U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $690,000 to Establish Integrated Therapy Center in Cleveland, New Mexico

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $690,000 grant to Collins Lake Autism Center in Cleveland, New Mexico, to help build an integrated therapy center.

This grant will support training for counselors and therapists who will provide mental health and trauma recovery following devastating wildfires in the area. This EDA investment will be matched with $175,000 in local funds.

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to invest in place based economic development,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This investment will assist the community of Cleveland as it recovers from devastating wildfires, and support a resilient, regional economy with critical jobs in healthcare.”

“This center will not only provide essential mental health and trauma recovery services for those affected by the recent wildfires but will foster job creation and economic resilience in Cleveland, New Mexico. By investing in healthcare infrastructure and professional training, we are building a stronger, healthier future for our residents,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

“I’m honored to welcome this funding that will support Collins Lake Autism Center and their work assisting adults with Autism. This investment will help train and prepare staff to provide mental health and trauma recovery services following the wildfires that devastated this community,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján. “I look forward to seeing how this funding will help support families and their recovery while providing outdoor recreation opportunities to adults with Autism.”

“As Cleveland and the rest of Mora County continue to recover from the devastating effects of the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon fire, we are doing everything in our power to help. We know the land bears the scars of the fires, but people’s hearts and minds do too. That is why this $690,000 grant will create a new integrated therapy center to help the community heal and invest in the mental health of this resilient region,” said Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03).

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.