Our Story
CLNkids has been a community leader and advocate for social change for nearly 30 years. By providing high-quality early childhood education and therapeutic services, we address the unique needs of children experiencing homelessness. Participating families receive supportive services designed to help them stabilize and build resilience.
When thousands of young children are homeless right here in our own community, it is more than just a problem for those families, it's an issue for our entire community. With YOUR support, it is a critical matter we can continue to address. As pressing as the needs are of families with very young children experiencing homelessness, the time to take action as an individual, as a business, as a faith-based entity, or as a civic enterprise is NOW.
This summer has been successful in many ways at CLNkids, but we also received unfortunate news that a few grants will not be renewed this year - grants that helped assist us in providing the best possible service to Albuquerque's most vulnerable children. Since we are proud to have served Albuquerque's homeless children and families for thirty years and we would like to ask for your help in making sure we stay open for 30 more! With your immediate help, we hope to continue to provide the high-quality education and family services we have been providing for the past three decades. The funds from this campaign will go directly to supporting our mission and creating new success stories in the future.
Why we are here
"I like my teachers because they give us food every day and every weekend. I like playing with my friends." Amaya 4 years old
"The best feeling is when a baby you have seen slowly grow up begins to catch up on their developmental needs and they can now wave hello and goodbye as they get dropped off."- Mayra Operations Manager
“I love what I do because I love children and want the best for them. I want them to be successful in life." - Leticia Lead Teacher
"How grateful we should all be that CLNKids and all of you exist. We are thrilled that we can be supportive."- Betty Community Support Representative
"I have had the privilege of working with this amazing organization for many years, and it never ceases to amaze me how much love and attention these sweet and vulnerable children receive from this outstanding staff. The compassion and thoughtful care that goes into all the services provided by CLNkids is inspirational. It is a blessing to our community." - Jennifer Hayden, Board of Director
How Your Donation Helps
Your donation will have an impact on each family in our program. Even contributing $25 dollars can make a huge impact in these families lives.
$5,000 covers the cost associated with 1 child enrolled for one year at CLNkids.
$2,500 provides 4 months of bus transportation to our children.
$1,000 feeds a child at CLNkids while enrolled for one year.
$500 supports one month of child wellness programs onsite.
$250 ensures a family enrolled at CLNkids has food over the weekend for one year.
$150 buys a one month supply of formula for the infants in our program.
$25 pays for one child's monthly diaper supply or a new pair of shoes for a growing child.
We are looking toward a goal of $50,000. This funding will allow us to continue to provide high quality services. Every donation counts!
Our Impact
When 18 year old Kara came to CLNkids for help, she had a huge secret. She also had a 4 year old son with multiple special needs and an infant daughter. Kara was estranged from her family and had been staying off and on with friends and acquaintances, and at a local domestic violence shelter.
Kara’s son was non-verbal, angry and violent. Her infant daughter was unable to walk from being constantly stroller-bound. Having survived her own teenage years full of trauma, abuse, and instability, Kara was desperate. She had no job, no money, and very little faith that things would get better for herself and her children. She felt horribly alone. She was alone.
As a nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from the community to help us carry out the crucial work of supporting families like Kara’s.
After completing one year at CLNkids, she now has a well-paying, full time job and a modest, but clean and safe apartment. Her daughter is happy and thriving, and her son, despite his special needs, is adjusting well to Kindergarten. At 19, Kara is very much a success story. We have every confidence that Kara will not become homeless again and her children will grow up in a happy, loving home, with a mother who adores them.
In many ways, Kara was able to break the cycle of homelessness because of the generosity of our community supporting our efforts here at CLNkids.
Remember Kara’s secret? Kara’s family had been homeless when she was only 5 years old. And she vividly remembers being a preschooler at CLNkids! We all know that generational homelessness exists, but Kara is living proof that we can break the cycle of generational homelessness with enough support and guidance.
Together, we can end childhood homelessness.
Digging Deeper
THE TRAUMA OF HOMELESSNESS CAN AFFECT CHILDREN WELL INTO ADULTHOOD, AND STRAINS OUR COMMUNITIES AS A WHOLE.
The experience of homelessness inhibits the physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioral development of children. One-third of homeless children have one major mental disorder that interferes with daily activity, and many struggle to succeed in school and lead normal lives.
The Solution: Breaking the cycle of homelessness through education and support.
Our goal is to make sure homeless children and their families never become homeless again. Therefore, we do more than just help families get a roof over their heads and a meal on their table. We also help them develop the skills they need to get back on their feet, and stay there.
For children, this means providing them with the highest quality early childhood education. For parents, this means offering job training, life-skills training and other educational resources to put them on the path to self-sufficiency.
Other Ways You Can Help
We need your help sharing our story!
Share with everyone you know!
Create a Fundraiser to help spread awareness and raise funds for this amazing cause.
We know ABQ can pull together for the kids!
Contributions to CLNkids are tax-deductible and you are always welcomed to come in and take a tour to see how your contributions are making an impact.
For more information on how to help feel free to call us at 505.843.6899 or email ashleym@clnkids.org