Chaparral is a small unincorporated colonia in Doña Ana and Otero Counties. A true commuter town for nearby El Paso, with a very young median resident age, Chaparral is also one of the most underserved communities in New Mexico.
Last week, Denise Gonzales, NMCF Director of Community Philanthropy, was in Chaparral, tasked with presenting four-year scholarship to ten graduating seniors. “It was an honor. This scholarship is a life-changing event for these terrific young people. They’ve made their families and their community very proud.”
The donor, who lives in Artesia, wanted to support students in Chaparral specifically because he “admires their spirit and their ability to mobilize as a community.” NMCF has a long history of supporting Chaparral and other colonias along the border, and was instrumental in granting seed money to start the very first clinic there.
Click here to learn more about NMCF’s impacts across our state.
There are many stories in New Mexico – anecdotes, histories, recollections, jokes, stories of sadness, redemption, and stories of success. These stories and images are what make up “On the Road with NMCF”. Join NMCF staff and partners as we travel the state collecting the stories that make us who we are.
Denise Gonzales
Director of Community Philanthropy
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