NMCF News
Addressing Food Insecurity in Rural New Mexico: Luciente, Inc.
Access to nutritious food is essential to a child’s health, development, and ability to thrive. Yet for many families in rural northern New Mexico, geographic isolation, limited resources, and economic barriers make consistent access to healthy food a daily challenge. Through its Food Security focus, the New Mexico Children’s Foundation is proud to support Luciente, Inc., a nonprofit deeply rooted in the communities it serves and committed to ensuring no child goes hungry.
Luciente works to address food insecurity by increasing access to nutritious food for children and families in rural and underserved areas. Their programs are designed to meet families where they are—providing reliable food support that helps ease immediate hunger while also reducing the long-term stress and instability that food insecurity creates. By focusing on consistent access to nourishment, Luciente helps families build a stronger foundation for health, learning, and well-being.
What sets Luciente apart is its community-centered approach. With strong local partnerships and a deep understanding of the challenges facing rural families, the organization delivers support in ways that are practical, dignified, and responsive to real needs. This localized model ensures that food assistance reaches those most impacted by barriers such as distance, transportation, and limited availability of fresh food.
By investing in Luciente’s work, the New Mexico Children’s Foundation is supporting solutions that address hunger at its roots and promote lasting stability for families. Together, we are helping ensure that children across rural New Mexico have the nourishment they need to grow, learn, and thrive—today and into the future.
Strengthening New Mexico’s Children Through Food Security, Health, and Safety
The New Mexico Children’s Foundation supports a diverse range of programs that address food security, health, and safety for children and families across the state. From Cancer Services of New Mexico and Hero’sPath Palliative Care, which provide emotional, educational, and social support for families facing serious illness, to Free Flow NM, ensuring access to essential female health needs, our funding reaches communities in meaningful ways. Grants also help organizations like the Human Milk Repository of NM, offering life-saving nutrition and comfort to newborns, and Luciente, Inc., addressing both food insecurity and barriers to education in rural areas.Vision screening through NM Lions Operation KidSight benefits thousands of children, while programs like Inspire heART Inc. and the No Squad Youth Organization nurture emotional resilience and social connection. By partnering with grassroots organizations, including the New Mexico Dental Association Foundation, which delivers essential dental care to thousands, we are helping children stay nourished, healthy, and safe—giving them the stability they need to thrive.
The mission of New Mexico Lions Operation KidSight, Inc., a 501c3 organization, is to establish and maintain a sustainable program that will provide annual eye screenings for all young children ages 3 to 9 years in New Mexico. In addition, if a 3-18 year old student is in need of vision services but is not eligible for Medicaid or does not have private insurance or if there is not an eye professional in the child’s community that takes Medicaid, New Mexico Lions Operation KidSight, Inc., will assist in providing an eye exam and glasses voucher to do so.
NMLOKS, Inc., also conducts the Spare Pair Program that will provide a free pair of glasses for 3-18 year old students at no cost to them if they have lost or broken theirs or if their glasses never make it to school.
“New Mexico Lions Operation KidSight “We see it every day—a student slipping on a new pair of glasses and lighting up with joy because the world just came into focus. That moment changes how they learn, how they participate, and how they see their future. NMCF’s support makes those moments possible for thousands of children across New Mexico.” – Bryson McCool, Director, New Mexico Lions Operation KidSight
Igniting Young Minds: STEM Education for Every Child in Carlsbad
Since 2014, Inspired by Science, a dedicated STEM education organization, has transformed learning opportunities for elementary students in Carlsbad, New Mexico, directly impacting over 12,500 children and their families. With a clear mission to promote STEM education at the elementary level, they provide low-cost experiences for any youth interested in science, technology, engineering, and math, regardless of their family’s economic status.
The need is urgent. Carlsbad’s high school science proficiency rate stands at just 22%, and nearly 80% of future careers will require STEM-related training. This organization addresses the gap by offering year-round programming that allows children to deeply explore STEM concepts beyond school time constraints. Their comprehensive approach includes annual summer camps with Family STEM Nights, numerous workshops, Family Lab Partner events, community demonstrations, and signature events like The STEM Experience and National STEM Day celebrations.
Operating through strong community partnerships with Carlsbad Public Library, Southeast New Mexico College, the National Cave & Karst Research Institute, and local businesses, they’ve built a sustainable network of support. Their hands-on approach emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork while building confidence in young participants. Many projects become keepsakes, encouraging continued exploration at home.
The impact is measurable and meaningful. Parent surveys consistently show increased STEM interest and knowledge among participants, with children eager to share their learning. The organization is serving approximately 1,500 elementary-age children in the 2025-2026 program year, continuing the vital work of starting even the youngest children on the right path toward STEM success and sparking interest in fields that will shape our future. NMCF’s donation this year of $2,000 (2025/26) and prior year donations in recent years of another $3,000 have helped support this vital work.
“The support provided by the New Mexico Children’s Foundation is vital to our mission. Without partners like you, we would not be able to offer high-quality, hands-on STEM education to all children across our community. Our curriculum is designed to spark interest in STEM-related fields, and we believe every child deserves the opportunity to explore whether that path is right for them. Thank you, New Mexico Children’s Foundation, for your commitment to equity in education and for partnering with us to inspire the next generation of innovators!” Deena Antiporda, Executive Director, Inspired by Sciencem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Artrageous Artreach Expands Virtue Education Across New Mexico
In an era where children spend unprecedented hours in front of screens, leading to increased anxiety, social isolation, and physical inactivity, the Artrageous Artreach Theater, Arts, and Performance Camp offers a vital antidote. This transformative summer program immerses K-12 students from low-income demographics in an interactive, screen-free environment where creativity flourishes and connections deepen.
Their Summer Camps generally operate 30 hours weekly from June through August 2025, the camp addresses critical developmental needs through dynamic workshops in theater, music, dance, and visual arts. Artreach has been able to expand their programming to include in-school programs and workshops in the state of New Mexico. Students engage in movement-based activities that strengthen both body and mind while developing essential social-emotional learning skills including empathy, communication, teamwork, and self-awareness. Research confirms that engaging in the arts reduces stress, improves cognitive function, and enhances overall mental health.
The program’s comprehensive approach incorporates mindfulness practices, collaborative performances, and hands-on artistic expression, creating a safe space for students to explore their creativity and build lasting friendships. Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, local artists, and health coaches, Artrageous Artreach creates a sustainable network that strengthens the entire arts ecosystem.
Measurable outcomes include 80% of participants demonstrating improved social-emotional skills, 85% showing growth in collaboration abilities, and 75% expressing increased interest in continuing arts activities. Beyond individual transformation, the program fosters community connections and provides exposure to professional artists as career role models.
Artrageous Artreach is more than summer programming—it’s an investment in nurturing confident, compassionate, and imaginative leaders who will benefit from these life-changing creative experiences long into their futures. NMCF was delighted to provide a grant of $2,000 in 2025/26, and an additional $2,000 in the prior year, to support this excellent nonprofit. Lauri Francis, Director, Artrageous Artreach said, “The generous support from the New Mexico Children’s Foundation is helping us expand our reach and bring our transformative in-school Artreach programs to students in Socorro and Moriarty this year. This grant will enable us to offer more opportunities for creative expression, self-discovery, and personal growth to young learners in these communities, making a lasting impact on their well-being and future success.”
With visionary leadership, creative programming, and strong community partnerships, Artrageous Artreach continues to make meaningful strides in uplifting youth through the arts and sciences.
Learn more or get involved at artrageousartreach.org.
We thank Dr. Groothuis for her ongoing dedication and service to children in our state Featured Board Member: Jessie Groothuis, M.D.
Jessie Groothuis, M.D., is a long-time volunteer and Board Member at NMCF. We are so grateful to her for her time, efforts, and energy. She is passionate about children and helping the underserved in her community.
She is recognized as a world opinion leader on the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus/RSV) lower respiratory tract infection in high-risk infants and young children.
Dr. Groothuis was a tenured Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Children’s Hospital, She led the first clinical trials which resulted in regulatory approval of Synagis in the US in 2006. Synagis is a humanized monoclonal antibody and was the first to prevent serious RSV respiratory infection, the most common cause of re-hospitalization in high risk preterm infants and children with serious congenital heart disease. Synagis is approved and marketed in over 60 countries and has been given to over 2 million high-risk infants and young children world-wide.
Dr. Groothuis’ research also included work on immunologic responses to Influenza in very young children. Dr. Groothuis’ work in RSV prevention continued after she became Global Medical Director (Abbott Laboratories/Abvie) and subsequently Vice President of Medical Affairs at Astra Zeneca.
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During the most recent Legislative Session, New Mexico Children’s Foundation Executive Director, Jonika Horton, appealed to each member of our State Legislature for their personal help and investment in New Mexico kids…
I am reaching out because there is a growing crisis affecting nonprofits that serve New Mexico’s children—particularly those in rural and underserved areas—and I ask for your support in sustaining these vital programs.
For over 3 decades, the New Mexico Children’s Foundation has been a lifeline for grassroots nonprofits, distributing $2.3 million to 249 organizations across the state. These small but impactful organizations fill critical gaps where state and federal programs often fall short. However, due to recent political and funding shifts, many are losing the resources they need to continue their work.
Policy Changes Are Hurting Our Youth
My own family has experienced the effects of these funding challenges firsthand. My daughter was scheduled to attend a Women in Science event, but it was canceled because federal government-employed scientists—who were set to speak—can no longer commit due to changes in policy. This is just one example of how political shifts are limiting opportunities for our state’s youth.
Our Rural Impact
Here are just a few of the nonprofits we currently support that are making a difference:
Embudo Valley Library – $3,300, this library organizes and conducts an afterschool enrichment program serving grades K-6, along with the Caterpillar Club, a free early literacy program for children ages 0-5.
Growing Great Kids – Raton – $3,000 to establish programs that help parents and caregivers prepare children for public education.
High Mountain Youth Project – Ruidoso – $3,000 to offer a comprehensive safety net for students experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
Imagination Library of Luna County – Received $1,500 to provide age-appropriate books by mail, free of charge, to preschool children from birth until they turn five years old.
Literacy Links – Leamos – Silver City – Granted $2,500 to provide school books to school-age children.
Northern Youth Project – Abiquiú – $4,000 to support provide free year-round programs and activities through hands-on art, agriculture, community service, and leadership projects.
Ojo Sarco Community Center – $4,250 for early literacy programs, including the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, enrolling all children newborn to age 5.
Truchas Services Center – $4,000 to offer a summer of learning for children aged 6 to 12, including daily science-related lessons and art activities.
Embudo Valley Tutoring Association – $4,000 to provide tutoring, strengthening educational opportunities for children in the rural area surrounding the Rio Grande of Rio Arriba County.
- Make a donation – Your contribution can directly sustain and expand funding for these essential programs.
- Spread the word – Share our mission with colleagues, community leaders, and constituents to raise awareness about the growing funding gaps.
- Advocate for local nonprofits – Help ensure that rural and small nonprofits receive the attention and funding they need to continue serving children.
I would love to connect with you to discuss ways we can work together to protect and uplift the nonprofits supporting children in your district. Please let me know a convenient time to talk.
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to New Mexico’s communities. With your support, we can ensure that every child—no matter where they live—has access to the resources they need to thrive.
Jonika Horton
Interim Executive Director
New Mexico Children’s Foundation
Email: jhorton@nmchildren.org
Office: 505.986.2043
Transforming Education for New Mexico’s Children
In 2024, New Mexico reached a critical turning point—our state ranked 50th in education across the nation, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Data Book. While these statistics are sobering, they do not define who we are or what we can become. Instead, they serve as a powerful call to action for everyone who believes in the potential of our children and the promise of a brighter future.
Imagine a New Mexico where every child can dream without limits—where young innovators, thinkers, and leaders are nurtured by resources and opportunities, not constrained by their zip code or circumstance. We envision classrooms filled with creativity and curiosity, where hands-on learning and mentorship ignite lifelong passions.
It’s a vision shared by extraordinary nonprofits leading the charge in educational transformation:
STEM is Child’s Play: Bringing STEM education to life through fun, hands-on learning experiences. By sparking curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and math, these programs help children see the infinite possibilities that lie ahead.
Applied Dynamics Initiative: Providing enriching STE²AM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Arts, and Math) opportunities, with an emphasis on robotics. By blending creativity with technical skills, students develop a comprehensive skill set ready to shape the future workforce.
Breakthrough Santa Fe: Pioneering pathways to academic success and college access. Through year-round support and mentorship, they’re helping students break down barriers and pursue the academic futures they deserve.
By supporting these nonprofits, you are investing in New Mexico’s future—fueling the dreams of our children and empowering them to achieve more than they ever imagined. You have the power to help reshape our state’s educational landscape.
Ready to make a difference?
Donate now and help give our kids the education they deserve. Your contribution goes directly toward supporting these programs and other initiatives that are forging a brighter path for New Mexico’s youth.
Because when we invest in our children, we invest in a stronger tomorrow.
#EducationMatters #STEM #STEAM #MakeADifference #InvestInTheFuture #NewMexicoEducation #GiveBack #SupportNonProfits #ChildrensFuture #DonateForChange #YouthEmpowerment
Get Involved: Help Shape the Future with NM Children
Are you passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families in our community? At NM Children, we believe that a bright future starts with dedicated individuals who are eager to lend their skills, energy, and heart to a worthy cause. That’s why we’re calling on passionate community members—just like you—to join our Board of Directors or become a vital part of one of our committees.
Why Join Our Board or Committees?
Impact: As a board or committee member, your voice and expertise will directly influence our programs and initiatives, helping to improve the lives of children across New Mexico.
Leadership Development: Whether you’re an experienced leader or someone looking to grow, serving on a board or committee is a fantastic way to develop and refine leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills.
Collaborative Community: You’ll work alongside a diverse group of dedicated individuals who share a vision for progress. Our team is committed to creating a supportive environment where fresh ideas and perspectives can thrive.
Sense of Purpose: Being part of something bigger than yourself can be incredibly fulfilling. You’ll not only contribute to meaningful change but also form relationships that enrich your personal and professional life.
How You Can Contribute
We welcome people from all backgrounds and skill sets. Perhaps you have expertise in finance, marketing, event planning, legal affairs, or community outreach. Or maybe you simply have a heart for service and a desire to learn. Your unique perspective and talents could be exactly what we need to expand our impact.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re excited about the opportunity to make a difference, we want to hear from you! Reach out to us today to explore how you can get involved. Visit our Contact Page to learn more about open positions on our board and committees.
Together, we can create lasting impact and build a brighter future for the children of New Mexico. Let’s join forces and serve with purpose—one step at a time.
#JoinOurTeam #NewMexico #Nonprofit #CommunityImpact #MakeADifference #ServeWithPurpose #Committees #ShapeTheFuture
Here’s a fact to brighten your day!
NM Children’s Foundation has been working since 1992 to ensure children in New Mexico have access to the resources they need to thrive.
We know New Mexico best, and our mission is simple: to support programs and projects that serve the critical needs of children and their families in the most underserved settings. Through our annual grant program, we provide essential funding to small, local children’s nonprofits, empowering them to strengthen their impact and deliver much-needed services.
Over the past 30+ years, we’ve granted $2.3 million to 249 nonprofit organizations statewide. That’s the power of community in action!
Want to be part of the change? Find out how you can get involved today!
