Success Stories
Christy’s Story
When I came to Cuidando Los Niños, my daughter and I were homeless. I was going through a very tough time in my life. I was staying at a domestic violence shelter, and I had lost everything I owned. I was spending every minute trying to find out how I was going to get myself out of this mess. I did not want my daughter to grow up with so much turmoil.
The Mission Statement at Cuidando Los Niños is to provide quality child care and support services for homeless families. That statement says a lot, but I think there are not enough words to say everything that is in their mission. The staff at Cuidando Los Niños is amazing. They come and pick up my daughter on the bus, teach her many new things, provide us with health care and me with parenting classes.
Cuidando Los Niños changed my life. They helped me and my daughter find our happiness again. Many of us are not aware of the help that is available. Not only did they help me get back on my path of self-independence, they also gave my child a place to go while I went back to school.
I hope everyone learns how much hope Cuidando Los Niños brings to homeless families in Albuquerque.
Selina’s Story
My daughter has been going to Cuidando Los Niños for about 10 months now, and we have been so blessed by CLN. This last year has been pretty rough for us both, and CLN carried us through.
CLN is way more than a school. It’s a support group and family to us! The family meetings have taught me a lot. When my daughter had some things to work on, CLN involved me and taught me how to be a better mom. Having a regular schedule has helped us towards being stable. CLN has been there when we had issues or needed to talk to someone and made us feel loved at a time when we were pretty much alone.
My baby girl loves her teachers and her friends. She has learned so much! Everybody that works at CLN has been so good to us. CLN even made sure we had everything we needed when I couldn’t provide things for us. Hygiene, a stroller, clothes, winter jackets, and gifts for my baby girl! I am forever grateful! CLN even made sure we were safe and healthy, providing a doctor, too.
Corley’s Story
My family’s life was very difficult to manage before we got involved with Cuidando Los Niños. I found it hard to stay a step ahead with child care and the other necessities we needed. We moved from place to place and eventually ended up living in my car. It was very unstable and particularly tough on the young children. That’s the hardest part – my two kids are affected and they do not understand what is happening and why the family is struggling.
I was referred to Cuidando by St. Martin’s Church. The day I got the number, I called and I immediately started receiving help. It was encouraging to have CLN respond so quickly to my immediate needs. Just knowing there was specific help was a great relief. We got jackets for the kids and even for me, so necessary for the winter. At CLN, the kids get fed a couple of times a day, and this is such a relief that they are getting good nutrition.
Due to Cuidando Los Niños, things have been a lot easier to manage. I was connected to Catholic Charities for housing, along with daily support. I’ve even learned some things in the parenting class which have been very helpful! I’ve gotten a job and I’ve been able to keep that job. It’s great to know the kids are safe and being well cared for. They seem healthier and they learn amazing things in the preschool class! Cuidando is a very good place.