Partner Spotlight: Hearts for Autism Fund
Sometimes all it takes is a parent wanting more for their child to create change for an entire community.
In the Fall of 2009, Estee Hafassa embarked on a journey to find a way to give her son, who had been diagnosed with autism, the experience of attending camp. She began brainstorming and realized that in addition to developing a children’s camp, she also hoped to raise awareness for autism and provide additional resources for children and families in Southern New Mexico. In December 2009, Estee shared her vision with our CEO, Abel Covarrubias, and the Aprendamos team. Immediately, we knew that we needed to partner with Estee to find a way to turn her dream into reality.
We worked together to plan the inaugural Masquerade Ball, which brought together 200 compassionate, community supporters eager to support the endeavor and learn more about autism. Thanks to their generosity, we established the Hearts for Autism Fund at the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico in 2010. The fund aims to increase awareness about autism while providing important resources to children and families, including the annual Camp New Amigos.
Since then, the Hearts for Autism has been a vital resource to children and families in our community. Camp New Amigos, hosted on the NMSU campus, provides a summer camp experience to 40 children ages 6-13 complete with horseback riding, kayaking, swimming, a climbing wall, and art projects. In collaboration with Las Cruces Public Schools, a Hearts for Autism Lending Library was also established to provide resources, books, and toys for families and community partners.
We realized we couldn’t do this alone, so we added a Board & Community Liaison to the team. Our current liaison, Ruth Ann Ortiz, MSW, brings 18 years of social work experience and a background in Infant Mental Health to Hearts for Autism. Ruth helps support families and children who have recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder by providing vital resources and assisting them as they navigate their journey.
When we asked Ruth how Camp New Amigos has made an impact for children, she said, “We have been able to support children, help them deal with their challenges, and work through these challenges as they arise at camp so they can continue to participate. Parents really appreciate that they can bring their children to a week-long camp and know they are safe and have a great opportunity.”
An impact story Ruth shared involved a mother who moved to our community last year and was looking for resources for her child. Ruth invited her daughter to attend Camp New Amigos, and during the camp, her daughter met another child in the program. The two children formed a connection and continue to maintain a relationship outside of camp and have regular play dates. The mother was so appreciative of the opportunity that she attended the Hearts for Autism Gala to share her story with attendees.
We are fortunate that our community helps to fund these important initiatives. The annual Masquerade Ball, the Hearts for Autism 5K & half-marathon, and donations from generous individuals helps to raise additional funds for programming. Now an official nonprofit organization, Hearts for Autism continues to be supported and led by a diverse board of directors from Southern New Mexico.
We will always be grateful to the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico for helping us realize our dream of increasing awareness about autism, providing the necessary support to families, and experiences to children with autism in our community.
We invite you to learn more about the organization, volunteer at next year’s camp, and attend the upcoming Hearts for Autism training in October. Together we can make an impact, celebrate the unique needs of autism, and educate the community to embrace us all!
