The Southwest Region Migrant Education Program (MEP) provided gifts to a record number of children and parents through its Adopt a Migrant Family for the holiday. “Our hearts are filled with joy and appreciation for the continued support from numerous sponsors making this event so successful. Every year we look forward to this event as it supplements some of the needs of our families,” said Esmeralda Martinez, director of Southwest Region MEP.
Sponsors include, in no particular order: Alamosa State Bank, Mountain King Potatoes, Zapata Seed Company, Trinchera Property Management, Veronica Atencio, Aguilar’s Automotive Alignments, High Altitude Convenience, LLC; Post Commissary, LLC; Blanca Potato, LLC; Smart Phone/Tablet Repair, Colorado State Patrol, Valley Educator’s Credit Union, Conejos City Department of Social Services, Mrs. Gutierrez-Marquez & Sons, SLV Immigration Resource Center, Weiss Dry Cleaners, Adams State University President Cheryl D. Lovell, ASU Human Resources, ASU Facilities Services, ASU Computing Services, ASU Maintenance, Eric Carpio and family, Energy Resource Center, Valley Wide Executive Leadership Team, Valley Wide Clinic Providers (BHP), Valley Wide Marketing Team, Valley Wide Facilities Team, Valley Wide Finance Team, Valley Wide Health Information Management Systems, Valley Wide ASB Care Coordination, Valley Wide Human Resources Department, Ed Medina and family, Terisa Valdez, Karen’s Clinic Managers, Valley Wide Call Center, Deb’s Clinic Managers, Valley Wide Emelin Martinez, Valley Wide Billing Department, Valley Wide Nurse Family Partnership, SLV Immigration Resource Center, Alamosa Elementary School District, City of Alamosa, ASU CAMP, Laura Leyva, BLM Field Office, Cisco NJ Construction, Shirley Atencio, Kathy Archuleta, Chris Lopez, Alexrandria King and Family, Eva Mejia and staff, ASU Enrollment Management, Primo Printing, Conejos County Social Services, Flawless Construction, Forest Service, First Southwest Bank, Tomas Mejia, Emelin Martinez, San Luis Valley Federal Bank, Don Tomas Bakery, Melody Hubbard, and Lauren Cook.
“We are extremely appreciative and grateful to receive support from so many agencies, community members, and volunteers who continue to participate in this initiative year after year,” Martinez said.
The Southwest Region Migrant Education Program shared food and presents with many at the annual holiday celebration. Families also had a surprise visit from Santa Claus. Families who were not able to attend the event were pleasantly surprised to have the presents delivered to their home.
“I cannot say enough wonderful comments about the team I have the privilege to work with. These astonishing individuals have dedicated numerous hours and effort to reach out to sponsors, as well as to communicate with families. It is truly an honor to be a part of such an amazing team. Thank you MEP Team.”
This year, the Southwest Region Migrant Education Program served a yearly estimate of up to 700 students, aged birth-22, from 23 school districts in the San Luis Valley and Southwest Colorado. Over the past six years, the number of families identified has nearly doubled thanks to the work of our recruiters, school district’s support in the identification process. The support of all educational partners who help identify children at a younger age (not school age) and out of school youth. The program connects families of seasonal agricultural workers with community resources, monitors children’s achievements, and provides continuity of educational support as they change school districts.
The Southwest Region Migrant Education Program is located on the Adams State University campus at the southeast corner of Second St. and Richardson Ave. to learn more about the Southwest Region Migrant Education Program, or to refer a family who may benefit from services, contact: Esmeralda Martinez at 719-587-7635.
