Did you know that the United Way of El Paso County’s Community Impact Fund helps support 18 local nonprofit agencies and 22 vital programs across our community, focusing on health, education, basic needs, and financial stability?
One of those nonprofit agencies and programs is the Paso Del Norte (PDN) Children’s Inclusive Early Learning Center (IELC)—El Paso’s only bilingual, multicultural early childhood learning center specifically designed for children with special needs.
At PDN Children’s IELC, children like Aiden receive specialized care that fosters their social-emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development. This center offers a nurturing environment where families of children with special needs find support and their children are given every opportunity to reach their fullest potential.
Diagnosed with Autism after his first birthday, Aiden initially faced a 40% cognitive delay. Upon starting at PdN Children’s IELC, he was struggling with facial expressions, emotions, and basic communication. Aiden had a hard time with eye contact, rarely smiled, and didn’t engage with others or understand play.
Thanks to the dedicated team at PdN Children’s IELC and the generosity of donors, Aiden has truly blossomed. The center has given Aiden a home away from home where he is comfortable to learn, grow, and have fun. Today, he beams with joy, has begun speaking, and reads and writes beyond his age level. His affection has also flourished and has given his first kiss—moments his family cherishes.
Aiden’s mom shares, “The reality is, this is a world that isn’t built with an understanding of autism. Having a place that does understand makes life brighter, more hopeful, and feels safe. PDN truly has been a pillar in some of the hardest times in our life. They were the village I needed to raise him.”
The PdN Children’s IELC is just one example of how United Way’s Community Impact Fund is making a difference in El Paso. Your contributions individually or through workplace giving directly support this fund, helping us to continue driving positive change.
To learn more or to start a workplace campaign at your organization, contact Crystal Gurrola, Development Specialist, at (915) 533-2434, ext. 228, or email crystalgurrola@unitedwayelpaso.org.
By uniting in our efforts, we build stronger connections, amplify our impact, and create lasting change throughout our community.
*The image has been changed to maintain privacy.
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