By Leslie Moreno-Roacho | January 28, 2025
Baby Bonds are an increasingly popular bipartisan government policy in which every child born into poverty receives a publicly funded trust account at birth. This “start-up capital” allows young adults to access education, home ownership, and entrepreneurship, enabling them to build wealth and lead lives that are hopeful, fulfilling, productive, prosperous, and self-directed. Follow our Baby Blogs series to learn about the vision, politics, and people behind Baby Bonds and their transformative impact on the lives of young people, their families, communities, and our economy.
New Mexico resident and mother Leslie Moreno-Roacho and her son, Zaiden, were the first family to receive a Baby Bond in New Mexico, as part of a Baby Bonds pilot program led by Partnership for Community Action. In this installment of Baby Blogs, Moreno-Roacho advocates for a statewide Baby Bonds program—and discusses what Baby Bonds mean for her son’s future.
As a mom, my biggest dream is for my son, Zaiden, to grow up with the tools he needs to succeed—to chase his dreams, build a life he’s proud of, and never feel like our circumstances limit his potential. That’s why I am so passionate about the transformative impact of Baby Bonds in New Mexico and what they mean for families like mine.
Zaiden is one year old now, a bright and curious child who loves dancing, playing outside, and anything that spins—especially cars. Like many parents, I want him to have the opportunities I didn’t. But as a first-time mom, I was overwhelmed when I learned I was pregnant. I had no idea where to start or how I could provide him with the best future. That’s when I joined a young parents program at Partnership for Community Action, and through that program, I completed the Abriendo Puertas-Opening Doors curriculum. My aunt, who facilitated the class, encouraged me to sign up, and it became a turning point for me as a parent and an advocate for Zaiden.
This program taught me about Baby Bonds and their potential to give every child a fair shot at building a bright future. Partnership for Community Action and three other organizations, Abriendo Puertas, MoneyByrd, and Prosperity Works, were all coming together to fund the first set of Baby Bonds in New Mexico using private funds they had raised. I learned that I was among the few parents to receive a Baby Bond—a trust fund established at birth that grows over time and becomes available to him when he turns 18. It was a life-changing moment for me as a mother.
When I think about Zaiden’s future, I imagine all the doors this program can open for him. Whether he decides to pursue higher education, buy his first home, or even start a business, the Baby Bond gives him a foundation I never had. Growing up, I couldn’t afford college because scholarships weren’t an option, and my parents couldn’t bear the financial burden. I want Zaiden to follow his dreams without worrying about those same barriers.
The Baby Bond that my child received was funded by these organizations who want to invest in the best outcomes for children, but imagine if we did this for every child born in New Mexico. It is possible. Publicly funded Baby Bonds in New Mexico are about creating lasting change for entire communities by addressing generational poverty. It’s about leveling the playing field and giving every child the chance to succeed, regardless of background. Investing in Baby Bonds policy aligns so closely with the values we hold in our state: fairness, opportunity, and investing in the future.
One aspect of the Baby Bonds program that I particularly appreciate is the financial capability education it provides. Before accessing their funds, young adults will receive financial planning support to help them make wise decisions. This ensures that Zaiden will not only have the resources but also the knowledge to use them wisely. I hope he invests in something meaningful, like starting a business, buying a home, achieving his education, or funding his long term retirement.
If you are uncertain about supporting this program, consider future generations. New Mexico Baby Bonds isn’t just a financial tool; it’s a pathway to equity and prosperity. Many families in New Mexico, like mine, face challenges accessing the same opportunities others take for granted. This program helps bridge that gap, allowing every child to build a better life.
As I look at Zaiden, I am filled with hope. I imagine the day he turns 18 and accesses his Baby Bond, unlocking possibilities that were out of reach for me. I want him to see this as a gift from his community and use it to create a future filled with opportunities. I hope he embraces this chance and uses it to achieve his dreams while giving back to the state that believed in him.
New Mexico Baby Bonds is more than a policy; it’s a promise. A promise that every child in New Mexico deserves the opportunity to succeed. And for Zaiden and many others, it’s a promise that can change everything.
Leslie Moreno-Roacho is a New Mexico resident and proud mother to her son, Zaiden. She is passionate about advocating for programs like Baby Bonds to ensure a brighter future for all children in the state.
If you missed previous installments of our Baby Blogs series, read them here.
Learn more about Baby Bonds in New Mexico.
To share feedback on this blog, or for questions about Baby Bonds, email David Radcliffe at radclifd@newschool.edu.
To learn more, explore our Baby Bonds resources.