Families from immigrant and newcomer communities often face barriers to accessing culturally responsive early childhood and mental health services. Alianzas believes that building stronger communities starts by investing in children and equipping families, educators, and caregivers with the knowledge and resources they need to support healthy development from the earliest years.
Cambio de Colores 2026
During the 24th Annual Cambio de Colores Conference, Alianzas not only served on the conference planning committee but also contributed as a presenter, sharing an innovative approach to culturally responsive early childhood education.
Held June 3–5, 2026 at the State Historical Society of Missouri in Columbia, the conference brought together practitioners, researchers, educators, and community leaders from across the Midwest to strengthen the integration of immigrant communities. The conference explored key areas including:
- Health
- Civil Rights and Political Participation
- Community and Economic Development
- Education and Youth Development
Planting Semillitas (“Little Seeds”)
Alianzas’ presentation highlighted the power of collaboration to advance health outcomes for Latino children, families and communities.
The Early Childhood Mental Health Collective (ECMHC), an initiative launched by the Hall Family Foundation in 2024, aims to improve access to mental health services for children, families and early childhood professionals across five Kansas City metropolitan early learning centers.
Alianzas Director Gerardo Martinez and ECMHC Principal Investigator Susan Schmidt presented “Semillitas: A Kansas City Culturally Responsive Early Childhood Program” which showcased a community-based model designed to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of young children while honoring the cultural and linguistic strengths of immigrant families.
The presentation shared how the ECMHC is working to:
- Embed mental health services within early childhood learning centers
- Support primary caregivers both at home and within educational settings
- Strengthen educators’ skills to effectively support children’s social-emotional development and behavior
- Expand the pipeline of qualified Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health professionals
By sharing the Semillitas model at Cambio de Colores, Alianzas contributed to a growing body of promising practices that help communities create more equitable, culturally responsive systems for immigrant and newcomer families. Through collaboration, education and community engagement, Alianzas continues to plant the “little seeds” that grow into healthier children, stronger families and more resilient communities.
Growing Impact
By bringing community-based solutions to regional and national conversations, Alianzas expands the reach of culturally responsive practices, strengthens cross-sector partnerships and inspires other communities to invest in equitable opportunities for immigrant and newcomer families.
Contact Alianzas to get connected with community events or engagement opportunities in your region, or to request a language translation service or culturally responsive training for you or your team.
