Family Resource Center Coordinator retires after 37 years with Calexico Unified School District

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Hortencia Armendariz has been working with the Calexico Unified School District for 37 years.

She started as a teacher for kinder, first grade, fourth, and sixth grade, as well as being a principal.

Her favorite position of all, according to Armendariz, is being the coordinator of the Family Resource Center. 

She considers herself a lifeline for a lot of students and a lot of families.

Armendariz said she gives out her phone number to every student and parent because she believes in being that support system for them. 

“I think it’s really important for people that are in need and in need of anything, it’s not that they could only rely on trying to contact you between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., it's people need you sometimes in the evenings or holidays and so I give everyone my phone number for whatever it is that they need,” stated Armendariz.

Armendariz said her dream of 15 years ago with the Family Resource Center has finally come true after all these years. 

Off Highway 98 behind Main’s elementary school, there would be trailers where the Family Resource Center stayed.

Her dream was to see the center established in a new building before she can retire.

The New Family Resource Center, standing at 641 Rockwood in Calexico, has been operating for three years.

Armendariz said she can retire in peace.  

“I will not retire until we relocate the family resource center and leave it the way I dreamed of leaving it,” expressed Armendariz. 

Although her retirement is set for July 1, she will still be part of Kids and Badges, Calexico Education Foundation, and has been appointed as part of the board of trustees at Imperial Valley College. 

Her service to her community will still continue as she retires from the Calexico Unified School District.