Jardín de los Niños

Homeless Child Care

999 West Amador Avenue
Las Cruces, NM 88005
Mailing Address:
1300-G El Paseo Street, PMB 272
Las Cruces, NM 88001
PH: (575) 522-2111
FX: (575) 522-3595
Email: jardin@zianet.com
Websites: www.mvcommunityofhope.org and www.jardinlc.org

Mission Statement

To create new possibilities for homeless and near-homeless children and their families through loving child care, education and the use of community resources.

History of Jardín de los Niños

In the summer of 1994 Sister Beth Daddio and Sister Anna Waldschmitt spoke with homeless providers in the Las Cruces area about the unmet needs of the homeless population in this area. Repeatedly these providers spoke to the need of young homeless families for immediate, safe childcare for their young children. Community leaders worked together and by December of 1995, Jardín de los Niños opened its doors.

The name Jardín de los Niños, the “Garden of the Children” in English, reflects the ethnic background of our area and of many of the children that we serve. This name was selected because we hoped to have a place where children would have a chance to grow and to experience a place of beauty and refreshment.

When the center opened only two classrooms were provided, one for preschoolers and one for infants and toddlers. In February of 1996 a van was purchased for the transporting of children whose families had no other access to transportation. As time passed we added two additional classrooms. Playgrounds were built and equipped.

From the beginning, Jardín has sought to work with parents. By 1997 a comprehensive family support program was instituted. Since that time we have provided a family services specialist who works closely with families to help them reach stability.

From the start of this project, the staff and board of Jardín have sought to educate the community about the needs of homeless and near-homeless families and their children. Presentations in the schools, university, and service clubs are ongoing.

Therapeutic services are a part of the overall service to children. Since 1997 play therapy has been provided to children who have experienced trauma in their lives. Other city and state agencies are a vital part of these services, e.g., Tresco and Family, Youth, Inc. In the fall of 2001 we were able to add a nurse who supports the health needs of the children and their families.

In the almost 8 years that Jardín has been in operation, we have experienced much growth and we feel much pride in the successes of the children and families that we have served. To this date more than 900 different children and 600 different parents/caregivers have been served at Jardín de los Niños.

In February of 2000 we received national accreditation and in January, 2004 re-accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children because of the high quality of service provided.

In September of 2001 Jardín moved into a new building provided by the City of Las Cruces and other public and private funding. In this new facility up to eighty-five children receive services at any given time. At present we have five classrooms providing developmentally appropriate education for children on their age level.

The largest room, in the Center, has become the Family Center and parents are now active members of a Parent Advisory Team, parenting groups, classroom activities, and fundraising efforts.

The motto of Jardín de los Niños is “Give a Child a Chance to Grow.” From a tiny seed of a dream in the hearts of a small group of homeless providers in 1994, a beautiful place of love and care continues to thrive and grow.

Jardín de los Niños Services

Jardín de los Niños provides homeless and near-homeless children and their parents a full-service program. The Child Care component is a National Association for the Education of the Young Child (NAEYC) accredited program that includes daily care for children ages six weeks to six years, developmental evaluation, play therapy, on-site health care, and referral.

The Family Program includes case management, a family support team, parenting and health sessions, arts and crafts, and a warm and friendly family center.

Beginning September, 2004, Jardín will add an after-school program for children ages six through nine years.

Clients and Referrals

More information coming soon...

Volunteers and Community Support

Jardín de los Niños has a strong volunteer program—they are a valued part of our program of services. Their knowledge, skills and experience help us with childcare, fundraising, building and maintenance, food service, child photography, computer tutoring, story telling, family event planning, and so much more.

If you would like to volunteer as an individual or group you can reach us by phone, fax or email using the contact numbers listed at the top of this page, or send an email to our executive director, Shirley Jaquez, at shirleyjaquez@hotmail.com.

Volunteer services needed include

Child Care
Story Readers
Puppeteer
Musicians
Child Photographer
Computer Tutor
Board Member
Food Service
Baker
Laundress
Seamstress
Electrician
Plumber
Handyman

Funding Sources

Jardín de los Niños is funded in part through an agreement with the State of New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department, Office of Child Development, and Children's Trust Fund. We are a United Way Agency.

Jardín is also grateful for the generous support we receive from individuals, businesses, civic and faith-based organizations, and others in our community.

Accomplishments//Goals Achieved

More information coming soon...

Vision//New Goals

During 2004-05, Jardín de los Niños will be adding a playground for older children; starting “Giving Circles” so that everyone in the community can help these children succeed; and planning a great new fundraiser—The Chihuahua Cha Cha Great Race on September 25, 2004.

We also will be selling Holiday Cards that have been designed by regional artists and children at Jardín.

Please visit our agency website, www.jardinlc.org, for more information about our programs, upcoming events, and pictures of the most wonderful children in the world!