This year has been a challenge and a struggle for all of us. The inability to connect with our community in person has made the past several months very difficult, but we thank you for your incredible ongoing support. Young people impacted by systems in New Mexico continue to receive coaching and resources to be better prepared for adulthood, redesigned for a virtual space to best support their needs through this global pandemic. Learn more about these achievements in our 2019-2020 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 90 young people(with 26 on our waitlist due to limited capacity and the COVID-19 pandemic). Based on data collected from those in our programs, 97% report having a positive experience, 81% have an adult in their life who can help them go after their life goals, 79% talk to their mentor when they have problems or are worried, and 73% feel their mentor has helped them learn to deal with challenges in a productive way.
From a systems perspective, NMCAN launched our Policy Blueprint 2020-2024. Developed in partnership with young people, the blueprint identifies the greatest policy priorities for upcoming years with proposed policy interventions and possible state solutions. We also launched our Young Parent Blueprint at our virtual Lunch with Youth Leaders on November 10, 2020. Created in partnership with young parents, the blueprint identifies areas of support that are the greatest priorities and potential solutions. Youth Leaders will lead this virtual session as we discuss how to reduce the stigma around young parents, create a child welfare system that values racial justice and authentic engagement, and treats all families equitably. Learn more at nmcan.org/advocate.
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.