Annual 5K fuels mission of opportunity and independence

February 19, 2026 | Las Cruces Bulletin lascrucesbulletin.com online article

What began as a race that Saturday morning, quickly accelerated into something much bigger for Community Options.

This year’s Cupid Chase 5K drew 958 runners, marking it as the organization’s strongest turnout to date. It went all the way up from 680 participants recorded during last year’s event.

“It went from high expectations, to surpassed expectations, to super fun,” said Jose Solis, director of employment services. “A lot of smiles, a lot of happy people.”

But for Solis and New Mexico State Director Noemi Rivera, the race represents more than just one single morning of celebration. It supports the work they do daily, helping people with disabilities find jobs, secure housing, and build their own independent lives in Las Cruces and across New Mexico.

“We are empowering individuals with disabilities to live with freedom and joy,” Rivera said. “When people with disabilities are out in the community, they belong.”

Community Options recently celebrated its 37th anniversary and has evolved into more rural areas of the state, including tribal communities where access to services can be limited.

For Solis, the heart of the work often comes down to what he calls the “magic connection.”

“To create a link between the hope of having a job and then hearing, ‘They said yes, you got the job,’ that’s probably the magic moment,” he said. “That’s the beautiful moment we get to experience.”

Through employment support and job development services, the organization works with individuals to prepare for interviews, connect with local employers, and provide continued support after hiring.

Rivera said one of the biggest challenges is changing expectations.

“People with disabilities shouldn’t be limited by the disability. It doesn’t define them,” she said. “They want to contribute to society. They want to pay taxes. They are the best employees you will ever have.”

Solis said misconceptions still appear at times, but progress is happening.

“I think expectation is probably the word,” he said. “Sometimes people have a low expectation. And then when they see them working, they’re like, ‘What in the world? This person is better than some people without disabilities.”

He recalled one particularly difficult placement that involved a man who is deaf and has an intellectual disability. After months of networking and coordinating communication support, the man was hired at exactly the job he wanted.

“We just nailed every single aspect of that person’s job,” Solis said.

Rivera said success ultimately comes down to quality of life.

“To me, success means I live with freedom. I live with joy. I get to make my own decisions. I work toward independence and autonomy every single day,” she said.

Cupid’s Chase is held nationally in 49 cities across 12 states, with proceeds supporting programs that provide job development, skill-building, and other services for people with disabilities.

Rivera said the nearly 1,000 participants in Las Cruces show growing community support.

“A lot of people just aren’t aware of what we do,” she said. “The more we get out there and tell our story, the more barriers we break down.”

For Solis, the mission is also personal. His sister, who was born with a spinal defect, defied doctors’ expectations throughout her life before passing away just weeks before her graduation from Los Angeles High School.

“I saw her life as a success,” he said. “When her life ended, I made a commitment to myself that in some way or another, I wanted to support people with disabilities.”

Looking ahead, both leaders emphasize that growth remains the goal.

“My personal goal is that every single person that comes into our services is working,” Solis said.

As Community Options sets its sights on next year’s Cupid Chase on Feb. 13, 2027, the organization’s focus remains the same. Expanding opportunity, raising expectations, and ensuring people with disabilities have the same chance to belong, work, and thrive just like anyone else.