Today, Mayor Tim Keller, Director Dave Simon of the Parks and Recreation Department, and Chief Harold Medina announced a new initiative led by the city’s Open Space Division to connect children with nature in the care system. The Parks and Recreation Division will work with New Mexico Kids Matter to distribute an initial set of 300 EcoCare kits to children who work with their court-appointed Special Attorneys (CASAs).
“We know that it can be difficult for foster children when dealing with change, insecurity and often intergenerational trauma,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “These kits are just a small aid to help with the transition, but they are wonderful ways for children and advocates to connect and learn about the healing properties of nature. This is a lifelong gift that we know well as New Mexicans. “
“Every child deserves positive experiences with nature, which can have powerful educational and emotional benefits,” said Dave Simon, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We are excited to partner with NM Kids Matter to bring these benefits to some of the children who need our support most.”
NM Kids Matter’s CASAs are trained and supervised to gather information to make recommendations to help judges decide the best outcome for foster children. There are approximately 2,000 foster children in Bernalillo County, and NM Kids Matter is currently serving [INSERT NUMBER] these children by connecting to a CASA.
These new EcoCare kits contain activities, coloring pages, worksheets, brochures and a book, among other things. These kits can be used in a public park, school yard or even a backyard and serve as a tool for the child to connect with nature and delve deeper into their CASA.
“The love that has gone into these EcoCare kits is incredible,” said Veronica Montano-Pilch, managing director of NM Kids Matter. “The community has come together to add items to these kits that provide positive life experiences for children. We hope that many more community members will get involved and even become CASA volunteers. “
The Parks and Recreation Department also announced that it is working on the development of stuffed toy roadrunners that will serve as mascots for the division and will be distributed to the Albuquerque Police and Albuquerque Fire Department for children encountered by their helpers in traumatic situations .
“Children are among our most vulnerable members of the community and as they go through the care system they are likely to experience a lot of trauma,” said Chief Harold Medina. “We want our youth to know that our officials are there to help, and through these efforts we can be the first step in the healing process.” NM Kids Matter always accepts volunteers as CASAs. For further information, click here.
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