Las Cruces Public Schools welcomed community members and district leaders this morning to celebrate the opening of Phase Two of the LCPS Family Support Center, which now includes the 100% Family Center and expands the district’s capacity to connect families with essential resources and support.
“I care so deeply about the success of our students. In order for our students to be most successful, we need to support their families,” said Carla Ragan, Executive Director of the Family Support Center.
The Family Support Center will serve as a one-stop shop for LCPS families to receive support and resources that address real needs in the community. Every LCPS family is welcome. The Family Support Center also offers a library for students on the autism spectrum, as well as classes for families seeking additional support with behavior and other related needs.
Since the grand opening of the Family Support Center, LCPS has been connecting families with food assistance, health care, housing, employment, childcare, parenting resources, classes in English and Spanish, GED classes in both languages, workshops, and other essential services.
The expansion of Phase Two welcomes the 100% Family Center and will house staff through Resilience Leaders, creating a greater opportunity to connect families with resources. Through community-driven partnerships, LCPS is expanding its ability to serve and building relationships to bring these programs together in a centralized location where families have access to a network of support.
Other support services include hygiene packages, school supplies, clothing, referrals to community resources, homelessness and near-homeless resources, migrant education, translation and interpretation, and wrap-around services for families.
“The Family Support Center is about more than providing services,” Ragan said. “It’s about removing barriers, building relationships, connecting families with community resources, and making sure our families know that they have a place to turn when they need support.”
Senator Carrie Hamblen and NM Representative Nathan Small attended the celebration. Kasandra Gandara, founder of the 100% Family Center through Doña Ana Resilience Leaders, was recognized for her leadership and vision, along with Senator Bill Soules, as he was instrumental in securing funding that helped make the Family Support Center possible.
“Being able to be here under one roof with Las Cruces Public Schools has been a fantastic advancement in the system of care, where people can come and have their needs met,” said Gandara.
LCPS families and staff, along with ESA Construction and ASA Architects, also joined the opening of Phase Two, truly making it a community celebration.
Looking ahead to the opening of Phase Three, which is anticipated to open during the next school year, the center will include two large classroom spaces inside the Family Support Center for meetings and workshops, offering more space for community collaboration.
If you would like to learn more about the LCPS Family Support Center, please contact us at 575-527-9560.
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