In the heart of New Mexico, an ambitious project is poised to transform the landscape of community support and family well-being. The MacArthur Foundation has announced a remarkable opportunity with their “100 and Change” grant: a $100 million grant over five years, aimed at funding a groundbreaking idea with the potential to drive progressive change and deliver substantial public benefits. This initiative seeks to support a project that not only holds promise but can also serve as a model for communities across the nation and globe. In this context, New Mexico’s own 100% New Mexico initiative stands out as a compelling contender.

Five years ago, the Anna, Age Eight Institute embarked on a journey to secure this grant, making it through the initial rounds of judging with their proposal for the 100% New Mexico initiative. At that time, the institute was in its infancy, yet it possessed a clear vision: to ensure that 100% of families in New Mexico have access to ten vital services necessary for survival and prosperity. These services, outlined in our book 100% Community: Ensuring 10 Vital Services for Surviving and Thriving, include healthcare, education, housing, and more. The hypothesis was simple yet profound: when families have access to these essential services, they thrive, children are healthier, students achieve greater success, and families become safer and more self-sufficient.

Our groundbreaking proposal is ready today

Fast forward to today, and the 100% New Mexico initiative has evolved into a robust program with a proven track record. Seventeen counties across New Mexico are actively engaged in building their capacity to ensure these services are accessible to all families. At the heart of this effort is the 100% Family Center: One Stop Service Hub, a keystone project that connects families to services both onsite and online, with the support of dedicated staff navigators. This innovative hub not only links families to existing services but also works to expand them, addressing critical workforce shortages in healthcare, education, and social work.

The 100% New Mexico initiative represents a game-changing project, not only for New Mexico but for any state seeking to create communities where thriving families are the norm. The initiative’s comprehensive approach to service delivery and its focus on building local capacity make it a model for progressive change. By investing in the well-being of families, the initiative is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more prosperous future.

Thriving Families Equals Thriving Local Economies

A thriving local economy is deeply interconnected with the well-being of its children, students, and families; when communities prioritize essential services such as education, healthcare, and economic support, they lay the foundation for a prosperous future where every individual can flourish. By investing in children and students, we are not only nurturing the next generation of skilled workers and innovative entrepreneurs but also creating a vibrant ecosystem that attracts new businesses, ultimately enhancing our city’s economic appeal and sustainability.

New Mexico is changing in profound ways

The potential impact of the 100% New Mexico initiative extends to all 33 counties. It also extends beyond the state’s borders. By demonstrating the effectiveness of a comprehensive, community-driven approach to service delivery, the initiative can inspire similar efforts in other states and countries. As communities across the nation grapple with challenges related to healthcare access, education, and economic security, the 100% New Mexico initiative offers a blueprint for success.

In conclusion, New Mexico’s million-dollar idea is not just a proposal for a grant; it is a vision for a brighter future that New Mexicans can create for everyone. By ensuring that every family has access to the services they need to thrive, the 100% New Mexico initiative is setting the stage for transformative change. We need not depend on philanthropy to realize our bold idea as New Mexico has the financial assets to implement our visionary proposal. This initiative has the potential to become a national model for progressive community development, demonstrating that when families thrive, communities flourish.