$100 Million and Change
In a world where bold visions collide with unforeseen challenges, the Anna, Age Eight Institute stood on the brink of a groundbreaking opportunity.
Katherine Ortega Courtney, PhD and Dominic Cappello
March 25, 2024
As we near the five-year anniversary of the Anna, Age Eight Institute, we are reflecting back on critical incidents that informed our development and insights. It was almost five long years ago to the day that a request for a proposal from the MacArthur Foundation crossed our desks. It promised to one lucky organization $100 million to revolutionize societal change, igniting a five-year mission they would fund to make an indelible impact. With unwavering determination, the institute unveiled its ambitious plan in the proposal: the 100% New Mexico initiative. Armed with a blueprint for transformation and a fervent belief in our cause, we embarked on a journey to address the root causes of society’s most pressing public health, safety, and education challenges, including childhood trauma. Yes, we were certain the money would be awarded to support our mission, especially since we planned to send most of it to local initiatives.
As the proposal took flight, hope soared high fueled by the promise of a brighter future for New Mexico and beyond. Yet, after making it through the first two rounds, a rejection email shattered our dreams of financial support. Undeterred by this setback, the institute refused to waver in its resolve. As co-directors, we forged ahead with grit and passion, determined to bring our vision to life without the 100 million dollars.
Against all odds…
Five years later, against all odds and with humble resources, the 100% New Mexico initiative thrives. Collaborating with stakeholders across 17 counties, we are pioneering innovative solutions to empower families and uplift communities. Through inventive surveys, partnership-building, seven steps, and a strategic framework with the 100% Community model, we have laid the groundwork for transformative change. With each milestone achieved, we prove that true impact comes from tenacity.
With a daring and audacious quest, the 100% New Mexico initiative continues on its monumental mission to transform the very fabric of society. The goal: to turn adverse social determinants of health into positive forces by guaranteeing that every single family has access to the ten vital services essential for survival and thriving, as chronicled in the groundbreaking book 100% Community. What was once deemed too ambitious now stands as an epic, yet doable challenge embraced by fearless leaders who are unwavering in their conviction that success is not a question of “if,” but a matter of “when.” As the initiative continues on this bold adventure, the fate of families across New Mexico hangs in the balance, with the promise of a brighter future driving local 100% leaders forward. Along the way, research briefs document the complexity of the multisector work as New Mexico continues as the first state to take on a statewide initiative with such a daunting scope.
Investing in a tested solution
In a tale of resilience and unwavering dedication, the change agents of the New Mexico initiative are showcasing that vision and determination can overcome any obstacle. As we look towards the future, local 100% initiative leaders are envisioning a landscape where every county boasts a 100% Family Center: One Stop Service Hub, every school is a community school, health center, and service hub nurturing academic excellence and addressing adversity and trauma head-on, and every city has a “grow your own” program to address workforce shortages in healthcare, education, and social work.
Thousands of people connected with the 100% New Mexico initiative stand as a testament to the power of collective action and unwavering belief in a brighter tomorrow. The lesson learned from being rejected by the “100 and change” proposal reviewers was profound. The worth of caring for and empowering 100% of families transcends any monetary value, embodying the true essence of resilience and community spirit.
Having validated the feasibility of the 100% Community model during our initial five years with minimal “start up” funding, we can inform the MacArthur Foundation and all funders in the governmental, nongovernmental, and private sector realms that we’re ready to scale our operations and accelerate our problem-solving capabilities for the next growth phase with the appropriate investments.
Did you know? Our transformational 100% New Mexico initiative is guided by web-based, self-paced courses provided free to all New Mexicans.
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Dr. Katherine Ortega Courtney
Katherine Ortega Courtney, PhD. is a changemaker, psychologist, author, and life coach. Her work in child welfare advocacy has instilled change in data-driven trauma prevention in states across the country. She has worked in policy and research and has led community initiatives through her work at the Santa Fe Community Foundation and the New Mexico Early Childhood Development Partnership. As a psychologist and life coach, she coaches individuals and organizations on interrupting the cycles of trauma, addressing the burnout rate in government jobs and child welfare, and providing the tools and skills to achieve the work-life balance that will trickle down to better outcomes in prevention. Her doctorate work at Texas Christian University was in experimental psychology focused on substance abuse treatment and prevention.
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Dominic Cappello
Cappello is a New York Times bestselling author and TEDx Conference curator with decades of experience advocating for health, safety and education. He has a Master of Arts in Liberal studies with an emphasis on Language and Communication from Regis University. He worked for the New Mexico Department of Health Epidemiology and Response Division and the New Mexico Child Protective Services Research, Assessment and Data Bureau, where he co-developed the Data Leader for Child Welfare program, which he implemented in New York City, Connecticut and New Mexico.
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The 100% New Mexico initiative is a program of the Anna, Age Eight Institute at New Mexico State University, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service. Contact: annaageeight@nmsu.edu or visit annaageeight.nmsu.edu to learn more.
