Project Cariño

Since 1984, Project Cariño has provided therapy free of charge to McCurdy Ministries and McCurdy Charter School students and their families. We employ two full-time therapists and mentor student interns from area colleges, provide therapy programs, after school programs, and the Big Buddy/Little Buddy mentoring program.

For more information email eromero@mccurdy.org or call 505-753-7221.

Our Therapy Programs

Therapy including talk, play, and family therapy
Big Buddy/Little Buddy mentoring program for high school and elementary students
Celebrate Survival involves retreats for elementary and secondary students who have had a death in their immediate family. The retreat is to help them process their experiences and find support from students who have journeyed the same path in a safe, supportive environment.
Grief, Anxiety and Anti-Bullying Support Groups for students
Mental health classroom presentations
The Project Cariño Clubhouse - a faith based after school care program for kids in kindergarten - 7th grade

Big Buddy/ Little Buddy Program

The Big Buddy/Little Buddy program is an important part of Project Carino which connects a younger student with an older student for mentoring and peer support. It’s so important for the ‘Littles’ to know that they are not alone and the ‘Bigs’ love being a support.

Student Testimony

The difference Project Cariño makes with our students is best demonstrated by a testimony from a student receiving therapy. “Project Cariño has been a great help to me. I was dealing with problems at home and in school. I felt alone, worthless, stupid and like I had no place anywhere. Then one day when I couldn’t take it anymore, someone took me to Project Cariño.”

Meet the Team

Program Director

Bill Clap

wclapp@mccurdy.org

Bill Clapp has provided treatment for children and adolescents for almost fifty years. He has a master's degree in child psychology and doctoral studies in marriage and family therapy. He is licensed as a clinical counselor ( LPCC) and as a school psychologist. He has a passion and a talent in touching the lives of children. His goal is to be the person who could have been there for him in his childhood.

After School Program Manager

Larleen Rael

lrael@mccurdy.org

Larleen Rael has an Associate Degree in General Psychology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Integrated Studies with an emphasis in Humanities, Social Science, and Psychology, and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work.

Larleen has been part of the McCurdy Ministries staff since 2024, when she began working at the Project Cariño after finishing her internship there. Her goal is to help Northern New Mexico youth overcome the daily struggles of being raised by their grandparents and parents, and make a difference in their lives.

Our Sponsors

We thank the Montei Foundation, the Northern New Mexico United Way, Con Alma Foundation, Community Health Funder Alliance, LANL Foundation, United Women in Faith (UWF) National Office, New Mexico Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Texas Methodist Foundation, N3B and all the individuals, churches, and UWF units who make this priceless ministry possible.