Community members and representatives of the Winslow Chamber of Commerce join Christina Gonzales-Jaramillo (holding scissors) during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday at A Leap of Faith Learning Center, 723 N. Apache St., to celebrate the grand opening of the new child-care facility offering daytime, after-school, evening and weekend services in Winslow.
Community members and representatives of the Winslow Chamber of Commerce join Christina Gonzales-Jaramillo (holding scissors) during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday at A Leap of Faith Learning Center, 723 N. Apache St., to celebrate the grand opening of the new child-care facility offering daytime, after-school, evening and weekend services in Winslow. Photo by Shawn White
Christina Gonzales-Jaramillo (right) stands with her son, Christopher Garrett (center), and his wife, Mishayla Garrett (left), during Saturday’s grand opening of A Leap of Faith Learning Center in Winslow, where Gonzales-Jaramillo spoke about the essential role her family played in helping her realize the vision for the center.

A Leap of Faith Learning Center held its grand opening Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community celebration at 723 N. Apache St., formally launching a new childcare option in Winslow offering daytime, after-school, evening and weekend services.

The center, owned and operated by Christina Gonzales-Jaramillo, is designed to serve working families with non-traditional schedules, including parents employed nights and weekends, as well as children who may need additional developmental or behavioral support. Gonzales-Jaramillo brings more than 30 years of experience working with children and adults with developmental delays, both mental and physical, in New Mexico and the Winslow area.

Gonzales-Jaramillo said opening her own center had long been a personal goal and the process moved quickly once she committed. She said she made the decision on a Tuesday, viewed the Apache Street building the following day when it went up for sale and by Friday had secured a business license and hit the ground running on her dream. That rapid sequence of events inspired the name of the center, A Leap of Faith. During remarks at the ceremony, Gonzales-Jaramillo said, “I give all glory to God.”

The facility plans to accept at least 40 students and will offer flexible scheduling, including drop-in care, hourly rates and monthly enrollment options. Gonzales-Jaramillo said exact rates are still being finalized but emphasized affordability as a priority. She said she plans to gather applications and adjust operating hours based on when families say they most need care. “I want to be an asset to the community,” Gonzales-Jaramillo said.

In addition to general childcare, the center plans to offer services focused on behavioral and developmental needs, including support for children with autism and ADHD. Gonzales-Jaramillo said the center will work closely with local school districts and major employers, including the City of Winslow, Arizona Public Service and the Arizona State Prison Complex in Winslow, to better meet community needs. Planned programming includes sensory-based classes, dance classes, tutoring and activities designed to support fine motor skill development.

Saturday’s event included a blessing of the building by Father Augustine, who traveled from New York City to attend and an opening prayer by Pastor Randy Therio of Multiply Church, who also offered a blessing for the children, educators and broader community connected to the center. The Winslow Chamber of Commerce hosted the official ribbon cutting, with live music provided by Brenda and Mary Alice Hayes and DJ Chip. Family-friendly activities included games, raffles and a silent auction.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support scholarships, before and after school programming and supplies for families served by the center.

A Leap of Faith Learning Center is now accepting applications. Families can call 928-224-0450 or visit the center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday to apply and learn more.