Chamberino Multipurpose Center
Doña Ana County, New Mexico

 

 

Since August 2005, and with state legislative support, Denise Terrazas and Mayra Franco Vasquez have been instrumental in the appropriation of $292,000 for the planning and design of Chamberino's very own Multipurpose Center. This is only a small portion of the $1,200,000 grand total estimated by the County for ultimate construction.

(Denise, Rep. Garcia, Mayra)

(Sen. Papen, Mayra, Denise)

 

The two young women started working on this project while students attending Gadsden High School. They are very involved with the Chamberino Youth Group, Doña Ana Action for Youth, and New Mexico Civic Engagement, and are currently preparing a Capital Outlay Request for the 2008 Legislature in the amount of $1,000,000. They are asking sponsorship from New Mexico State Senator Mary Kay Papen, Representative Mary Helen Garcia and Senator Cynthia Nava.

The community (through the Board of Trustees) still owns 4 parcels of land that comprise the baseball field in the center of Chamberino. The young women were able to have a local architect prepare a drawing of a 3,500 square foot facility that could fit on that land. The challenge became to get community support to transfer that land to the County, and then enter into a Joint Powers Agreement to have a nonprofit run the center, instead of the County.

From February-August 2007, the young women facilitated nine Public Hearings. These Public Hearings addressed community concerns and questions. By June 2007, the young women proposed a set of Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws for a new nonprofit corporation that would bring together the Water Board Association, the Board of Trustees, and the Chamberino Youth Group (the only three organizations in the community). They also made provisions for �at large' members of the Board of Directors. Elections for officers and the board of directors were held on August 20, 2007. These meetings and actions put the word �unity' back into community.

As a result of these Public Hearings "La Alianza" was formed. "La Alianza" is formally known as the Chamberino Community Coalition and will be established under IRS code 501(c)4). This non-profit organization is charged with working with the County and serving the community developmental, social and recreational needs.

Between September and October "La Alianza" will decide on the transfer provisions on the baseball field to the county. Once the Joint Powers Agreement is approved, the county will hire an architect to work with the community in the design of the Multipurpose Center. It is anticipated that an architect will be hired and initial designs will be made by the spring of 2008 using the $292,000.

Near term discussions with the community and the county will probably result in a decision to delay construction until the total required amount is received [as opposed to incremental use of the money for construction]. On the basis of legislative support in 2008 Mayra and Denise will recommend the corporation approach the New Mexico federal delegation for construction support in 2008-2009, Without legislative support in 2008 they do not anticipate federal support in 2008.

For their work, both young women have been recognized inside and outside of New Mexico. Mayra is the 2007 Awardee for the "Amy Biehl Youth Spirit Award". This award from New Mexico Voices recognizes "youth who have made outstanding contributions to their communities through public service". In addition to the award, she received a $1,000 scholarship. Mayra attends Doña Ana Community College, and will enter New Mexico State University in her Junior Year.

Of the 203 nominations to the Hitachi Foundation, Denise is one of ten high school students in the Nation to be recognized by the Hitachi Foundation with the Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service which recognizes high school seniors who have distinguished themselves through extensive service and leadership in their communities and commitment to addressing economic and social isolation in America. In addition to the award, she received $5,000. Denise is in her Freshman Year at New Mexico State University.