We are so pleased to announce our innovative caregiver support program – the CIS of New Mexico Family Institute!
Thanks to the generous support of a long-standing champion of our work, we were able to pilot this caregiver support program in 3 schools last school year – including Nava Elementary, where Blanca (pictured above) is a Student Success Facilitator.
We know that student success is closely tied to family wellbeing and stability. The goal of our Family Institute is to provide families experiencing challenging circumstances with access to the skills, opportunities and resources to grow their self-sufficiency, thrive, and create healthy and stable homes.
We are excited to announce that the Family Institute has taken root and will grow this year! With support from the CYFD Children’s Trust Fund, CIS of New Mexico will expand Family Institute offerings into 6 schools in Santa Fe this school year. Programming takes place evenings and weekends, with with meals, childcare, transportation and stipends for families provided. Best of all- the voices of families will fully guide the focus of each workshop, as participants work with our team to determine the skills, resources and information that will best serve them as a group.
The CIS NM Family Institute – A Reflection from Blanca Ortiz
“Throughout our time together, families engaged in powerful storytelling and meaningful reflection. In our first session, they created “I Am From” poems, honoring their lived experiences. During the second session, the Family Mirrors activity invited families to reflect on who they are as a collective, identifying shared values, cultural strengths, and the traditions that shape and sustain them. This process deepened their understanding of family identity and highlighted the resilience that lives within our communities.
We concluded with “Remembering Our Generations: Healing Our Ancestral Resilience.” In a final gathering guided by Israel (workshop leader), families explored their roots through art and poetry. It was a beautiful closing moment, honoring ancestry, celebrating resilience, and affirming the stories that connect us all.”
With Gratitude,
Blanca Ortiz
FAMILY INSTITUTE – PILOT PROGRAM DATA
Communities In Schools of New Mexico serves PreK-12 students enrolled in 14 high-poverty public schools in New Mexico, providing children and their families with the support, guidance, and resources students need to stay in school and achieve in life.
YOU can be a champion for student success and help us continue to build brighter futures for all New Mexico students. Please consider supporting our work today. Thank you!