puerto Rico who wanted to give young people the opportunity to learn about their culture and take lessons in the arts. 

The program's early participants, now grown adults, are paying tribute to the organization and its late founder. Many have become accomplished musicians and dancers, and point to Marina as the reason for their successes. 

South Bronx Kids offers a variety of free classes for all young people in the borough.