A new grant awarded to Doña Ana Community College (DACC) will support expanded wellness services for mothers and children over the next few years.
The college was awarded a $30,000 Wellness Fund grant from the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico for the next three years to improve maternal and child health wellness outcomes in southern New Mexico. The project will address these outcomes through prevention and wellness services, direct support, education, and addressing social determinants of health.
“This funding will help us continue supporting students and families through our Health & Wellness initiatives,” says Monica de Herrera-Pardo, DACC’s social worker. “The overall goal is to reduce barriers for parenting students and families while supporting health, well-being, and student success.”
The funds will be used to expand family-centered wellness programming for DACC students, staff, and their families, with the focus on maternal and child well-being. Funds will support parent and child wellness classes led by DACC's mental health therapist, early literacy activities and book distribution, quarterly family wellness events, and the creation of a family-friendly campus space. The project also helps connect families to community resources, preventive health services, mental health support, childcare resources, and early childhood programs.