Every Child Thrives Posts

Living, expressing, wearing and sharing the pride of being Maya

October 9, 2026

This post was originally published on Gatopardo.com Meet William Leandro Chan Chan. Through the knowledge passed down by his grandmother, what he learned from the civil association Ciencia Social Alternativa, Kóokay, his mother’s embroidery, and his language, which reclaims the act of seeing the world in Maya, William learned something else: ignoring human rights means normalizing violence. Text: Cecilia Abreu Photography: Lilia Balam Voice in Mayan: Mali Hau Ucan The Yucatán plain covers an area of 39 524 km², of which 103.4 km² are within the municipality of Mayapán, home to the (unofficially) last great Maya capital and to William Leandro Chan Chan.

Building the public school system that every child deserves

September 24, 2026

Education systems have the power to transform children’s lives and shape the adults they will become. When those systems aren’t serving everyone equally, it’s up to all of us to act. In the Land of Enchantment, the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty is leading the way toward a fully funded, more equitable education for all children by holding the state accountable in the courts for unfulfilled promises. Nowhere is that effort more apparent than in the groundbreaking case of Yazzie/Martinez vs. the State of New Mexico.

Burmese American children are ‘Catching the Dream’ in Battle Creek

September 22, 2026

Catching the Dream Learning Center, the nation’s first Burmese-owned early learning center, helps children in Battle Creek, Mich., thrive through education delivered in multiple languages and supports provided for the whole family.

Using sports to reframe a nation’s stories

September 16, 2026

During FIFA World Cup 2026, Haitian families, youth and community leaders gathered across Haiti and the diaspora to celebrate their national team and much more. They waved flags, sang, danced and shared their culture with neighbors and soccer fans from around the world.

Healthy Families: The key to New Mexico’s future

September 14, 2026

Health equity means giving every New Mexican an equal shot at being their healthiest self. In this episode of “Pass the Sopapillas,” Manuel González talks with advocates and community leaders about health care access, maternal and child health, culturally grounded care and what it takes to build healthier families across New Mexico.

Healing as a blueprint: Dr. Angel Acosta’s mission to help every child thrive

September 14, 2026

The blog profiles Dr. Angel Acosta’s journey from growing up in a Dominican immigrant family in New York City to founding the Acosta Institute, a WKKF grantee focused on healing, education and community well-being. Drawing on his experiences as a first-generation college graduate, educator and researcher, Acosta has spent his career exploring how healing practices can help educators process trauma and create environments where children can thrive. The piece traces the evolution of the Acosta Institute into a national hub for leadership development, capacity building and cultural transformation, equipping educators and community leaders with tools to foster safety, belonging, equity and well-being.

Child pointing up while sitting at table with a meal.

The Farm Bill, SNAP, and the childcare connection

September 11, 2026

SNAP helps families meet all basic needs, including childcare. By helping families cover the cost of food, the program allows many parents and caregivers to redirect limited income toward other essentials.

Bonus Episode – How We Heal: A conversation with Gov. Regis Pecos

September 10, 2026

Former Cochiti Pueblo Governor Regis Pecos joins “Pass the Sopapillas” to share how the wisdom of his grandfather transformed pain and anger into a lifelong commitment to justice, compassion and service. In conversation with host Manuel González, Pecos reflects on Indigenous core values and the responsibility to create a more loving and equitable future for generations to come.

Food sovereignty in Aunt Vero’s garden

September 1, 2026

This chronicle portrays Verónica del Jesús Chay, “Aunt Vero,” a prominent member of the community who works to guarantee her food sovereignty with a backyard garden.

A ‘softer landing’ to a career in the classroom

August 25, 2026

Amid New Mexico’s ongoing teacher shortage, San Juan College’s Educator Academy is helping aspiring educators enter the classroom with confidence through hands-on preparation, paid residencies and mentorship. For Navajo educators like Tonniale Clichee and Lana Nacki, the program offers a “softer landing” into teaching while helping build a stronger, more representative workforce rooted in the communities it serves.

Racial Healing: Courageous conversations for a better tomorrow

August 24, 2026

In this episode, host Manuel González travels to Las Cruces, New Mexico, to explore how workforce development, philanthropy and innovative economic policies are helping create opportunity for families across Southern New Mexico.

A dollar that counts twice: SNAP and Louisiana’s farms