In 2015, Ciudad Nueva’s Catalyst program for high school students was created in response to seeing students from Launch Pad approaching high school and grappling with the thought of what to do after high school graduation. High school students at Ciudad Nueva who participate in the program receive skills training, learn about career options from guest speakers and set goals with an action plan to achieve them. Students receive a small stipend for participating in the program and are paid based on if they arrive on time, dress professionally, and participate in the classes. The goal of the … [Read more...]
Trims and Trust – Keisha Branch is Making a Difference in El Paso and Beyond
At Ciudad Nueva, our team is full of compassionate, understanding people. Keisha Branch, our High School Coordinator, displays a perfect example of the warmth and care we feel for our community. Keisha left her hometown in Virginia to join our Border Fellows program in 2016, after completing a study abroad program at a youth refugee center in Ireland. She became the first in her family to graduate from college, as well as the first to venture from her family’s home. Through her experiences in both of these programs, she developed a passion for connecting with and fostering a … [Read more...]
Lexi Moles: A Student of Community. Lexi Shares her Story as she Prepares to Step Down from Ciudad Nueva
We will be saying goodbye to our wonderful Office Assistant, Lexi Moles, in February! Lexi has been a blessing to Ciudad Nueva for three years. In a recent interview, Lexi shared what she learned from working here and how she will carry on the spirit of Ciudad Nueva. Born in Colorado and raised in Virginia, Lexi earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work in Harrisonburg and became a Border Fellow in 2017. That’s when she began volunteering at Ciudad Nueva and fell in love with the El Paso area. She delved into the community even more by taking on the role of Middle School Coordinator for two … [Read more...]
“Little Glimmers of Hope” – Bethany Molinar Shares the Goodness of God Through Work at Ciudad Nueva
Now that Bethany Molinar has taken the reins as our new Executive Director, we want to take a moment to highlight her incredible leadership during these hard times! She described the work she does as “seeking shalom for our communities.” She does this by loving, supporting, and caring for the staff at Ciudad Nueva, making personal connections with the recipients of our services and helping wherever she can. Hope is a common factor in the work that she does, and she reflected on the many ways God accomplishes his work through our ministries. As she took on this role, Bethany shared … [Read more...]
“You Never Retire From Ministry”—Joe Gavaldon’s Reflection on His Work at Ciudad Nueva
At Ciudad Nueva, we have seen God accomplish his work through the ministry of our beloved Family Outreach Director, Joe Gavaldon. He retired from his role here at our agency, but we know that God’s work through him is just beginning. God’s Calling In 2009, Joe first felt God’s calling on his life to work in ministry. He worked with Young Life, a community ministry that guides young people to know Christ. While it was hard for him to leave, he felt God’s hand guiding him to work with students full-time. He trusted that the door would open to a new opportunity, and it came! Sami, our … [Read more...]
