Ulices Story: Transformation Through Sports 

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When Ulices first came to us at the Inspira Youth Center, he was a shy young man. He lacked self-confidence and suffered from issues with his weight. Initially he struggled to participate in sports activities at all – he tired quickly and often doubted himself. Even so, he showed a great drive to improve and learn.

As the months went by, and thanks to constant support by coaches in the volleyball and basketball activities, Ulices began to transform. Little by little, he improved his physical condition, confidence, and motivation. His effort was evident: he began to move with greater agility, participate with more enthusiasm, and fully integrate with his teammates.

Beyond physical changes, Ulices’ biggest achievement has been his personal and social development. The atmosphere of respect, camaraderie, and joy that exists during sports has helped him feel part of a group where everyone supports each other. Today, Ulices has not only lost a considerable amount of weight, but also displays a positive, cheerful, and participatory attitude.

His smile reflects pride in all he has achieved and motivation to keep going. His story shows that with support, discipline, and a healthy environment, young people can profoundly transform their lives.

Recent border activity: 2025 Edition

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Mexican artists decorated a section of the border wall in Nogales to symbolize those who have died attempting to cross the border.

Friends and supporters occasionally ask us: “What’s happening on the border these days? What changes do you notice?” 

And, they’re wise to ask this; because, the border area is always subject  to flux. What’s common or typical at one time may be entirely different another time. People change. Personnel changes. Political policies change. Weather changes. Many factors influence what is “normal” on the border.

So, in 2025, what are we noticing? We’d like to share some comments from our Border Partner connections.

International Migration Changes

One of our long-term volunteers, Billie Greenwood, attended the Binational Encuentro on the N. Mexico border in the Yuma (AZ) Sector October 12. This event gathered Roman Catholic bishops from both sides of the border as well as migrant supporters and activists from around the US with locals in San Luis Rio Colorado in Sonora, Mexico. 

The bishops signed a joint statement supporting the right to migrate and affirming the dignity of migrants. Meanwhile, the attendees heard a panel of experts from the US and Mexico explain their situations in 2025. Billie shared what she learned with us.

Migration in Mexico

There are no longer US appointments available for asylum seekers. Thus, there’s no avenue for people to plead for political asylum on our border in a regularized manner. These legal means disappeared overnight in January. Migrants seeking refuge are consumed with despair and bewilderment.

In Puerto Palomas, migration has disappeared. The migrant shelter in Palomas has closed. Colores United in Deming, NM has closed its doors. Casa Alitas in Tucson, AZ closed in January. Now, no one seeks shelter on the border to continue northward to unite with relatives or sponsors as they once did. 

Our Border Justice Project friends in Silver City have stopped collecting supplies to support migrants who are journeying northward. That’s because no new migrants are entering the U.S. 

Meanwhile, organized crime in Mexico has grown more powerful and vicious. Crime syndicates are responsible for disappearances, kidnapping and trafficking of migrants and others who are trapped in Mexico, unable to go north. These atrocities were once more commonly localized on the north border. But, now this violent activity has moved downwards into central Mexico.

U.S. Immigrants’ Situation

The immigrant communities in the United States are stricken with fear. They’re reluctant to leave their homes unnecessarily. Their church attendance has dropped dramatically. 

Their greatest need is reliable and legitimate legal aid. All those who can file for a U.S. passport would benefit from possessing one. This will give them greater legitimacy and afford them the right to travel beyond the US without needing to await for the passport application process.

New Employees for Our Health and Nutrition Projects in Puerto Palomas

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We are excited to announce two new employees to join Border Partners’ local staff in Puerto Palomas. They will help strengthen our projects focusing on health, nutrition, and community well-being.

New Health Promoter

We are excited to welcome Aylin Vega Joining our team of “health promoters” in the Border Partners office. Aylin is 29 and previously worked as a dental assistant. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball and making homemade candles. The health promoters perform health checks, host sports activities, organize events and contribute to our daily operations.

New Nutrition Educator

welcome to new employees

Expanding our staff will promote our goals in Puerto Palomas.

We needed an excellent person to oversee our work providing nutrition training and workshops across Palomas schools as part of our Healthy Eating project with the Paso del Norte Health Foundation. Dr. Francisco Javier Parra, a retired Palomas doctor, is eager to continue his spirit of community contribution in this role. Previously, he had his own practice and worked for 29 years in social services.

In his retirement, the doctor lives with his wife and two young grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with family, reading, and keeping up with current events. He’ll be our lead teacher for nutrition classes, with Joel Carreon transitioning roles and taking over the gardening workshops.

We are excited to have both of these professionals and their valuable skills on board with us, supporting our programs and realizing our vision of a healthy and thriving community in Palomas.

11th Annual Palomas Summer School: Building Skills & Community

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Puerto Palomas Summer School 2025 gave structure, fun and food to children. In this circle they are guided in structured activity by an adult leader.

This July, Border Partners held its annual summer school program for local youth looking for educational fun during the summer heat wave. For three weeks, we hosted a packed afternoon program for around 100 kids aged 5 to 13. We provided a variety of educational activities. We aimed to foster personal development, creativity, and connection for these young participants.

Over the three weeks, nearly 300 children participated in Summer School 2025. They received snacks and refreshments daily. Sharing food created moments of joy and connection around the table as important as time spent in the classroom or outside on the playground.

Sharing nutritious food around the table promoted good friendships and was just as important as the summer school classes.

Summer School Week ONE

The first week opened with activities ranging from welcome games and simple cooking classes to more hands-on science experiments. The students also had plenty of fun. 

They enjoyed movie afternoons, water games, and outdoor play. All of this gave them plenty of physical activity alongside the learning.

Summer School Week TWO

In the second week, participants explored their artistic side. They enjoyed another cooking session. They also discovered the joy of science with projects like kinetic sand and bubble blowers.

A summer highlight was the evening bonfire, where children roasted chocolates together for a moment of connection and reflection.

Summer School Grand Finale

We closed the summer school with a special celebration. At this event we honored all the birthdays with a piñata, cake, and games.

The children also enjoyed a visit from the local fire department. The fire fighters taught them fire safety. This skill is especially important in our dry region which is prone to high temperatures.

Thanks to the dedication of our staff, this year’s program achieved its goals: fostering respect, creativity, and community. It provided the children a summer with their friends that they are not likely to soon forget.

The success of this year’s summer school strengthens our commitment to offering enriching opportunities. We believe that learning and play go hand in hand. Combining learning and fun is a goal we will continue to honor in the programming our newly opened Youth Center will provide.

Velasco Education Fund Awards First Scholarship Recipients

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First winners of the scholarships from the Velasco Education Fund are ready to launch their futures with further post-high school studies: (L-R) Andrea Enriquez, Nancy Victoria Murillo, Uriel Enriquez, Santiago Quinteros and Nancy Flores. Not pictured: Damian Elezier Gonzalez Escajeda.

Border Partners is pleased to announce the recipients of the Velasco Education Fund scholarship, awarded this year for the first time, in memory of Juan Velasco.  Creating the Velasco Fund was Suzanne Dulle’s idea as a way to honor Juan’s commitment to the education of students in Puerto Palomas.  His friends and other supporters of Border Partners responded to the idea with amazing generosity.  

Following a selection process spearheaded by General Manager, Juan Rascon and Program Manager, Victoria Ibarra, along with Suzanne Dulle, Juan’s partner, the Velasco Education Fund gave out four scholarships, two to students at each high school in Puerto Palomas.

However, in this case 2+2 does not equal 4:  a total of SIX students will benefit from the funding from the new foundation! After interviewing and selecting finalists, four students asked if they could split the funding between them, rather than only two receiving more money. We applaud the students for this show of mutual support and believe it reflects highly on their character. And, we congratulate all of the winners who will head off to university this fall! 

First Velasco Education Fund Awardees

A little information on the recipients:

  • Damian plans to study marketing and volunteers his time teaching the guitar.
  • Uriel intends to study Business with a focus on international trade.
  • Nancy Victoria also wants to study Business and is a math tutor for younger students.
  • Andrea plans to major in Psychology.
  • Nancy Guadalupe and Santiago, both Border Partners volunteers, will study Medicine and Physical Conditioning, respectively.

Congratulations to this year’s winners.  We are so excited to see what you will do and to follow your educational journeys over the next few years! And thank you to the late Juan Velasco, whose memory shines on gratefully in the bright futures of these students. 

Youth Center “Inspire” Officially Opens its Doors in Puerto Palomas

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officials at Inspire Youth Center opening

Officials, leaders, educators and youth supporters of the commuity joined our review stand to inaugurate the opening of the Inspire Youth Center.

Monday, May 12th marked a joyful occasion for Border Partners and the entire community in Puerto Palomas with the opening ceremony of the Inspire Youth Center. It’s a vibrant new space dedicated to fostering growth, connection, creativity, culture, and health for the children and youth in Palomas. 

We were honored to welcome a panel of local leaders and committed partners in youth education and well-being. This roster included the following persons:

  • Ms. Rosa Elia González Quezada, Principal of Ford 170 Elementary School

  • Ms. Manuela Carmona Chavira, Principal of Arnulfo Alvillar Corona Preschool

  • Mr. Edwin Yahir Durán Martínez, Preschool Zone 43 Supervisor

  • Mr. José Luis Villa Serrato, Principal of Secondary School Técnica #25

  • Ms. Ninfa Romo, Municipal Councilwoman

  • Peter and Polly Edmunds, Founders of Border Partners

  • Scott Davies, Board Member, Border Partners

  • Juan Rascón, General Manager, Border Partners

  • Victoria Ibarra, President of the Lions Club and Director of the Inspire Youth Center

Activities, Performances at Youth Center Opening

We were also delighted by the presence and energy of the center’s new passionate instructors, including Ramon Quinteros, Jesus Arana, Coach Adrian Chaparro, and Ms. Andrea Perez, who will contribute to the curriculum and courses at the center moving forward.

The event featured a formal flag ceremony, carried out by the honor guard of Secondary School Técnica #25 under the direction of Coach Adrián Chaparro. Attendees were also treated to a delightful dance performance by the school’s dance group, directed by Professor Adauto Chávez.

Community Effort Produced Youth Center

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this significant day possible—especially the members of Border Partners, our educational partners, special guests, supportive families, and most importantly, the children and young people who will give life and purpose to this new space.

Introducing Our New Puerto Palomas’ Youth Center: “Inspire” 

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Youth in Puerto Palomas will benefit from opportunities to develop leadership and strengthen relationships at our new Inspire program.

Border Partners is proud to announce that we will officially open the doors of our new Youth Center called “Inspire,” on May 12. This is something we have dreamed of doing for a long time. The Inspire Youth Center will be a safe space for young people 

  • to connect with peers and mentors,
  • to build new skills, and
  • to foster their learning and growth through structured classes and activities.

Puerto Palomas has never had any after-school programming for kids. However, drug gangs walk the streets every day looking for kids with nothing to do. Now, these vulnerable kids will have a place to go. It’s a place they can meet friends and find new interests through after-school sessions with trusted community mentors. The Inspire Youth Center will offer after-school programming to provide new opportunities for youth of Puerto Palomas.

Our target beneficiaries are “disconnected” youth between the ages of 10-17. These are kids who don’t have a safe environment at home or supportive adults outside of school. Often they’re not attending school or have failing grades. Experts estimate that 25% of youth in Mexico fall into this category. We think there are about 150 such kids in Palomas.

Inspire Youth Center Activities

In the first weeks we’re open, we’ll offer four classes each afternoon from 4-7 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. There will be healthy snacks for the kids who attend. And, we’ll offer free-time activities for all every afternoon.

The classes we’re offering during the first month are art, mechanics, sports and marching band. In each case, skilled professionals will instruct students in small groups.

We’re realizing this big project through the generous support of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation under their Healthy Kids initiative. Several generous individuals have donated, as well, to make the Inspire Youth Center possible.

You, too, can contribute to the sustainability of the project and expand our offerings at the Youth Center. Border Partners is currently fundraising through Give Grandly until May 17, 2025. A generous donor will match very dollar you contribute. That allows us to make this concrete and positive difference in the lives of border youth.

This new initiative allows us to make a positive difference in the lives of border youth. Your financial support will augment new opportunities for challenged youth in Puerto Palomas at the Inspire Youth Center. 

Puerto Palomas Leader Achieves Professional Goal

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Victoria Ibarra earned her assistant nursing degree while employed as Border Partners’ Assistant General Manager. She’s seen here at the site of the commemoration service.

Victoria Ibarra, Border Partner’s Assistant Manager, continues to amaze all of us who watch her accomplish her life goals. Many of us were her in Puerto Palomas in 2012 when she arrived from Oaxaca in southern Mexico. She was a single mom with a young daughter at that time. Vicky also now has a four year old son, Manuel.  He and her partner, David, are her biggest supporters.

Victoria decided to attend the first training Border Partners ever held for “Promotoras” (Health Educators). Ever since that first group of promotoras began service, she has faithfully served the community as a health promotora.

But, that was only step one. Since that time she has done so much more for Border Partners and the community of Puerto Palomas.

In 2023, Victoria completed her GED (high school equivalency). Immediately afterwards, she started work on her Assistant Nursing Certificate.

In 2024, she participated as a founder of the first Lion’s Club in Puerto Palomas. That year, she accepted the designation of the Woman for the Year in the Municipality of Ascensión (the equivalent of a county in the United States). This award honors people who serve their communities.

Last month, on Sunday, February 23 she and twenty other local residents received their official certificates recognizing them as Enfermerias Auxilaras (Assistant Nurses).

Victoria Ibarra, Assistant Nurse

Auxiliar–or assistant–nurses in Mexico are professionals who provide basic health care to patients. They work under the supervision of registered nurses. You will see assistant nurses at work in hospitals, communities, and/or homes. Some functions assistant nurses often do are to:

  • Feed patients
  • Record patient’s temperature, weight, and pulse
  • Change bandages
  • Administer medications
  • Make beds and tidy clothes
  • Help patients get dressed and go to the bathroom
  • Provide emotional support
  • Collect samples for laboratory tests.

Border Partners is very grateful to Victoria Ibarra for her consistent and dedicated efforts to make life better for people in Palomas. We know her very well. We can say with assurance that she is committed to improving the lives of the people in her community.

Newly established “Velasco Education Fund” will extend access to higher education & trade schools

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File photo showing Juan Velaso (right) at work teaching adults in Puerto Palomas how to write a business plan and create businesses.

by Suzanne Dulle

Juan Velasco

Juan Velasco used the whiteboard to educate, particularly helping potential entrepreneurs with their businesses.

Students in Palomas who are desirous of pursuing a higher education will soon have that opportunity, thanks to the establishment of the Velasco Education Fund, in memory of Juan Velasco.

For the past 21 years, Velasco has been tireless in supporting educational and community based projects. In 2003, he and his wife started a small not-for-profit organization which awarded university scholarships to students in Juan’s native Bolivia. Later, he expanded his work to Palomas, where he taught business development classes and assisted with other efforts to benefit the community. He focused on providing the opportunity of higher education to many, many deserving students.

Juan Velasco died unexpectedly last summer at the age of 81. To keep alive his unfailing interest in education on all levels, as well as his deep love and commitment to the people of Palomas, his wife, Suzanne Dulle, recently proposed the establishment of the Velasco Education Fund. We are happy to report that the proposed fund was approved at the most recent Border Partner’s Board meeting!

Velasco Education Fund

An important component of the fund will include the award of scholarships to deserving students who want to pursue a higher level of education in universities and/or trade schools in Mexico. Awards will be based on financial need, good grades, as well as personal interviews. Additionally, the fund may be used for students within schools in the community of Palomas itself, such as funding for uniforms, books, and other needed school supplies.

The fund is being initially seeded with a small donation from Juan’s Estate, along with donations from various Velasco family members. We are hopeful that continuing donations to the Education Fund from our donors will ensure that it will be sustained over many years!

If you are interested in supporting this important effort, please donate to Border Partners, and specify that your donation is for the “Velasco Education Fund.”

THANK YOU for your continuing vital support of our educational work in Palomas.

Border Partners Receives Local Support for New Youth Center Project in Puerto Palomas

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Gustavo Soto Del Hierro, the regional coordinator of local Telebachillerato (L) and Juan Rascon, General Manager of Border Partners, celebrate the signed agreement that unites our shared interest in safeguarding and fostering the youth of Puerto Palomas.

Border Partners recently received a visit from Gustavo Soto Del Hierro, the regional coordinator of our local Mexican area “Telebachillerato” high school and the newly elected mayor of Palomas. This visit formalized our partnership with a high school in Puerto Palomas to open a Youth Center that will use the facilities of the Telebachillerato.

There’s a mental health crisis among young people everywhere today. Kids in Palomas face even more challenges. Drug gang members roam the streets looking for teens willing to risk crossing the border into the US with drugs. There are approximately 600 students ages 10-17 living in Palomas. Many of them do not continue school after eighth grade. Experts estimate that 25% of youth in Palomas do not have a safe environment at home. They also lack healthy activities and trusted adults to rely on outside of school time. There are no after-school programs, of any kind, in Palomas now.

Telebachillerato Youth Center Meets a Need

We hope to address this crisis by opening a Youth Center. This project, slated to begin in April 2025, proposes to provide vulnerable youth in Puerto Palomas, ages 10-17, with a safe space to gather and learn. We estimate that potentially 600 students could take advantage of this Youth Center. It will offer an environment that allows youth to pursue both social and career-oriented activities. We will model the program on the long-term success of our summer schools in Palomas and on lessons learned in a three month trial program in Spring, 2024. 

The Center will open four days each week from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. It will offer a variety of classes, sports activities, mental health counseling and community service opportunities. Classes at the Youth Center will develop skills and concepts in multiple subjects.  These classes will range from a variety of areas like art, music, computer literacy, and gardening. Classes will also include areas that may spark interest in a career. That may include, for example, classes in auto mechanics, first aid, carpentry and robotics. In addition to learning opportunities, teens will be able to participate in informal sports and sports tournaments. If desired, youth will be able to pair with an adult mentor for support. We will offer community service opportunities as well.

Our potential partnership with the Palomas Telebachillerato confirms the commitment of the local school to this project. The officials have agreed to provide us access to facilities on the school grounds free of charge. This will include the use of a large indoor gym as well as classrooms, a kitchen, and outdoor soccer, basketball and volleyball courts.

What are Community Telebachillerato?

Community Telebachilleratos are an educational option created by the Mexican Ministry of Public Education (SEP) to offer Upper Secondary Education services to the most remote rural communities in the country that do not have a public high school service within a 5-kilometer radius. The other high school in Palomas is a private school that requires tuition. Currently about 75 students attend the Telebachillerato. 

Impact of Partnership

The Puerto Palomas Telebachellerato is a new facility. High school programming ends at 3PM. We are pleased that they are allowing us to use the facilities after 3PM and on the weekends for the Youth Center. And, in a significant financial support, they are offering us the use of the facilities free-of-charge. 

Following the meeting, Juan Rascon, General Manager of Border Partners said:

We are very happy to be able to work with Gustavo, our new sectional president (mayor), and his team, for the benefit of the children and youth of our community.
Thank you for your support, Profe Gustavo.”

We look forward to working together with local educational institutions and committed community partners to make Palomas a place where youth can thrive, inside and outside of school. This program will help us turn our dream of fostering safety and growth for the youth of Puerto Palomas into a reality.

Funding for this project

We decided in early 2024 that opening a youth center was a priority for Border Partners. Ever since, our grant writer has been researching possibilities for grant funding. She has submitted several applications. In addition, we received a great response from individuals to our appeal letter. We are very hopeful that we will be able to open the center in April of 2025.