Provide therapeutic children's services in an early learning family centered child care setting that is a safe, healthy, nurturing early learning environment, and school preparation for children ages six weeks to ten years who are homeless or near homeless.
Provide comprehensive family services that mentor, educate & train parents/caregivers to become better parents through parenting education programs, parenting group sessions, family involvement, parents as partners, progress reviews, assessments, care management, on-site medical care, life skills training, family advocacy, resource and information referral services.
Provide assistance to their families in finding and using community resources to enable them to work, pursue training , or finish school and achieve successful education outcomes.
Involve and educate the community of the needs of homeless families.
In 1995 Sisters Beth Daddio and Anna Waldschmitt
began providing nurturing, loving childcare for homeless children in donated
space at Peace Lutheran Church. The program started with 2 classrooms. With
the help of the Las Cruces community, state and local government grants, and
foundation support, Jardin moved to a new building, owned by the City of Las
Cruces, in 2002. We opened 5 of the 7 classrooms serving approximately 40
homeless/near homeless children, ages 6 weeks to 6 years. In September, 2004,
Jardin began an afterschool program for children 6 - 10 years. Jardin is in the process of accreditation with NACCP and reaccreditation with NAEYC. Jardin is one of 2 unique centers for homeless children in the State, and is a
model children and family services program.
In 2008-2009, Jardin will serve 370 children and
family members. Children’s services include assessment, appropriate
developmental activities, play therapy, nutritious meals, on-site healthcare, medical care
and referral, and, most important, love and nurturing. Because we recognize the
importance of family and parents, in January, 2004, Jardin began a comprehensive
Family Services Program. The Family Center, located in the ‘center” of the building
offers parents/caregivers a homelike environment to participate in parenting education,
support groups, life skills, health classes, arts & crafts, and computer
training. Parents are also active participants in a Family Team that helps them
to achieve self-sufficiency goals that they set. A parent liaison coordinates all activities and a monthly calendar of events.
Parents-as-Partners offers parents the opportunity to be active in the classroom in
order to learn, from the teacher, appropriate discipline, care, and bonding with their children.
Families and children may receive services at Jardin for as long as necessary to
establish housing and stabilize their lives. They must be working on goals and
progressing towards self sufficiency.
Jardin’s annual budget is
approximately $742,000 each year. This provides for 18 direct service and 2
administrative staff positions, utilities, food, supplies, contracts, insurance,
training, and all of the components necessary to operate a full-service
childcare and family services program. We are fortunate to have the use of the
building at no cost through the City of Las Cruces. The average cost per child
per day is $36.00.
Jardin is a 501© 3 nonprofit organization that operates under the management of a Board of Directors consisting of 13-17 members. The composition includes dedicated community residents from all walks of life. The Jardin Board is a “working board” and is actively involved in fundraising and development in the community. For a full list of board members, please look under Public Information on this website.
In order for Jardin to operate, we must tap a variety of resources. Jardin receives funding from the State and Federal government through the Children, Youth, and Families Department, Office of Child Development, HUD Continuum of Care and Essential Services homeless initiative, Department of Human Services, and USDA. Local government funding includes City of Las Cruces Community Development Block Grant and Dona Ana County. Jardin also receives funding from the United Way. Several foundations also assist us in achieving our goals. They include the New Mexico Community Foundation, McCune, Daniels Fund, Frost and Stocker Foundations, and Con Alma.
Jardin depends on the generosity of the community to provide a minimum of 40% of the revenue needed each year. Fundraising, Giving Circles, and individual, business, civic, and faith contributions are critical to our success and ability to exist. If you have not been asked personally to make a financial investment to the future of our homeless and near-homeless children we serve, we are asking you now. Please call us at 505-522-2111 or send a contribution to Jardin de los Niños, 1300-G El Paseo PMB #272, Las Cruces, NM 88001. Thank you!"
We receive over $50,000 in inkind contributions each year that include diapers, supplies, children’s clothing and toys, and other items used in the daycare and by families who are moving into permanent housing.
Jardin employs 23 staff persons. All of the children's services staff have or are working on their Child Development Association credential. We have an on-site nurse, social worker, and parent liaison. Approximately 30-50 volunteers contribute their time to help care for children, provide services to families, and assist with administrative functions (see UPStaff section for pictures and stories) Jardin collaborates closely with Aprendamos Early Intervention Program, and Tresco TOTS to provide play therapy and individual assistance to parents and families. Jardin works with all homeless providers and other community agencies to insure non-duplication of services.