OUr History

Sister Gerrie Naughton from the Sisters of Mercy religious order arrived in Las Milpas in 1987 without a concrete plan. Her strategy evolved through interactions with local women, emphasizing community-led initiatives. Trust-building was her initial focus. Las Milpas, a poor South Texas colonia near the Mexican border, struggled with a loss of community, fear, and isolation among residents, many of whom were adjusting to life in a new country. The first ARISE Centers opened there in 1987 amidst challenging conditions: no pavement, frequent flooding, lack of basic services, and discrimination from nearby Pharr residents. Over two decades, Las Milpas underwent significant changes. NAFTA brought development but also increased truck traffic, noise, air pollution, and drug trafficking. Positively, the community now boasts two elementary schools, a doctor and clinic obtained through resident petitions, and a local pharmacy.