Las Cumbres Community Services is working from “the inside” with placement of a Nurturing Center community hub at Enos Garcia Elementary School in Taos as well as a second Nurturing Center in Peñasco, also in Taos County. By working directly with the schools’ teachers, administrators, and the children’s parents, the team seeks to address trauma experienced by children as a result of poverty, parental incarceration, and other challenges. Working more closely with children in alternative ways allows them to be more present in the classroom and toward enhanced social emotional and academic achievements.
“Las Cumbres’ Enos Garcia Nurturing Navigators are very excited to offer children this experience with the ponies as reported in the Taos News story.” explains Siena Sanderson, Nurturing Center Director. “The program is especially benefiting students who may be impacted by the incarceration of a parent.” Sanderson goes onto say.
““We say the most powerful therapy is LOVE... period.””
“This program has allowed children to build positive relationships with both the ponies and the children in their group. They have learned to care for and respect these special animals. The children definitely found them to be a calming force in their lives. Those without confidence were able to build self-esteem in relation with their work with the ponies.” Sanderson concludes,
“Everything we do that has a long lasting impact comes down to the quality of the relationships we build.” say Megan Délano, Las Cumbres Executive Director. “Our Nurturing Centers are going above and beyond to provide safe and nurturing environments for children based on strong relationships with caring adults and in this case strong relationships with ponies! We say the most powerful therapy is LOVE...period. Our potential knows no bounds. ”
Visit Nurturing Center website for more information about this program or to learn how you can donate.