Plan 2040 Cuatro Cienegas January 2023

PLAN 2040 Helping Each Person Dream Big and Together Regenerating our Community for the New Generations

• Discover Mission Cuatro

Ciénegas

• The four pillars and the

heart of Plan 2040

• A Replicable Model

January 2023

04.

06.

The Dream Discover Cuatro Ciénegas

10.

Our History

12.

The Plan Cuatro Ciénegas 2040 Who are we?

Our purpose and our Mission How we work Our Values Our Principles Our Methodology

18.

CONTENT

Four Pillars and One Heart Why 2040?

The Meaning Behind the Logo

Acknowledgement,

22.

Our Objectives for 2025

24.

How we Measure Success

30.

A Replicable Model

34.

Mission Cuatro Ciénegas

74.

A Call of Hope

Our 2022 Achievements Youth and Family Health Education Employment Spirituality

Resources to Replicate the Plan 2040 Colonia Independencia How you can help

Development- Home of Hope Ecotourism- Las Playitas Del Desierto Education- Rochat School of Business Hospitality-Hotel Marielena Hospitality- Tierra Maria Pilgrimage- St. Joseph’s Way Science- Genesis Lab 4C Museum and Lab

written by Christine Lacayo in collaboration with Roberta Graza, Designed by Nicolas Sanchez-Mejorada in collaboration with Mariana Gastelum

PLAN 2040

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After thinking and praying

• 100% of the new generations in

about it and getting down to work,

their of the corresponding age, do

God inspired us to create a long-

their preschool and primary years,

term plan, based on a participatory

English classes, and have a good

diagnosis of the community to

academic level.

ensure that 100% of the people where we work can enjoy their opportunities and the necessary tools to take advantage of them.

We go out to encounter 100% of the families of the new generations and encourage each family to ask themselves what their dream is. Together we work with each individual tracing the path of their life plan in order to achieve their full vocation, dreaming that:

• The Plan 2040 has developed enough to address the most important stages of childhood with the support of experts: stage of pregnancy, birth and lactation, 1st childhood, preschool, and lower primary.

• The Plan 2040 families have the

THE DREAM

Alfonso and Maricarmen González in 2016 when the Plan 2040 was launched.

We go out to encounter 100% of the families of the new generations and encourage each family to ask themselves what their dream is.

After 11 years as missionaries in the community of Cuatro Cienégas, the missionaries saw that the problems of the population not only

of what their son or daughter

among parents.

• Every child in the Catholic faith be baptized, with 1st communion

constant and direct communication

those of age, with their houses

with more than half of the entire

enthroned and their parents

population.

(mostly young adults) participating

continued to exist but were actually

the support necessary for their

increasing. In Cuatro Ciénegas, as in

proper development with optimal

countless communities around the

development tests, learning tests,

world, only a few receive and can take

full vaccination, and good nutrition.

advantage of optimal opportunities

communities in Mexico and where Qualfon operates, to initiate plans similar to Plan 2040 using the documentation of processes and operating manuals, training,

development model with

communities of the town being in

• All generations of Plan 2040 have

• Collaborate with other

income to have a dignified life.

professional and technical careers

families of Cuatro Ciénegas.

national, and international experts.

adaptation of this comprehensive

their families.

comprehensive services for all the

the mission with the help of local,

and support that facilitate the

enrollment in high school, and

as a community center for

on Plan 2040 that helps to share

and faith and with a sufficient

children of the new generations and

• Having built the Home of Hope

all generations and publish a book

and functional life, formed in values

could become, promoting open

municipal seat and in other outside

• Certify and document progress in

consulting, accompaniment,

accompanied 100% of nearly 2,000

• Encounter each person both in the

updated information.

training to achieve an integrated

• The parents believe in the dream • By the year 2025, we will have

follow their life plans with real and

in the activities of the parish or the Church they belong to. That those who do not have or embrace a particular faith always feel valued, welcomed, and supported without any distinction.

• Everyone can use smart systems that work on cell phones and tablets to help us accompany the

long-term plans.

After 6 years in operation, Plan 2040 is permanently accompanying 40% of the community’s population, with a clear methodology, hand in hand with the community in order to always do good and do it in the best possible way.

- The Gonzalez Fernandez Family: Alfonso and Maricarmen Gonzalez.

Maricarmen and Daniel Palau Alfonso and Sofia Gonzalez Juan Pablo and Andrea Gonzalez Jose Andres Gonzalez Fernandez Ana Sofia Gonzalez Fernandez Francisco Gonzalez Fernandez

2040 families and help parents

for their development.

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PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

THE DREAM |

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Mexico called Cuatro Ciénegas, and

of the oldest water on the planet with

Carranza, a leader in the Mexican civil

hopefully to be replicated around

characteristics from the Precambrian

war and the first president of the new

the world.

Era. The earliest fossil evidence of

Mexican republic.

Just 3 hours northeast of

life on earth, called stromatolites,

Monterrey, Mexico, Cuatro Ciénegas

is also found here. These microbial

Cuatro Ciénegas is one of the 13

is located in the Chihuahuan Desert

reefs emerged in the ocean, formed

wonders of Mexico and has been

and often called the ‘Galapagos of

protective calcium barriers, floated

awarded the “Pueblo Mágico”

Mexico’ for its abundance of ancient

to the surface, and then invented

category by the Department

flora and fauna, endemic species,

photosynthesis 3.5 billion years ago

of Tourism.

and unique geography keeping the

allowing for life on Earth to form as

secrets of the beginnings of life.

we know it today.

The Cuatro Ciénegas wetland

With a population of 12,715,

The people of Cuatro Ciénegas are proud of their traditions and

Cuatro Ciénegas is also known

unique characteristics and seek to

is made up of more than 200

as the Cradle of the Revolution

preserve and pass on their ancient

turquoise-colored streams and

being the birthplace of Venustiano

ecosystems and cultural traditions

ponds, or pozas, flowing with some

from generation to generation.

Photo by: Nicolas Sanchez-Mejorada Girault

Las Playitas del Desierto, Cuatro Ciénegas.

DISCOVER CUATRO CIÉNEGAS

This can only be achieved Church of St. Joseph in Cuatro Ciénegas.

through the harmony between

USA

Sustainable development means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

human vitality, ecological preservation, and economic development.

Only once we recognize that we are not alone on this planet and that we are responsible for the intimate union with everything that exists; the person, the environment, and the care of our common home, can we truly achieve sustainable

MEXICO

development. This is what the Plan 2040 has set out to accomplish first, in a small town in Northern

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| INTRO

PLAN 2040

Cuatro Ciénegas Poza Azul.

PLAN 2040

Venustiano Carranza.

DISCOVER CUATRO CIÉNEGAS |

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Photos by: Nicolas Sanchez-Mejorada Girault

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PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

DISCOVER CUATRO CIÉNEGAS |

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2005

The first missions in Cuatro Ciénegas were carried out during Holy Week

A needs assessment was carried out

2016

2017

in Cuatro Ciénegas. Creation and inauguration of the Plan 2040

Guides begin accompanying families and the new generations of Cuatro Ciénegas

Board of Directors of CODICC A.C.: Alfonso González Arocha, Gilberto González Arocha, Hector Arocha González , Miguel Guevara, Hilario Manrique, Ángel Peraldi, David Huerta Lozano, Ernesto Reyes, Roberto Sanchez Mejorada, Iván Torres, Roberto Delgado (special guest), Socorro Ferriño, Dolores Torres Vallejo, María del Carmen Fernández.

Board Members but not in the photo: Carlos Gonzàlez Arocha, Diego González Garza

2018

Full-time employment of Guides

Missionaries

OUR HISTORY

organizations, the missionaries hired a group of experts to analyze the socioeconomic situation in order to understand a more complete picture

2019

Strategic partnership with New Generations Foundation

of the social and economic health of the community.

Celebration of 15 years of Youth and Family Missions in Cuatro Ciénegas

Everything started in the hearts of the missionaries.

They focused on six key areas of study: demographic, poverty

2020

and social gap, education, health,

Ceree Eberly, New Generations Board Member

and the creation of the job positions for each pillar to provide integral support to the 2040 families

family integration, employment, and In 2005, a group of family and friends began visiting Cuatro

resources, education, and attention

income. With this research, four

in the community.

main pillars were identified as the

Ciénegas as missionaries to visit families in the local community for

biggest needs to address in Cuatro In 2016, after making a

2021

Ciénegas: family, health, education,

prayer and community building.

professional and participative

employment, and spirituality is the

Almost half the population of Cuatro

diagnosis with the community,

heart of our model.

Ciénegas lives below the poverty

they proposed a long-term plan to

level and after consecutively visiting

make a deeper and more impactful

plan to transform and lift up the

for 11 years, the missionaries realized

change in Cuatro Ciénegas. Together

community out of poverty was t

the urgent and continued need for

with the local authorities and

hen developed.

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Needs assessment is carried out

Shortly after, a long-term

PLAN 2040

in the Colonia Independencia of Monterrey and the first stone is placed for the Home of Hope

2022

Plan 2040 is launched in the Colonia Independencia in Monterrey A family from Cuatro Ciénegas

PLAN 2040

OUR HISTORY |

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Marian Gámez, Family & Youth Coordinator with Yoseline

PLAN CUATRO CIÉNEGAS 2040 Plan Cuatro Ciénegas 2040 was born responding to a call from God to help awaken within each person in Cuatro Ciénegas, the capacity to dream big and walk the path of their full vocation

Who are we?

We are a community that goes out to seek each family of the new generations accompanying them in the development of their life plan.

Family from Cuatro Ciénegas

Our Purpose and our Mission Our Purpose: Respond to a call from God to help awaken in each person, the ability to dream big and trace the path of his or her

The mission of Plan Cuatro Ciénegas 2040 is to ‘transform

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full vocation.

Mission: Be transformed

the community into fully realized

into a community of fully realized

individuals united accomplishing a

people, focused on the new

long term plan with a focus on the

generations, accomplishing together

new generations.

a long-term plan.

Cuatro Ciénegas Plan 2040 team

PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

kid from Cuatro Ciénegas

PLAN CUATRO CIÉNEGAS 2040 |

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Our Values

How we work We offer a support network that goes out to seek 100% of the families of the new generations providing tools for the development of each individual’s life plan.

In order to do this, every family in Cuatro Ciénegas is accompanied by a specialized Guide encouraging every child and family in the community to dream big and to work on their integral life plan.

A network of local “Guides” (full-time missionaries) was created to accompany and support every single family in the community providing tools, resources, and care for the development of their life plan.

Through the support of these Guides, allies, social networks,

We govern our actions, our methodology, and our day-to-day activities by our values.

Service- Giving of ourselves with joy and purity of intention Unity- Live in communion for the mission, including everyone without leaving anyone behind Perseverance- Move forward with conviction, always doing good Hope- I know who I have put my trust in Responsibility- Accept the call, welcoming it with my commitment, giving my all Joy- Sharing and radiating with enthusiasm the love that we carry inside

donors, volunteers, organizations, institutions, godparents, and families, we are able to support the families of the new generations in a holistic way.

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PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

PLAN CUATRO CIÉNEGAS 2040 |

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Our Principles We adopt and work under

Our Methodology Subsidiarity- A person who

Common good- See

5 of the principles of Christian

is not capable of doing what is

not just the individual, but all

social doctrine

necessary may require support and

individuals, not one person,

affection. That does not mean that

but all.

Human dignity- ​​The human person has inherent dignity and

The Guides walk the town Accompany to visit each with guides family every month

we must do for the other only what we should and can do for ourselves.

value due to their simple condition of being human.

Solidarity- We are part of one body, as a community that must support each other. This means acting for the good of each and

obligation to participate in the

every individual because we are

construction of the common good.

responsible for everyone.

Youth & Family

Participation- Every person has the right and the moral

Developing Development dreams and life of dreams & plans life plan

Family Economy

Building Generating alliances allies

Spirituality

Health

Education

Continual Continuing evaluation Evaluation

Sustainability

Go out & Seeking 100% seek 100% of the families

Plan 2040 6th Aniversary event

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PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

Donors

Allies

Sponsors Godparents

Community

PLAN CUATRO CIÉNEGAS 2040 |

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“

FOUR PILLARS AND ONE HEART That guide every decision and action we take:

Youth and family- We help

Being part of the 2040 Plan is a sign of life, it evokes joy, unity, communion, effort, looking out for each other, looking out for each person’s dream, really looking for each person’s heart and seeking to serve. Personally, as coordinator of

“

A call to always do good and always do it in the best possible way

trusting that God only needs our imperfect talents to serve in an extraordinary mission.

Since the inception of the Plan 2040 we have been responding to

The Plan 2040 team, each

a call from God to awaken in each

of the families, our benefactors,

person the ability to dream big.

and allies are the ones who make

the office, it means looking after

everything possible and to whom we

each individual in the family work

each one of my co-workers and

For me, this means realizing

owe our total gratitude every day.

towards their life plan so that

hoping that they seek to replicate

first, the call of God to give myself

We all have the same desire in our

together, they can work towards

this with all the families that we care

completely to others, and second, to

hearts, the same mission, and our

a strong foundation for the family

for and welcome in the light of the

always do it in the best possible way,

job is to listen to the heart and turn it

nucleus (values, beliefs, traditions,

heart of Jesus, of Mother Mary, and

dreaming big and believing that you

into action.

sense of life, respect for the dignity

of Saint Joseph.

can fulfill that big dream.

”

- Joaquín Aldana, Coordinator

of the human life).

of Plan 2040 Cuatro Ciénegas Health- We support the optimal development of the new generations and their families through prevention, detection, and attention scans throughout every

I have had the opportunity watch the children of the Plan 2020 grow up since their birth. Seeing them today, I realize that the only thing we always have to do is be

”

- Ivan Torres,

General Manager of Plan 2040

willing to give ourselves totally,

stage of growth.

Education- We promote continued education for all families and their children so that they can take advantage of their opportunities

Our Action Guidelines

and a better future.

Employment- We support every individual’s leadership capacity and professional development with a human sense to contribute

Missionary Heart

Go out to Encounter

Accompany

Long-term

We put into practice

We go out to encounter

We go out to encounter

We know that what is

God’s call to fulfill

100% of the families of

100% of the families of

worthwhile takes time,

and meet each family of the new

the mission by doing

the new generations.

the new generations.

which is why we follow

generations to share and live the love

everything with love.

to a family economy that ensures a dignified life plan for the family.

Spirituality- We go out

the 5 pillars that support the integral well-being

of God.

of each person.

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PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

FOUR PILLARS AND ONE HEART |

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Why 2040 2040 remains an iconic date for the initiative because in that year we project that the first generation of children we accompanied since 2017, would be obtaining their professional studies and reaching a stage of their lives in which they would be able to fully realize their vocations.

The Meaning Behind the Logo The logo was developed from a competition carried out with the locals of Cuatro Ciénegas. The handprints represent a participatory bond between the old and new generations of Cuatro Ciénegas. The larger hand represents the support, care, and love this community provides for the children and the small hand represents the new generations that embrace the call to dream big, walking together with the support of the community, to achieve these dreams.

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PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

FOUR PILLARS AND ONE HEART |

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OUR OBJECTIVES FOR 2025 02. Development and 01. Ensure comprehensive

implementation of the plan by

support for all families of the new

pillar, implementing projects that

generations.

strengthen the family union and social transformation.

03. Develop and integrate technology to ensure optimal monitoring and participation of families, as well as effective monitoring of indicators and replicability in other communities.

04. Care for and accompany

05. Consolidate and replicate

06. Promote the

each of the collaborators of

the Plan 2040, managing to take

the Plan 2040 who make this

mission of Plan 2040 and

the mission to other communities

mission possible, following up on

form a network of alliances

that seek a transformation towards

their professional and personal

that strengthen teamwork for

its full realization.

comprehensive support.

development plans.

Volunteer of Plan 2040 with Luz

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PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

OUR OBJECTIVES FOR 2025 |

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Youth and Family • Carried out our first complete census in the community, identifying 51 new children • 1,100 children and families accompanied through 9,022 face-to-face visits • 111 cases identified and treated with the new generation children through - 384 follow-ups carried out • 47 cases identified and treated of the children’s relatives through 182 follow-ups carried out • 86% of the families use the accompaniment workbook we use for visits and to track progress • 165 iPads have been donated • Preliminary design for the app Plan 2040 has been designed to enhance family development

Our 2022 Achievements

HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS

• 1,100 children from the new generations registered • 23 active programs • 40% of the population has been accompanied through the Plan 2040 • 14 new programs initiated in 2022 • More than 100 benefactors supporting the Plan 2040

Since 2016, we’ve been able to walk with 1,190 children, offer 5,405 people from the community continued and permanent support, opened 2 offices (Cuatro Ciénegas and Independencia, Monterrey), and assisted 1,664 additional special cases along with our continued support.

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• 30 volunteers and social workers added

PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS |

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Health • Identified 24 pregnant mothers • Formed alliance with the hospital of Cuatro Ciénegas supporting 220 families with INSABI medical insurance • 90% compliance with optimal child development tests applied from the first to the sixth generation • 87 children have had successful follow-ups with pediatricians and nurses in partnership with Instituto y Fundación Lala finding

Education

25% of children overweight, 40.8% underweight and 3 cases

• 290 mothers and fathers with a

of malnutrition To further contribute to our health pillar, we’ve partnered with

in a Bachelor of Business

continue their studies

Administration, 14 active students

• 425 children were promoted to

the Instituto and Fundación Lala

register and re-registration to

to launch a nutrition program for

preschool

early childhood development. LALA

• 88% of preschool-age children

donates milk to families in need and

• 8 active students enrolled

gap in education were invited to

enrolled in a Master of Business Administration, and 6 students graduated from Rochat School of Business

were enrolled

tracks the progress of the children’s

• 29 students graduated from

growth on a monthly basis.

high school

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PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS |

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Spirituality

Employment

• 917 families visited and

• The team grew from 25 to 46 full-time missionaries in the 2040 Plan and 125 in total with Mission

4 groups with 72 registered, and 53

the first 5 generations with their

and love showing full respect

who received the sacraments

homes consecrated to the heart of

personal choices

• The Mission Guide was launched

• 917 families started catechetical

to accompany our collaborators in

groups in the parish

their life plan • Collaborators have started to

• Support during Holy Week

learn English

missions for Youth and Family Missions

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PLAN 2040

• 90% of active Catholic families of

encouraged to grow in faith to their own beliefs and

Cuatro Cienégas

• Promotion of the catechumenate,

PLAN 2040

Jesus and Mary

• Promotion of baptism to the first

5 generations • 5 new parish groups: Acólitos, + 32 baptisms of the brothers

Choir, Catechumenate,

and sisters of the children in

accompaniment with a youth

Plan 2040

group, and a catechism group

+ 135 new generation children baptized

HOW WE MEASURE SUCCESS |

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Plan 2040 will continue to expand into other communities around the world largely due to the generosity of our sponsors, local community leaders, volunteers, and other organizations.

Family

Education

A REPLICABLE MODEL

Health

Spirituality

Employment

Resources to Replicate the Plan 2040 To best support communities with a strong eagerness to replicate this model in other places outside of Cuatro Ciénegas, we’ve decided to put together resources for others to follow when replicating the Plan 2040.

Plan 2040 is a replicable model to share with communities around the world, this methodology is not only meant for Cuatro Ciénegas, but to be used elsewhere transforming communities by focusing on developing the new generations and their families with a long-term life plan.

• Playbook and Journey of

System Plan 2040 and digitalization

supported by ‘Redbox’ to create

of manuals in the system

a guide where others can learn and understand how to work with Guides, collaborators, employees, and families that form part of the

This replicable model was founded on five pillars: family,

Plan 2040

education, health, employment, and

• Development of Knowledge Base

Engagement was developed and

• Structure of the operational manual

spirituality. These pillars provide

and Replicability Manual through

opportunities for an enriched,

the “minimum required capacities”

sustained community and better

methodology was designed

• Compiled coordination and efforts in the implementation of the Plan 2040 in the Colonia Independence in Monterrey • First phase was implemented of the development of the mobile app for Guides and Families

overall life.

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PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

REPLICABLE MODEL |

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“

How you can help

The world is transformed by betting your life on it, every day, at every moment, in every place and

We invite you to be part of the

with every person. The Plan 2040 is

Plan 2040 encouraging the children

to recognize this and to respond,

of Cuatro Ciénegas to dream

each from our own vocation, to the

big and to take advantage of the

Voice that calls from within. Today,

opportunities in their lives

”

SCAN THE QR CODE TO JOIN US IN THIS MISSION IN 3 UNIQUE WAYS!

we accompany our new generations, building together a world where dreams are not dreams but a reality.

- Leticia Vasquez, Coordinator of Plan 2040 Independencia

Donate

Volunteer

Become a Partner

Colonia Independencia Monterrey Since January of 2022, the Plan 2040 has been replicated in a second town, Colonia Independencia in Monterrey. A participatory needs assessment was carried out to identify the biggest needs and current situation of the town with a little over 24,000 residents. Today, Colonia Independencia has 159 children of the new generations and 7 Plan 2040 collaborators.

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PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

REPLICABLE MODEL |

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Mission Cuatro Ciénegas (4C)

environmental protection with the

is a network of institutions that serve

development of each person and the

as the vehicle through which dreams

new generations as its center.

are reached using a sustainable long-term approach for all who live in Cuatro Ciénegas.

The organizations that make up the Mission 4C offer a sustainable development approach to the Plan

Through scientific research,

Cuatro Ciénegas 2040, uniting each

hospitality, eco-tourism, academic

initiative in a common mission to-

institutions, and organizations with

wards the protection of our common

an international philanthropic focus,

home and the people that live in it.

Mission 4C ensures the creation of jobs, economic improvement, and

MISSION CUATRO CIÉNEGAS With almost half of the population of Cuatro Ciénegas in poverty, and with unemployment rates, informal jobs, and teen pregnancy prevalent, Mission Cuatro Ciénegas was formed in 2020.

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PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

MISSION CUATRO CIÉNEGAS |

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Our Partners Qualfon is a people-focused global business services company providing contact center services, integrated marketing solutions, big data analytics, and back-office processing in Mexico, United States, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Philippines, India, and Guayana.

As one of the only mission-based, full-service outsourcing companies in the world, Qualfon’s vision and support of Plan 2040 have helped transform lives and communities in Mexico and eventually around the world.

New Generations Foundation is the funding vehicle that exists to work with underserved communities

Development- Home of Hope The current Home of Hope

rooms, instructional classrooms for

300 people with an inviting plaza

where Plan 2040 is managed and

job creation workshops, education,

where families can socialize, hold

operated, has recently become

rooms for therapy, coaching, early

celebrations, and organize events.

insufficient due to limited space.

childhood stimulation, health

With a capacity of 40 people, it has

check-ups, and areas for shared

become difficult to run operations,

community-building, sports,

our founding partner Qualfon,

programs, and activities for the

and prayer.

New Generations Foundation, and

entire community. As a result, there is an urgent need to expand the facility.

The proposed Home of Hope

other benefactors, this work will To maintain a sustainable building design, the new facility will

can positively transform themselves and realize their dreams, vocations, and purpose in life.

Qualfon’s mission is to help as many individuals as possible pursue their total vocation, create an ever-growing number of career development opportunities, and be the partner of choice for all our clients.

In a few words: Be the best and make each person’s life better!

Plan 2040 is the execution of

”

be inaugurated in 2023 and will be

our mission at a community level

constructed in two phases.

promoting inclusion, embracing

utilize construction materials that are

diversity and enabling equal

100% indigenous to the surrounding

opportunities for all.

is expected to be a 26,000-square-

area, representing a modern

foot facility including audio-visual

Mexican design that will serve over

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Thanks to the support of

“

so new generations and their families

We invite you to scan the QR code if you would like to leave your name in Cuatro Ciénegas for a future full of hope for current families and their new generations to achieve their biggest dreams!

-Roberto Sanchez Mejorada

PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

Chief Mission Officer

HOME OF HOPE |

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PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

HOME OF HOPE |

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Did you know?

EcotourismLas Playitas Del Desierto

..that Las Playitas was closed

Your visit to the Park helps

for more than 15 years for its

us continue protecting the unique

conservation and regeneration? Now

ecosystem of Las Playitas as well

that the park is open to the public,

as helps us train and educate new

park located in the largest lagoon

our mission is to “recover the park’s

generations on the importance of its

of Cuatro Ciénegas. The goal of

environmental functionality in a

preservation and care.

Las Playitas is to generate integral

sustainable way.”

Las Playitas is an eco-touristic

We’ve developed an

tourist experiences among the locals and visitors while promoting the

ecotourism model so tourists

conservation of the Cuatro Ciénegas

can enjoy the natural wealth of

Valley. The park donates 100% of its

the park with a low impact on the

profits to the sustainability of the

environment while generating

Plan 2040.

income to continue protecting this eco-park.

Photo by: Nicolas Sanchez-Mejorada Girault

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PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

LAS PLAYITAS DEL DESIERTO |

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Enjoy a variety of experiences at Las Playitas: • Kayaking • Star gazing • Stand-up paddle boarding • Biking

Photo by: Nicolas Sanchez-Mejorada Girault

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PLAN 2040

PLAN 2040

LAS PLAYITAS DEL DESIERTO |

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“

Environmental Impact Manifesto- Las Playitas del Desierto Fulfilling the mission of Las Playitas del Desierto eco-park is a path that we must undertake with perseverance united with universities, scientists, and the country’s environmental institutions.

The purpose of this Manifesto is for the park to be evaluated and approved by the methodology that we have developed to find the balance between future visitors and the positive growth of plants and animals in the park.

We have finished and

Photo by: Nicolas Sanchez-Mejorada Girault

submitted the Environmental Impact Manifesto of our Master Plan to the Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and it is currently in the final phase of evaluation.

We are very happy and with faith in God that by 2023 we will have the approval of this Master Plan to be able to achieve the best eco-park

”

in northern Mexico, a place to enjoy, educate, unite visitors, families, study, conserve and understand the

To learn more about our Environmental Impact Statement, our goals, dreams, and the unique biome of Las Playitas scan the QR code!

valley of Cuatro Ciénegas.

- Diego González,

Development Coordinator

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Media Lab Rochat

The Max Shein Scholarship Fund

The Rochat Educational

“

Center in Cuatro Ciénegas is a

The Max Shein scholarship

center available to all students

fund, in alliance with the Rochat

enrolled in the Rochat School of

School of Business, supports the

Business helping students further

educational pillar of the Plan 2040

their studies. This classroom

by offering scholarships to students

was sponsored by the Plan

from Cuatro Ciénegas and the

2040, Fundación Televisa, and

Colonia Independencia in Monterrey

UNETE Google.

to complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

My overall learning experience at Rochat has been smooth. The coursework, while demanding, challenges me and makes me think critically. It is always a great satisfaction to complete my courses with a short break before starting the next term. I am sure that my

EducationRochat School of Business Rochat School of Business

personal and professional skills

is a higher education institution

and contributing to an active and

based in Switzerland with a branch in

holistic integration into modern

Cuatro Ciénegas, educating students

society. Students can graduate

through a person-centered and

with Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and

values-based philosophy through

Master’s Degrees

online degrees.

The Mission of Rochat School of Business is to contribute to

“

courses have helped me in my decision-making and have improved my professional skills in my current

”

career. I personally feel that the Our students find that the mission of Rochat School of Business

”

seeps in, and changes them, in ways that help them make their way in the world, and in turn make that world a better place.

- Carlos Guereca, Director of Rochat School of Business

trajectory of my future is much better today than it was before I started my journey with Rochat.

-Jason Skurupey, Student of Rochat and

Operation Director Mission Office Qualfon

To learn more about Rochat School of Business in Cuatro Ciénegas, scan the QR code!

the professional development of students through higher education online courses enhancing their

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Mission To be a home in Cuatro Ciénegas, sowing significance through small details and showing with actions, more than words, that this is a hotel with a cause, transforming a common stay into an experience that leaves a lasting mark.

HospitalityHotel Marielena Hotel Marielena is more than a hotel, it represents a place that engages each visitor in the traditions, hospitality, and mission of the Cuatro Ciénegas community.

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“

”

Marielena is a mission driven hotel that strives to provide exceptional guest experiences in a fun and friendly environment.

- Carlos Rocha, Hotel Marielena and Las Playitas del Desierto

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Photos by: Nicolas Sanchez-Mejorada Girault

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History In the middle of the Coahuila desert, Don Gilberto Arocha and Doña Diamantina formed a warm and unique home and gave birth to 5 children: one being Marielena.

Marielena was very cheerful, spiritual, and had a noble heart.

She grew up very happy in Cuatro Ciénegas and was convinced that this land, consecrated to Saint Joseph, contained within itself the secret of life and the imprint of God in the creation of the world.

She dreamed that great things would happen here and that the

A ‘hotel with a cause’

world would know its wealth.

Marielena and her husband,

Today, it is the only hotel in the

Don Luis González, a man of integrity

world that seeks to provide the best

and great values, were undoubtedly

service to its guests while seeking

a great example for their children

the comprehensive development

planting in them that same love

of its employees and the locals

and commitment for their land and

of Cuatro Ciénegas by donating

their people.

100% of their profits to finance the Plan 2040.

Inspired by their parents, the

To plan your next stay at Hotel Marielena, scan the QR code!

children decided to make their house into a hotel that would be the answer to the solid and constant economic and social support they were looking to provide in Cuatro Ciénegas.

“We believe that a small spark can light anything.”

Photo by: Nicolas Sanchez-Mejorada Girault

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Amenities Include • Casa María + 6 rooms for guests to rent + Full kitchen + Dining room accommodating 16 + Family TV room and office + Terrace with fireplace + BBQ and outdoor dining area + Heated pool with jacuzzi • Salón del Lago An 1830 m2 event space for weddings, conferences, and events airconditioned for comfortable use at any time of the year, with a capacity for 450 people, and

r a m a r

surrounded by a lake and a vineyard lining the hills

i a

t i e

r

of the mountain range • Vineyard with 2022 being the first wine harvest • Organic garden with a farm-to-table gastronomic experience • Blue-lagoon reflecting the colors of Las Playitas del Desierto

Hospitality- Tierra María Tierra María is a boutique destination stay that offers a unique experience with an environment of serenity and privacy in the valley of Cuatro Ciénegas.

Because Tierra Maria employs only locals from Cuatro Ciénegas, your visit and stay at Tierra Maria gives back by supporting and nurturing the local community.

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“

des

”

ti n o re s e r va

Nothing beats a tailor-made

experience. Tierra Maria offers private, personalized experience because they’re made for you and you alone.

- Marco Guevara

To plan your next stay or book your next event at Tierra Maria, scan the QR code!

General Manager Tierra Maria

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Our Mission To create a spiritual experience for local and international pilgrims walking with St. Joseph.

PilgrimageSt. Joseph’s Way St. Joseph’s Way is a 20 km journey of 3 days visiting 14 stations devoted to a particular time in St. Joseph’s life over 2000 years ago. Walking hand in hand with St. Joseph through the unique landscapes of the Chihuahuan Desert, we meditate on different moments through his life to know him better and recognize him as a spiritual father.

To date, we’ve taken 767 pilgrims on 57 pilgrimages walking over 15,340 km.

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The Route : Total: 20km

Stations: 1. A Just Jew 2. The Betrothal 3. Life Surprises 4. The Home Builder 5. The Census 6. The Lowly

ORIGIN

2021- Pope Francis declares

7. The Mighty 8. Predictions 9. The Protector 10. Immigrant in Egypt 11. Returning Failure 12. Power of Pilgrimage 13. Ending the Journey 14. Legacy

2021 the year of St. Joseph. On March 19, after several months of hard work, St. Joseph’s Way is the biological significance of the

officially opened in Cuatro Ciénegas,

founded on May 24, 1800. Since its

Cuatro Ciénegas valley. The area

by Msgr. Hilario González along

founding, the town is consecrated

is protected for conservation and

with the local pastor, Fr. Hector

to St. Joseph. To this day, he is

biological research.

Raciel, and a group of families from

1800- Cuatro Ciénegas is

recognized as the Patron of families in Cuatro Ciénegas.

the community.

2020- Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the dream of creating the

2018- The property of Las

2022- The stations of

Camino de San José (St. Joseph’s

St. Joseph’s Way begin to be

Playitas is acquired to develop an

Way) is born. That same year, a group

constructed for visitors from all

ecotourism destination with the

of novices begin to work on the

over the world to walk as pilgrims

goal of promoting greater care

property of Las Playitas, marking out

meditating upon St. Joseph and the

and appreciation of the natural

the path of the first stations.

Holy Family’s life.

world, and of educating visitors on

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International Alliances

Devotion to St. Joseph

Catholic World Mission

We know that Joseph was a lowly carpenter (cf. Mt 13:55),

Currently, the stations of

betrothed to Mary (cf. Mt 1:18; Lk

St. Joseph’s Way are marked

1:27). He was a “just man” (Mt 1:19),

“

with wooden crosses and small

ever ready to carry out God’s will

boards indicating the virtues of St.

“

as revealed to him in the Law (cf. Lk

Joseph. Catholic World Mission has

2:22.27.39) and through four dreams

graciously committed to building

(cf. Mt 1:20; 2:13.19.22). After a long

one station.

and tiring journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, he beheld the birth of the Messiah in a stable, since “there was

The Way of St. Joseph has been a turning point in my life.

no place for them” elsewhere (cf. Lk

Being able to live the experience

2:7). He witnessed the adoration of

from the outside as a pilgrim and

the shepherds (cf. Lk 2:8-20) and the

now from the inside, coordinating

Magi (cf. Mt 2:1-12), who represented

the project, has been an incredible

respectively the people of Israel and

experience. Hearing the testimonies

the pagan peoples.

- Pope Francis, Apostolic letter

from people who throw themselves

Patris Corde, 2020

into this pilgrimage as a response

In October 2021 I was

this disease enlightened me and

diagnosed with leukemia. In

right now I am in remission. I am very

December 2021, I asked God to

grateful to God and Saint Joseph

send me something to cheer me up

because I am sure that he interceded

because I felt too sad and tired, the

for me!

invitation soon came to go to the Camino de San José.

The Camino did me so much good that I promised San José that I

Sometimes we look for a

would take more people. I have been

miracle, that life will change us. The

on 5 pilgrimages and it never ceases

true miracle is the acceptance of

to amaze me how God touches the

living with love with what we have

lives of others through Saint Joseph,

to live, with trust and Faith knowing

God always answers us! I am excited

that we are supported by God,

to do more pilgrimages and to share

that whatever happens in our lives

this experience with more pilgrims.

everything will be fine because God gives us strength and accompanies us ALWAYS. This was my apprenticeship with Saint Joseph, he never had

to God’s call through Saint Joseph

it easy but he always abandoned

and who have been touched by

himself to God, he knew he was

this great saint is something that

sustained and lived his life in peace

cannot be explained. I’ve also loved

knowing that God gave him the

being a part of the Plan 2040 family

strength and grace to live what he

helping people know more about the

had to live. This is how my walk with

”

For many more ways - Gabby Ramos, Pilgrim

project by joining something special

”

through St. Joseph. In general, the experience of coordinating the Way of St. Joseph has been a grace in my life.

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- Sergio Martinez, Manager Camino de San José

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Support St. Joseph’s Way You can be a part of the St. Joseph’s Way by walking this pilgrimage or by helping to build out the trail for others to walk. Walk through the desert with others contemplating St. Joseph’s life, honor a loved one by helping to construct a dedicated resting place along the way, and provide comfort for those walking along their journey leaving a lasting mark in the town of Cuatro Ciénegas.

By supporting the construction of this pilgrimage, you are not only helping to grow and expand St. Joseph’s Way but also helping to transform and lift an entire community out of poverty.

To plan your St. Joseph pilgrimage or to support the continued creation of this pilgrimage, scan the QR code!

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Did you know… …that Cuatro Ciénegas is classified as one of the most important wetlands in the world by RAMSAR, is studied by NASA for being the most Mars-like place on the planet, has over 200 bodies of water (rivers, ponds, and lagoons), with more than 70 endemic species, and is home to the oldest evidence of life on the planet linked to the invention of photosynthesis 3.5 billion years ago?

These characteristics make Cuatro Ciénegas the most micro-biodiverse place on the planet!

Science- Genesis 4C Museum and Lab Genesis Cuatro Ciénegas (Genesis 4C) is a scientific education museum and laboratory dedicated to studying the biodiversity and endemism of the Cuatro Ciénegas Valley and its relationship to the origins of life. Genesis 4C holds a deep focus on integral human ecology with the purpose of giving a holistic ecological Photos by: Nicolas Sanchez-Mejorada Girault

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approach to the sustainability of the Plan 2040.

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Photos by: Nicolas Sanchez-Mejorada Girault

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Genesis 4C MuseumLaboratory

Genesis 4C Virtual Museum on Google Arts and Culture

The Genesis 4C Museum Laboratory, newly constructed and opened, shares the magnificence of

You can virtually view the

the creation of life on Earth, its evolution, and how the

natural wonders of Cuatro Ciénegas

Valley of Cuatro Ciénegas is a living laboratory where

with the Genesis 4C Virtual Museum

the conditions of primitive life on the Earth can be

on Google Arts and Culture.

easily studied.

The aim of the Genesis 4C Lab is to develop biotechnological products in a sustainable way, which can be used in agriculture, food, environment, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and industrial with a positive impact on society.

Genesis published a coffee table book in 2020

The Ecosystem

In these museum rooms and laboratory, you’ll find a fun and tech-savvy way to learn about the universe of microorganisms, similar to the first ones that inhabited the Earth, as well as the evolution of a valley home to

“

fish, turtles, mammals, and unique reptiles endemic to this region.

What are you waiting for? Enter the Valley of Cuatro Ciénegas to marvel at its abundant nature.

We strive to create collective generational care of our common home with a special focus on human integral

”

Science Magazine 17 July 2020

ecology. We are building a space to share our research on

Features microbial hotspot: Mexico’s Cuatro

the biological relevance of the Cuatro Ciénegas Valley.

Ciénegas.

We are also developing innovative biotechnological products to improve people’s quality of life.

-Dr. Héctor Arocha, director of Genesis 4C

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To explore and support the Genesis 4C Laboratory, scan the QR code!

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Donate

Volunteer

Become a Partner

A CALL OF HOPE We invite you to dream big

Join us in changing lives and protecting sacred ecosystems!

with us and to support Mission Cuatro Ciénegas in whatever way God is calling you with your talents and passions.

Join us in encouraging the children of our future to dream and take advantage of the opportunities in their lives.

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Photo by: Nicolas Sanchez-Mejorada Girault

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Photo by: Nicolas Sanchez-Mejorada Girault

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