The Southwest Region Migrant Education Program (MEP) provided gifts to a significant number of children and parents through its Adopt a Migrant Family for the holiday.
“Without a doubt, the Adopt a Migrant Family Program is the most rewarding program for the MEP staff,” said Esmeralda Martinez, director of Southwest Region MEP. “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 gives us an opportunity to assist families with other necessary items that are not allowed within the grant”
Sponsors include, in no particular order: Toys for Tots; Conejos County Department of Social Services; Alamosa State Bank; Adams State Tawney Becker; Adams State Associated Students and Faculty; Lee Allard; Alamosa School District; Blanca Potato, LLC; Valley Wide Health Service (numerous departments and private donors), Ed Medina and family; Colorado State Patrol Alamosa Office; Adams State College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP); Adams State Cultural Awareness and Student Achievement Center (CASA) and Oneyda Maestas; Weiss Dry Cleaners; Post Commissary, LLC; High Altitude Convenience, LLC; The Trinchera Blanca Foundation, LLC; Larry Zaragoza; Town of La Jara; Cisco NJ Construction; San Luis Valley Federal Bank; City of Alamosa; Immigrant Resource Center; Energy Resource Center; La Pasadera Farm Fresh; Mindi Van Ry and group; and Anita Rodriguez.
The Southwest Region Migrant Education Program welcomed families who were able to pick up their presents and the MEP staff personally delivered gifts to over 50 families whose work schedules conflicted their open hours.
“Words cannot express our deepest appreciation for receiving continued support from many agencies, community members, and volunteers who continue to participate in this initiative year after year,” Martinez added. She also appreciates the support and involvement from Adams State CAMP students and staff for shopping and wrapping presents for children.
She warmly thanks students participating in the Rising Scholars Program for their volunteer hours wrapping presents; as well as Adams State MEP staff including Minga Francisco, Marisa Aguilar, Shanda Taylor, Karla Fierro, Diana Gonzalez, Jasmine Rodriguez, Edgar Martinez, Diana Morales, and work-study student Wendy Gonzalez.
“The MEP team is the greatest when it comes to going above and beyond their duties to ensure migrant families get connected with the resources they need,” Martinez said. “I cannot express my deepest appreciation for the wonderful 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 620 students, aged birth-21, from 23 school districts in the San Luis Valley and Southwest Colorado. The last couple of years have had an impact on the migrant enrollment, due to many factors, including the pandemic.
Martinez continues to thank the work of recruiters, school districts and community agencies for their continued support in the identification and recruitment process. She especially thanks the support from 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.
