Columbus Child Development Center

The Columbus Child Development Center originated in 1997 when five  Mexican-American women from Columbus, NM got together and decided something had to be done about the lack of child care in their community.  As farmworkers, they had seen children waiting in vehicles by the side of the fields, exposed to the elements, pesticides, fertilizers, and inadequate nutrition.  The women, who called themselves Mujeres en Progreso (Women in Progress), wanted something better for their families.  They started by becoming registered home child care providers, and then expanded on their dream. 

Columbus is a small, incorporated village in Luna County, located about four miles from the U.S.-Mexico border and the Mexican city of Palomas, Chihuahua. Columbus is geographically isolated from the population centers of southern New Mexico- 30 miles from Deming, 90 miles from Las Cruces, and 80 miles from Silver City. The 2000 Census shows a population of 1,700 people, which is probably an undercount, and the population is expected to increase. Unemployment is at 14%, which is likely to be low, since the Census was taken during the agricultural season when more people are employed. Much of the population of Columbus consists of low-income, agricultural workers. Of families in Columbus, 33% earned less than $10,000 per year, and 57% are below the poverty line. Fifty percent of the population has less than a ninth grade education. Most households own their own homes (74%), but many of very poor quality. Obviously, economic development in a community with these demographics is a challenge.

The Colonias Development Council provided organizational support and technical assistance to the group. This included assistance with carrying out a market study and feasibility study, and completion of a working business plan. The Colonias Development Council partnered with the NM Department of Health, Public Health Division, for the entirety of this project. Together, the Colonias Development Council and the Public Health Division were able to coordinate training events for the group, provide assistance with grant applications, and facilitate networking opportunities.

Mujeres en Progreso intended to provide quality child care, as well as full time, quality jobs for themselves. Studies have shown that children who attend quality child care programs where they develop crucial skills, perform better in school, and are at a lower risk of substance abuse and participation in criminal activities. Given the high unemployment and poverty rates in Luna County, Mujeres en Progreso wanted to contribute to the overall development of their community by giving children a better start on life.

In June 2002, Mujeres en Progreso, with administrative support from the Colonias Development Council, opened their child care center in Columbus. They started temporarily in the Catholic Parish Hall, and then moved to a brand-new building in October 2002. The start-up was made possible with operating grants from the Catholic Campaign for Human Development and the NM Division of Public Health, along with a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to purchase a modular building. Additional funding was provided by the McCune Foundation, Wells Fargo Bank, and the Frost Foundation. The Center has a capacity for 31 children, but is currently offering space for only 14 children under age 6.  The Center employs 3 staff.  The Center has been designated a 2-star facility by the Aim High program, a state-wide quality improvement effort. 

The Center struggles financially since many of the low-income, working families in Columbus are unable to pay even a minimal amount for quality child care.  If you are interested in making a donation to the Center please consider making a donation.

All photos by Peter Howard, used with permission of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development.  The photos were taken during the creation of a public service announcement for the Catholic Campaign's Poverty in America Media Campaign.