Let’s focus on family, community

As it’s almost 2019, let’s pause and focus on safer families and stronger communities. The old adage “It takes a village” rings true. Studies show the importance of early education in reducing crime, adding appeal to neighborhoods, and improving real-estate values. From the very young to the not-so-young Santa Feans, here are two heartwarming examples of community involvement:

The former Kaune Elementary School in the Casa Linda neighborhood was purchased byUnitedWay of Santa Fe County and the Kaune Early Learning Center has been created for families with young children. Abby Bordner with UnitedWay of Santa Fe County (UWSFC) has been working for years to improve educational outcomes for New Mexico’s children and establish programs that soley focus on early education to improve health and help with economic development and positive economic growth to our community. In Santa Fe County, UnitedWay provides free early education programs such as home visiting, the Dolly Parton free book program, PreK, and child-care support and enrichment.

The center is primarily a PreK facility (ages 3 and 4) and is a family-focused resource to provide year-round care to ensure children are ready to enter kindergarten. One of the many focus points is on early numeracy and literacy, with a dual-language approach.

Your involvement and support for UnitedWay of Santa Fe County enriches our community and the lives of all Santa Fe residents.

Another dynamic local resource, Santa Fe Neighbors / Vecinos de Santa Fe, is a nonprofit organization based on the idea of “aging in place” as a viable alternative to institutionalizing older residents. The “Village” concept was developed in Boston, Mass., with a neighborhood network combining volunteers and services to provide help and ensure that people can age safely in the comfort of their own homes. Prior to the two world wars, multi-generational family support was traditional. Families now tend to become dispersed. The world is ever-shrinking, driven by easy mobility, opportunity, technology, and a consumer culture.

Santa Fe Neighbors is a member-driven organization to help residents over the age of 55. The resources beloware a link to membership information. Providing simple but challenging tasks like changing a light bulb, transportation to a medical appointment, or picking up groceries can provide immeasurable relief to folks with disabilities or a sudden injury. “Agingin-place” isn’t just a catchphrase; it’s an increasingly desirable lifestyle.

We encourage you to look further into these organizations spanning a wide spectrum of needs.

How does this segue into areas of community and civic pride? And what is the connection with real estate? We believe these two organizations (and we are blessed with many more) enhance the already legendary appeal of Santa Fe in real, tangible ways.

If you are interested in volunteering or donating:

SANTA FE NEIGHBORS / VECINOS DE SANTA FE: Please visit the website, www.santafeneighbors.org, email info@ santafeneighbors.org, or call 505-2045141.

KAUNE EARLY LEARNING CENTER: Please contact Abby Bordner, vice president of donor relations and communications, at 505-216-2984 or email abbyb@uwsfc.org. Donations are most welcome.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

We bring a new look to real estate to help integrate you within our community. A profound love and knowledge of Santa Fe combine with a fresh outlook, vitality, experience, local insight and fun make Penelope and Drew your trusted real-estate advisors. Contact Penelope at 505-6903751 (penelope.vasquez@sothebyshomes. com) and Drew at 505-470-9194 (drew. lamprich@sothebyshomes.com).