USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner traveled to Chaparral, New Mexico earlier today to help celebrate the obligation of funds to the Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico (CAASNM) which will be used to help small day care businesses grow and expand.
During the event Brunner said, "The availability of day care services in rural areas is crucial to the stability of rural economies and rural families," Brunner added, “Our funding will help the Community Action Agency provide needed services to day care businesses in Southern Dona Ana County.”
The $49,866 investment announced today, through USDA's Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program will promote the development of five home day care businesses through the partnership made with CAASNM. The non-profit agency has targeted 5 underserved minority and women-owned daycare centers located in the areas of Anthony and Chaparral in Doña Ana County, New Mexico.
CAASNM will make available business workshops offering mentoring and coaching services to the five daycare centers through its Microenterprise Empowerment Training Program (METP). By providing the business training and services it is believed an economic impact can be created in southern Doña Ana County. This is because the child care industry creates jobs and can foster increased economic activity by allowing parents to go to work in the labor market.
CAASNM will also be providing similar training and one-on-one coaching services to other small businesses located in Anthony, Chaparral, Vado, Berino and Sunland Park.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.