What a year! As we look back on our achievements from the past year, NMCAN is so grateful to our incredible community. THANK YOU. With your support, young people impacted by systems in New Mexico are receiving coaching and resources to be better prepared for adulthood. Learn more about these achievements in our 2018-2019 Annual Report.

Our partners allow NMCAN to tackle child welfare issues at the individual and systemic level. To ensure that young people are building the knowledge and skills needed for success, our staff and volunteers provided one-on-one coaching to 127 young people. Based on data collected from those in our financial literacy program, 82% had enough money last month to cover their expenses, such as rent, food, transportation, etc., 91% have a bank account, and 63% have money in savings. For example, Treyton and his financial coach Adam have been meeting regularly since he attended the core training in the spring of 2018. Treyton has exceeded expectations by saving money to purchase a car and setting up a retirement account!

From a systems perspective, we worked with our local partners to remove barriers that prevent young people from having age-appropriate experiences. Through a collaboration with Rio Grande Credit Union, the Jumpstart program allows those under the age of 18 to open a bank account without a guardian’s signature and manage their own money. During the 2019 Legislative Session, the Fostering Connections Act was passed and will allow young people to opt into age-appropriate supports up to age 21 such as personalized case-management and living stipends, which have the power to eliminate youth homelessness.

Please read the annual report and know that NMCAN’s achievements and these advances in child welfare are not possible without you. Thank you for believing in NMCAN and for supporting young people’s success.

Image credit: Jonathan Cabada