Juntos Update
In 2018 Juntos moved into a leased facility in the community they serve in order to be closer to the kids and to be able to expand their programs. In 2019 they have launched a major new program made up of a series of facilitated workshops the staff and kids have identified as workshops they would like to have offered during the year.
As an on-going supporter of Juntos, MCC donated money specifically to support Juntos in our move to the new facility last year. As requested, the money donated was used for improvements/purchases that we can bring with us if we are to move again in the future. So far we have bought folding tables and room dividers with it. A little over $600 of the "building fund donation" remains - and it looks like some of that is going to have to go towards purchasing a refrigerator. The one that was donated to us died over the Christmas break.
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Feb 20
9:46 AM
Feb 20
9:46 AM
Juntos is a local component of the MCC Missions Programs. MCC has supported Juntos for more than five years with both volunteers who work with the youth, monthly and special financial donations. Laura Jenkins, the director of Juntos provided an update on how the money our church provides is making a difference.
In 2018 Juntos moved into a leased facility in the community they serve in order to be closer to the kids and to be able to expand their programs. In 2019 they have launched a major new program made up of a series of facilitated workshops the staff and kids have identified as workshops they would like to have offered during the year. As an on-going supporter of Juntos, MCC donated money specifically to support Juntos in our move to the new facility last year. As requested, the money donated was used for improvements/purchases that we can bring with us if we are to move again in the future. So far we have bought folding tables and room dividers with it. A little over $600 of the "building fund donation" remains - and it looks like some of that is going to have to go towards purchasing a refrigerator. The one that was donated to us died over the Christmas break.In addition to the excitement over the new location, we have already begun spending the significant donation that was made to Juntos toward new workshops! Last week was the first meeting of our SeaPerch program, basically underwater robotics! (check it out at seaperch.com) We will have two teams of 4th and 5th grade students (8 kids total) competing in the SeaPerch competition that will take place at Valley High School on February 28th.
The kids are building mini-submarines they will race against other schools and organizations. We had our first meeting in early January and will meet every week through the end of February and see where this leads. The cost of training and purchasing the kits was about $650. By the time we are done with the 8 weeks and attend the competition, I imagine that our costs will be around $900. The three coaches are volunteering their time.
The SeaPerch volunteers (two who work at Sandia and one who works at Explora) are interested in expanding the robotics program after SeaPerch ends if the kids are interested. I am also pursuing a couple of leads for guitar teachers, fine arts, dance and woodworking… it is going to be great!
The regular monthly gift that MCC sends continues to go toward operating costs and is very, very appreciated! Our staff team and our volunteers comment regularly about how wonderful it is to have our own “home.” This monthly gift helps to ensure that we keep our own space.
We are extremely grateful for the generosity of MCC and its members. Please convey this gratitude for us!
Blessings, Laura J.
Click here to learn more about Juntos.
