Local nonprofit expands regional reach with brand-new Brawley facility

BRAWLEY, Calif. (KYMA) - A local nonprofit is bringing inclusive, adaptive programming much closer to families in the northern part of the Imperial Valley.

Best S.T.E.P. Forward is currently transforming a vacant retail space into a brand-new accessible regional hub, eliminating transportation barriers for families who previously had to travel across the county for care.

The expansion marks a major milestone for the organization, which first launched in 2018. After opening its initial location in Calipatria in 2019 and expanding to an El Centro hub in 2022, local demand is now driving their latest growth straight into Brawley.

The upcoming facility, located inside the former Brawley Rite Aid building, is being built entirely around the concept of "adaptive reuse," breathing new life into empty properties to serve the local community.

"...Basically turning facilities and buildings that are run down and broken down, and reusing them into usable spaces," said Jacqueline Estrada Mercado, CEO of Best S.T.E.P. Forward. "In this case, taking the old Brawley Rite Aid and turning it into a safe place for kids to play."

The choice of location was heavily influenced by feedback from North County residents who frequently faced long commutes to keep their children enrolled in programming.

"Our families reached out. They said we really needed a place that is a little bit closer to us because transportation continues to be one of the largest barriers here in Imperial County," Mercado said. "We've got a lot of families that have been loyal to us and driving all the way to El Centro from Niland, Calipatria, and Westmorland."

Best S.T.E.P. Forward provides a comprehensive suite of adaptive sports, specialized therapy, and inclusive recreation for children and adults with developmental disabilities. For Mercado, the entire journey started at home.

"When we started Best S.T.E.P. Forward in 2018, it was when we really had very little resources here in Imperial County...pretty much nothing when it came to sports," Mercado shared. "Families were divided. It was either you were going to support your competitive-play kid, or your other kid was going to have nothing at home. Me being a parent with two kids with disabilities gave me the energy and encouragement to want to create this. From seven kids to now 500 kids, I think we’re doing pretty great."

The nonprofit features an adaptive sports and recreation wing focusing on soccer and baseball, alongside a sensory fitness program funded through the regional center.

"The need is so wide, and that's what really motivated us to open Brawley," said Haylee Cervantes, Vice President of Best S.T.E.P. Forward. "We meet the clients where they are and really just work on those support needs, wherever that may be."

Walking inside the Brawley site, visitors will instantly notice a bright environment engineered to showcase local culture. The organization hires artists to design murals that represent the unique heartbeat of each city they operate in.

"Each one of our spaces is created to show a little bit of the community that we're in. Brawley definitely has a 'B-Town' feel," Mercado noted. "Our mural signifies and symbolizes the Brawley community, from our bobcat to the cotton fields."

Cervantes added that the artwork features a very special intentional inclusion.

"We have also included a character who is neurodivergent. It's so exciting, bright, and welcoming. We focus on expression, and I hope these murals inspire people to be bold and stand out," she said.

Beyond regional therapies, the organization utilizes its funding to ensure clients enjoy larger-scale cultural and sports outings that might otherwise feel out of reach.

Recently, the nonprofit took families to a San Diego FC match against the LA Galaxy, hosted a Padres Little League Day, and arranged trips to major musical productions like "Wicked" in New York City and "Little Shop of Horrors" in Costa Mesa.

"We're really exposing our families to what they really can't get to because of the distance and the challenges of funding," Mercado said. "We take care of both of those things."

At its core, organizers emphasize that the ultimate goal is simple human connection and celebrating incremental milestones.

"I love watching the progress of the kiddos and just adapting to everyone's different needs, and it really makes you appreciate those little moments," Cervantes said. 

The Brawley hub is an completely inclusive environment designed for the broader community.

"This space is open for all to come in and enjoy. It's not just for kids with disabilities, it's for all kids to come and play," Mercado stated.

Doors are officially expected to open to the public this month. Community members looking to volunteer, donate, or register a family member can find more details by visiting their website.