Young students in our community have been faced with a lot of change and uncertainty this year. We want our youth to be informed about the many important events that have happened in recent months. Most importantly, kids need to learn about how these events will impact them, how they can protect themselves, and how they can really make a difference. Enter Mr. Gary’s Current Events class, right here at Ciudad Nueva! Mr. Gary is on a mission to provide our local 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students a place to openly discuss and get practical information about the current events of the world … [Read more...]
How Ciudad Nueva’s Youth Programs Are Adapting to the Impact of COVID-19
Like many organizations and nonprofits, Ciudad Nueva has felt the incredible impact of COVID-19, in our youth programs, across our team, and with the people we serve. Based on “stay at home” orders and government recommendations, we’ve canceled some events and adjusted our youth programs to move online where possible. Yet in spite of these challenges, we are working together to adapt and continue our mission to serve the El Paso community. Serving Students Online We’ve moved many of our youth programs online so we can continue to assist students through after-school programs and … [Read more...]
Here’s How Our Community Art Program Is Bringing Joy to El Paso
At the end of a hall in the Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, a small table was laid out with three-inch square sheets of brightly colored paper, wire, and scissors. As curious individuals walked by, we offered them the opportunity to work on an art project while they waited for legal counsel. Some people were not sure what to make of being invited to do an art project while they were waiting to be seen, but others jumped right in. Soon many people were creating vibrant paper flowers and sharing stories from their lives. Some shared the circumstances that had led them … [Read more...]
How Soccer Is Helping Deepen Community in the Rio Grande Neighborhood
Soccer has deep roots at Ciudad Nueva Youth-serving organizations have long known that soccer is an excellent tool for connecting with kids and teaching them important life lessons. Christian organizations are no exception, with many churches and faith-based nonprofits sponsoring youth sports leagues as a way to help introduce kids and their families to the life-changing person of Jesus. It’s no surprise, then, that a youth soccer team comprised of middle school kids from Ciudad Nueva would form shortly after the organization’s founding in 2004. Tom Beeman, a Ciudad Nueva volunteer for … [Read more...]
Have You Met Joe?
You’ll see him doing all kinds of jobs around Ciudad Nueva. If you haven’t already, you will want to meet Joe. Joe Gavaldon had been working with Young Life for 25 years in south El Paso and had been collaborating with Ciudad Nueva youth programs. Then one day, it became clear that it was time for Joe to move on from Young Life. No one was expecting this — least of all Joe — and immediately Joe came to work at Ciudad Nueva. “I started the next day,” says Joe. “I felt like it was from the Lord because I was leaving one ministry and then coming to another the very next day. I enjoyed Young … [Read more...]
