Expanding our programS in 2022

Building on the successful launch of its Day Programs in 2021, HCSL presented eight programs during the summer and fall of 2022 at its property in Jacona and two events in the Santa Fe Public School’s KIVA classroom — its transition to work program for students with special needs. With these ten programs, HCSL more than doubled the number of events it offered in 2021. Fifty-seven individuals attended HCSL’s day programs, including 32 young adults with an intellectual disability and 25 caregivers, peers and friends. Through our expanded programs, HCSL more than doubled its outreach/impact with young adults with intellectual disabilities in northern New Mexico in 2022.

HCSL’s 2022 Day Programs incorporated the natural environment of its rural property in Jacona with visual art, music and movement activities that were engaging, fun and appropriate for young adults with developmental disabilities. The programs were created by visual artist, Lucy Ranney, HCSL’s new Day Programs Coordinator. Day Program activities included creating bird nesting balls; a summer solstice clay program led by visiting artist, Mary Olson; a marimba concert; a movement activity led by the Executive Director of Aspen Ballet; and learning about burrowing owls and turtles with a staff member from the New Mexico Wildlife Center in Espanola, among other projects.

HCSL also presented two programs at the KIVA classroom. In the first program, the KIVA students used flowers from Jacona to make spring bouquets. In the second program, HCSL board members brought tomatoes and chiles from the gardens in Jacona to make salsa with the students and talk about the importance of eating fresh, healthy food.

Clients from All Individuals First in Los Alamos, as well as clients from Santa Fe-based agencies Community Options, Rainbow Therapies, Visions Case Management & Consulting, and Rise Speech and Language Therapy participated in HCSL’s 2022 Day Programs.