Editor's Note: As the Laboratory's 2004 United Way campaign continues through November, the Daily Newsbulletin will periodically publish news stories about United Way agencies. As of today, about $221,000 has been raised in pledges and donations in this year's campaign.

Katherine Vigil, an employee of the Las Cumbres Learning Center in Española Valley, brings a smile to a child's face, as she paints the youngster's feet.

Caring that changes communities

Virgil Good, executive director of Las Cumbres Learning Center in the Española Valley, is a firm believer that early intervention is the key to helping the agency's young clients overcome their difficulties. He said that about one quarter of the children who receive assistance eventually no longer need the extra help.

"One day I was running copies on our photocopier, when I heard [the sound of] little feet running down the hallway, " he recalled recently. "A 3-year-old boy stopped, popped his head into the room, and with all the energy he could muster grinned and yelled, 'Hi!' Then he continued down the hallway, stopping at each doorway to say 'Hi!' to everyone.

" I looked down and realized the paper I was copying was wet with my tears," he continued. "I paused to wonder why I was crying and realized that this little 3-year-old running down the hallway saying "Hi!" to everyone had severe problems at birth. The doctors told his parents he had little chance of normal development, and that they should just take him home and love him. But here he was, after three years of intensive therapies and lots of parental love, testing normal in all areas of development, and enthusiastically running down the hallway to greet everyone. He now has a bright future ahead of him, and United Way funding helped. "

Las Cumbres Learning Center has provided therapeutic and social-intervention assistance to children, adults and families with developmental delays and other disabilities for 33 years. The center's assistance also includes physical, occupational and speech therapies; counseling; and special equipment, as well as case management and other services to help improve the lives of children and adults in need.

The cost of these services can be considerable and out of reach for most people in the communities that Las Cumbres serves.

"[Laboratory] employees and the United Way have had a dramatic impact on the lives of young children in Northern New Mexico with developmental delays, disabilities and special emotional needs," said Good.

Las Cumbres and the United Way also provide services to adults with disabilities. The agency's employment programs, for example, give clients a way to support themselves financially and build their self-esteem. These programs also offered participants the opportunity to socialize and make new friends.

In addition, Las Cumbres offers residential services. The center's supported-living program provides 24-hour supervision, while giving residents time to learn skills that will allow them to live independently. The assisted-living service encourages participants who live on their own or with family members to make use of community services that already exist, as well as use skills they already have.

Through last Friday, about $199,150 has been raised in pledges or donations in this year's Lab United Way fund-raising campaign. For more information about United Way and this year's campaign, click here.

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