Commentary: Today, Governor Susana Martinez and CYFD Secretary Monique Jacobson unveiled “Pull Together,” a community engagement effort that calls on New Mexicans to join the fight in improving the quality of life for every child and making our state the best place to be a kid. The effort includes connecting New Mexicans in need to resources in their communities and around the state, while also helping those who want to make a difference find ways to help.
“As Governor, I will never stop fighting to improve the lives of our children, and I believe that is something that every New Mexican can get behind,” Governor Martinez said. “That is why it's so important that we all pull together – as neighbors, family, and fellow New Mexicans – to make our state the best place to be a kid. Because at the end of the day, we owe it to our children to give them the brightest future possible. ”
The main focus of the effort is to encourage communities to play a role in improving the quality of life of every child – whether that’s learning how to be a better parent or finding ways to help another family.
The Pull Together effort will direct New Mexicans in need to various resources available through state and local agencies, businesses, and nonprofits. This includes where to find low-cost child care assistance, free summer meals, substance abuse and behavioral health treatment and services, and tips on how to keep children safe.
The effort will also serve as a resource to help New Mexicans who want to make a difference in their community. This includes adopting or fostering a child, donating a backpack to a child in need, reporting child abuse or neglect, or even applying for a job at CYFD.
“It is important that New Mexicans know that to improve the quality of life for our children one agency cannot do this alone,” said CYFD Cabinet Secretary Monique Jacobson. “It takes all New Mexicans working together and helping each other, to make a true difference in the lives of our children regardless of existing challenges in our state.”
Pull Together will provide a multi-pronged approach to reach New Mexicans who need support or want to help. Information is available online through PullTogether.org, literature, and through a resource and referral line. In addition, television and newspaper ads will run statewide to raise awareness of the program and encourage people to get involved.
For more information on how to find support, resources, or ways to help out in your community, New Mexicans can visit PullTogether.org or call 1-800-691-9067.