Health & Wellbeing: Community Health Funder Alliance

HEALTH & WELLBEING: COMMUNITY HEALTH FUNDER ALLIANCE

Our Mission is to enhance and strengthen the systems of care that address the most challenging health and social needs in Santa Fe and northern New Mexico with a unified funding strategy.

In partnership with Anchorum St. Vincent and CHRISTUS St. Vincent, the Santa Fe Community Foundation established the Community Health Funder Alliance dedicated to improving health and wellness in Santa Fe and northern New Mexico.

The Alliance partners have combined funds to create two pooled tiers of funding, including Community Grants and Health Impact Grants, focused on health and wellness in the following areas across the lifespan.

• Maternal Health and Early Childhood • School-Age Children and Adolescent Health, Wellness • Adult Physical Health • Adult Behavioral Health • Women's Health • Senior Health and Wellness • Social Determinants of Health Across the Lifespan

The geographic region for community health grants includes Santa Fe, Los Alamos, Taos, Colfax, Mora, Rio Arriba and San Miguel counties.

Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico

Santa Fe | ASPNM.org

Mission | To enhance the lives of children and adults with disabilities through recreations. Proposal | Since 1985, ASPNM has given children and adults with disabilities the opportunity to pursue a healthy lifestyle through activities, including winter sports, water sports, rock climbing, and more. ASPNM’s goal is to enable each participant to feel empowered, independent, and accomplished. Grant support will be used to enhance adaptive sports program offerings, giving individuals with disabilities the opportunity to be active and challenge themselves beyond what they may have thought possible. Noteworthy | 24.5% of New Mexican citizens report having a disability. Recreational options and accessible facilities are limited. Children with disabilities have fewer opportunities to participate in team sports and school PE programs. Adults with disabilities are 35% more likely to be inactive and 3x more likely to have heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or cancer. By creating opportunities for kids and adults with disabilities to be active year-round, ASPNM provides the tools to combat these challenging statistics.

Alzheimer's Association, NM Chapter

Albuquerque | alz.org/newmexico

Mission | The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Proposal | The vision of the Alzheimer's Association is a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia. We are committed to funding vital research to find a treatment, prevention or cure but, until that time, we will provide services and support to impacted individuals and families in northern New Mexico.

American Red Cross of New Mexico

Albuquerque | redcross.org/local/az-nm/about-us/ locations/new-mexico.html

Mission | Your American Red Cross is present throughout New Mexico — helping families impacted by disasters, providing services to military members and their families, delivering blood products for accident victims and cancer patients, providing lifesaving training in CPR, Aquatics, and more. We live our mission: The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Proposal | Red Cross emergency services, in particular Disaster Cycle Services, seek to meet the immediate, emergency needs of families in the wake of a local disaster, most often a home fire. Families can be facing homelessness and hunger, and the Red Cross provides financial assistance to help bridge the gap between disaster and recovery. Disasters hurt — physically, emotionally, financially; the Red Cross helps. Noteworthy | In the immediate past fiscal year in the CHFA seven-county jurisdiction, Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to 33 local disaster incidents, helping 49 families/115 individuals to avoid homelessness and hunger by providing $29,311 in financial assistance to meet immediate emergency needs.

Atalaya Search and Rescue

Santa Fe | atalayasar.org

Mission | Atalaya Search and Rescue (ASAR) is a nonprofit, charitable organization dedicated to the successful search and rescue of the lost or injured in the backcountry of northern New Mexico or wherever needed. Proposal | ASAR volunteers train bi-weekly and maintain a wide-range of team equipment for rock, avalanche, and backcountry rescues. Grant support is needed to update and upgrade critical gear — ropes and rigging devices, radios, medical kits, and other specialized equipment — as well as undertake technical training, including wilderness first aid, high-angle rescue techniques, and advanced avalanche safety, so ASAR can maintain best-practices and keep Santa Feans safe as they enjoy the outdoors. Noteworthy | According to the Outdoor Industry Association, participation in outdoor activities has increased significantly during COVID-19, with hundreds of thousands of Americans recreating outdoors in new ways. When these beginner hikers, climbers, and backpackers get lost or emergencies arise, ASAR responds. In 2020, ASAR was dispatched on 23 missions, every other week on average, which was an increase over 2019.

Bienvenidos Outreach, Inc.

Santa Fe | bienvenidosfoodpantry.org

Mission | To provide food and clothing to those in need in Santa Fe and the surrounding areas. Proposal | Since 1989, Bienvenidos Outreach has provided assistance with food, clothing, and household goods to our clients, always at no cost or obligation to them. We request funds in order to continue to enhance our food programs by adding healthier food selections for children, the elderly, and those with medical conditions who are the most vulnerable of our clients. Noteworthy | According to the Food Research & Action Center, which was last updated September 2019, 19.5% of New Mexicans — 399,456 people — are living in poverty. 26.3% of children in New Mexico — 124,024 children — are living in poverty. New Mexico ranks the 2nd worst state in the country for these statistics.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region

Santa Fe | bbbsmountainregion.org

Mission | Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region creates professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Our vision is that through the guidance of life-changing mentors all youth can achieve their full potential. Research shows that children matched in our program are 90% more likely to do well in school, 46% less likely to use drugs or alcohol, and 89% less likely to make bad decisions. Proposal | We seek funding to continue offering support to our most vulnerable youth. Connection is vital for the health and wellbeing of our children, which is why we are requesting support for our expanding technology efforts to ensure that all children are able to stay connected to their mentors. These funds will allow our matches to use virtual technologies such as text, phone, and video conferencing to reduce social isolation and continue on the path to success. Noteworthy | Positive youth development research has long demonstrated that youth benefit from close, caring relationships with adult positive role models. A 2013 study by Herrera, DuBois, & Grossman showed that after an average of 10 months of mentoring, mentored youth fared better than those without mentors in emotional/psychological wellbeing, social relationships, academic attitudes, and self-reported grades. Also notable were reductions in depression symptoms across all groups who participated.

Cancer Foundation for New Mexico

Santa Fe | cffnm.org

Mission | To help save lives by providing the needed support to enable every northern New Mexican with cancer to access treatment in Santa Fe. Proposal | Cancer Foundation for New Mexico (CFFNM) is the only local, independent nonprofit to offer the lifecritical services needed to ensure access to treatment for all low-income northern New Mexicans with cancer who suffer disproportionately in their effort to start and complete their cancer treatment. These support services include transportation reimbursement, overnight lodging near the cancer center, grocery cards, and support groups for patients, family, and caregivers. Noteworthy | In 2019, CFFNM supported more than 28,000 cancer patient visits to Santa Fe for treatment, up 33% from the 21,000 patient visits supported in 2017. However, the number of Native American cancer patient visits remained flat during that time period. Our research discovered that this statistic is due to lack of awareness of CFFNM programs in the region's tribal communities.

Cancer Support Services/Holy Cross Medical Center

Taos | holycrossmedicalcenter.org/program/cancersupport-services/

Mission | To provide non-medical services to people with cancer and their families in Taos and Western Colfax counties. Proposal | We are requesting funds for core support for our Cancer Support Services Program, which strives to alleviate some of the emotional, physical, and financial challenges for individuals fighting cancer. This funding would allow us to improve the quality of life for our clients by helping to meet basic needs with non-clinical support. Noteworthy | The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 9,800 new cases of cancer diagnosed in New Mexico in 2020 and projects that there will be 3,720 deaths from cancer this year. Cancer is the #1 cause of death in Taos County. Individuals with cancer in Taos must travel to Santa Fe or Albuquerque to receive treatment for their disease which creates a financial burden. In Taos County, 21% of our residents live below the poverty line, so this financial impact is felt even more deeply.

Caregiver Wellness Retreat

Santa Fe | caregiverwellnessretreat.com

Mission | To provide northern New Mexico with pro-active wellness retreats, prevention for caregiver burnout in person and online, and emphasize self-care for family and frontline caregivers of Alzheimer's and other dementias through self-awareness, wellness education, and community support. We partner with Memory Care Alliance of northern New Mexico, The Alzheimer’s Association, Vista Living, Academy for Love of Learning, and the O'Keeffe Museum to educate and raise community-wide awareness for the overall health of caregivers. Proposal | Caregiver Wellness Retreat (CWR) seeks to reach elders in northern New Mexico through a sustainable operational approach and increase the scope of preventative care for elder caregivers, respite care, and wellness programs. To cost-effectively support rapid online growth and operations with a lean core staff, we seek funding for a chief operations officer position, respite funding to serve over 300 New Mexico caregivers. COO recruit and collaborate with more than 160 professionals to provide wellness tools to cope with caregiver burnout. Noteworthy | There is a 23% expected increase in Alzheimer's in New Mexico by 2025. More than 30% of caregivers die before those they are caring for. CWR provides engagement, supportive services, and access to wellness education, making a significant difference in reducing burnout, stress, illness/disease and improving the long term quality of life for New Mexico caregivers. The largest obstacles to wellness: time, stress, and financial resources. CWR teaches free tools they can use on a daily basis, which can have a powerful cumulative effect.

CASA First

Santa Fe | casafirst.org

Mission | To support and promote court-appointed volunteer advocacy so that abused and neglected foster children in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba and Los Alamos Counties, can be safe, establish a permanent home and thrive. Proposal | CASA First asks for your help so that foster children from Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos Counties who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and severe neglect are no longer in harm's way, are in a safe loving forever home, and have the supports and oversight needed to thrive. Our Court Appointed Volunteers are fierce advocates in and out of court and caring adults for the most traumatized and vulnerable children in our community. Noteworthy | Last fiscal year, there were over 1,400 accepted reports of child abuse and neglect in Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, and Los Alamos Counties. The child victims who suffer the most severe abuse and have no one able to safely care for them are taken into custody. There are approximately 2,400 children who enter foster care each year in New Mexico. Last year, CASA represented 175 children, a third were five years old or younger, with half birth to two years old. There are foster children in our district without an advocate.

Casa Milagro

Santa Fe | casamilagrosantafe.org

Mission | To provide a sustainable, safe, and therapeutic home that nurtures the well-being and thriving of each of our formerly homeless residents. Proposal | After receiving a gift of beautiful raised garden beds in 2020, Casa Milagro is seeking grant and donor support to hire a garden and kitchen manager. This individual will work alongside our residents to care for the garden, harvest the vegetables, and prepare healthy and delicious food in our community kitchen. Please join us in nurturing the vision planted by this generous gift from Barb Odell, which is already sprouting and growing. Noteworthy | From The New York Times (March 2021): “Homelessness in the United States rose for the fourth straight year, with about 580,000 people living on the streets or in temporary shelter at the start of 2020, according to an annual nationwide survey that was completed before the pandemic.” As for the impacts of the pandemic, Marcia L. Fudge (President Biden’s new HUD secretary) recently indicated that the numbers are still forthcoming, “but we know it has increased...” and is “devastating.”

Catholic Charities

Albuquerque | ccasfnm.org

Mission | Founded in 1945 in Santa Fe, Catholic Charities is dedicated to serving the most vulnerable in our community throughout Santa Fe, Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Valencia counties. Our mission is to put faith in action to improve the lives of those in need and our vision is to honor human dignity. Our current programs include senior transportation, immigration legal assistance, refugee support, homelessness assistance, adult education, early childhood education, and more. Proposal | Funding will support our Partnering for Seniors (PFS) program in Santa Fe. PFS is free door-to-door transportation program engaging volunteer drivers to give rides from hospital discharges or to and from healthcare services. We serve low-to-moderate income seniors, age 60 and over, who lack access to other transportation. PFS also connects program partners and other senior provides to address senior needs. Noteworthy | Santa Fe has a fast-growing senior population that is expected to make up a third of the community's population by 2040. As individuals age, health changes may affect their ability to drive. Lack of transportation can prevent older individuals from accessing needed healthcare services and increase their risk for social isolation. Many reports have found gaps in access to public transportation and ride share services in Santa Fe, particularly for the 8.4% of our seniors living in poverty.

Changing Woman Initiative

Santa Fe | changingwomaninitiative.com

Mission | We are indigenous leaders and community healers, centering our families and communities, transforming the cultural narrative, and setting in motion policy changes. Our mission is to support our diverse indigenous communities, to renew cultural birth, and the fundamental indigenous human right to reproductive health, dignity, and justice. Proposal | Since 2015, Changing Woman Initiative (CWI) has been working with Native American communities and birthing families around birth equity and community-led solutions, and creating a plan for a Native American birthing center in New Mexico. From 2019-present, CWI provides community training opportunities for Native American birth workers, supports policy in maternal health, and provides birthing services, including home visits and health education and nutrition. Noteworthy | As a result of supporting this proposal, the state will have more local healthcare workforce (midwives and other) so that families have access to culturally competent care from birth to early childhood. It will support our work in coalitions to improve maternal health, and address policy, regulations and systems, with a result of more access to quality prenatal care. There will also be more trained medical and community health workers available in the state and better nutrition education.

Children's Grief Center of New Mexico

Albuquerque | childrensgrief.org

Mission | To provide a safe and supportive environment where young people (ages five–25) and their caregivers can share feelings and experiences while grieving the death of a loved one. Proposal | Funding will directly support our free ongoing programs (support groups and workshops) for grieving young people and their caregivers. It costs approximately $700 to provide an individual with a year of services. Families are never charged for the support they receive and we do not operate on a wait-list so that bereaved people may access trauma-informed services and resources immediately. Programs serve people living throughout New Mexico and would not be available without the generosity of our donors. Noteworthy | New Mexico is second in the nation for number of kids who will experience the death of their parent or sibling by age 18. There is a severe lack of resources for grieving kids and when their needs are left unaddressed they become five times more likely to die by suicide (Census Bureau); nine times more likely to drop out of high school (National Principals Association); 10 times more likely to engage in substance abuse (Rainbows for All God's Children); and 20 times more likely to have behavioral health disorders (CDC).

Comedor de San Pascual, Inc.

Las Vegas | comedorsoupkitchen.wordpress.com

Mission | To provide regular free community meals and opportunities to socialize for children and adults, and to provide free supplementary food to persons of need. Proposal | Comedor Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry has provided free food for anyone requesting this service for 11 years in Las Vegas, New Mexico, with an all-volunteer staff. No proof of income is required. Comedor has always produced a balanced meal — hot entrée, fresh vegetable, fresh fruit salad, a boiled egg, and dessert. Food Pantry Bags (FPB) provide something from each food group in the form of nonperishables. Customers may take as many meals and FPB's as they want. Fresh produce is provided as available. Noteworthy | Food insecurity in Las Vegas has been more of a problem over the past year because of the COVID pandemic impacting lives through job losses, children out of school, and fears of contacting the COVID virus when in the community. Comedor has doubled the number of meals prepared and served because of customer demand. In 2017, 27.2–47.4% of children in San Miguel County were living in poverty, according to NM-IBIS. The challenges of feeding children when not in school is only one of the major factors.

Coming Home Connection

Santa Fe | cominghomeconnection.org

Mission | Coming Home Connection trains, places, and supports volunteer and professional caregivers in homes and other settings where help is needed to assist clients and their families through sickness, old age, and the end of life. Proposal | We are seeking funds to 1) provide high quality, low-cost and free home care to seniors in need or at-risk, allowing them to safely age-in-place, in part by preventing falls; 2) support our volunteer programs: The Kindness Crew, Caring Callers and our other volunteer programs; and 3) provide Health Navigation services to seniors and low income individuals, linking them to essential health and community services that decrease barriers to care while increasing engagement and active participation. Noteworthy | Conde Nest and US World Report named Santa Fe as one of the top 10 places to retire. This invitation has increased Santa Fe County's senior population to 23.2%, with 8.4% living in poverty. Elders in our community are often managing chronic conditions and facing complex challenges to stay healthy, including barriers to accessing care (CSV 2020 CHNA). We are the only non-profit providing free and affordable care to seniors directly in their homes as well as health navigation services.

Communities In Schools of New Mexico

Santa Fe | cisnm.org

Mission | Communities In Schools of New Mexico (CIS) surrounds students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. CIS is the 26th affiliate of Communities In Schools, the nation's most effective dropout prevention organization, founded 45 years ago and currently serving over 1.6 million children and youth across the nation. Proposal | Communities In Schools of New Mexico works inside PreK–12 public schools to build relationships with Santa Fe's most vulnerable youth to empower them to stay in school and succeed in life. Challenges outside the classroom — like hunger, poor health, or trauma at home or in their community — lcan stand in the way of success inside the classroom. As part of a national network, our model creates a School Support Plan that engages the community to create positive, measurable outcomes for students. Noteworthy | In Santa Fe Public Schools there are approximately 13,000 students enrolled and 74% (9,000) qualify for free-and-reduced lunch (SFPS, 2019); a federal indicator of poverty. These students face many barriers to learning, including hunger, lack of stable housing, trauma, and reduced ability to concentrate. Without community support, these students are at high risk for dropping out, perpetuating cycles of poverty. SFPS's graduation rate averages 71%, 13 points below the national average.

Community Against Violence

Taos | taoscav.org

Mission | To foster and support a community free from all forms of domestic and sexual violence. Proposal | Community Against Violence (CAV) requests funding to continue best-practice, one-stop, and safe services to child and adult survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and child abuse and neglect. Supporting CAV services allows for continued, exemplary, client-centered, trauma-informed programs for survivors in rural and geographically-isolated communities in north central New Mexico. Noteworthy | CAV provided direct services to 885 child and adult survivors of domestic/sexual violence and child abuse/neglect in 2018–19. Of those, 249 were cases of child abuse/neglect in the seven north central counties of: Taos, Rio Arriba, Colfax, Union, San Miguel, Guadalupe, and Mora. These numbers of clients being provided direct services by CAV continues in an upward trend as more survivors reach out for critical assistance and support.

Compassionate Touch Network dba Breaking the Silence New Mexico

Albuquerque | breakingthesilencenm.org

Mission | Breaking the Silence New Mexico is a nonprofit organization that promotes mental health literacy, education, advocacy, and well-being for teens, youth, and adults. Proposal | We seek funds to support our evidenceinformed, proactive mental health, and suicide prevention education program for upper elementary, middle, and high school adolescents in public and charter schools throughout the state. This program includes education for school personnel, parents, and the community. Noteworthy | According to the CDC’s latest WISQARS National Reporting Data, the leading cause of death in New Mexico, for ages 10–18, is suicide and it is the second leading cause of death for our college age students (ages 18–22). In short, every 3.97 days, New Mexico loses a child to suicide. These 2019 statistics are the most recent available. Based upon trends from COVID, the numbers are more dire, due to isolation, lack of access to mental health services, poverty rates and crisis intervention calls.

Cooking With Kids

Santa Fe | cookingwithkids.org

Mission | Cooking with Kids educates and empowers children and families to make healthy food choices through hands-on learning with fresh, affordable foods. Proposal | Cooking with Kids requests funding for handson food and nutrition education activities, where students explore, prepare, and enjoy fresh, affordable foods from diverse cultural traditions. We aim to positively change eating behaviors, increase home cooking practices, and support public schools in their efforts to engage students in creative and cross-disciplinary ways. Noteworthy | In northern New Mexico, one in four children live in homes without consistent access to adequate food and one-third of 3rd grade students are overweight or obese. Despite these sobering facts, very few elementary school students receive nutrition education.

DreamTree Project, Inc.

Taos | dreamtreeproject.org

Mission | DreamTree Project provides housing and compassionate support services for youth in crisis. Our vision is that all New Mexico youth have stability, support, and the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Proposal | Funding keeps our programs operating and serving homeless teens and young people, including The Street Outreach Program for youth on the streets, the Emergency Youth Shelter for youth ages 12 to 17, the Transitional Living Program for youth ages 16 to 24, and the DreamTree Families Program for young parents and their children. Noteworthy | The Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey (YRRS) has shown that 6.6% of teenagers in New Mexico struggle with housing instability every year; in our five-county service area, this rate jumps to 7.9%. This amounts to hundreds of young people throughout north central and north east New Mexico who are sleeping in a shelter, in a motel or hotel, in public spaces, doubled up, and/or couch surfing.

Española Pathways Shelter

Española | espanolapathwaysshelter.org

Mission | To provide homeless men and women access to viable pathways towards a more productive life. Proposal | We seek to fulfill both the short and long term needs of people experiencing homelessness in Rio Arriba County through the provision of temporary shelter, food, respect, referral to health care and long-term housing, transportation, job training, and barrier jumping in order to encourage people experiencing homelessness to stay on the road to a more productive life. Noteworthy | In January 2019, the Continuums of Care to the U.S. Department of HUD reported that on any given day New Mexico has an estimated 3,241 residents experiencing homelessness. 246 of this total are family households, 257 are veterans, 216 are unaccompanied young adults (aged 18–24), and 1,455 are individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. No homelessness data exists for our area, but we do know that Rio Arriba County has a Distressed Community Index rating of 95.5/100.

Esperanza Shelter

Santa Fe | esperanzashelter.org

Mission | To shelter those threatened by domestic violence and to support healthy relationships. Our overarching vision is a community free of abuse and domestic violence. Proposal | For 45 years, Esperanza has been the only domestic violence shelter in Santa Fe County providing a 24/7 safe emergency shelter and crisis line, advocacy, counseling, substance abuse counseling, adult and child therapy, community navigation, court advocacy, community outreach/education, and psychoeducational groups for both survivors and individuals who have committed acts of abuse. We seek funding to support the free, confidential, and comprehensive services that we provide. Noteworthy | Our county ranks in the top third of counties in New Mexico with the highest domestic violence rates. Over 90% of our clients fall within the federal poverty guidelines, approximately 2/3 are children ages 0–17, with a high percentage of survivors having a history of or current substance use/abuse issues, and traumatic brain injuries. COVID has roughly cost us an additional $30k/month in unbudgeted expenses.

The Family YMCA's Española YMCA Teen Center

Los Alamos | laymca.org

Mission | The Family YMCA’s mission is to build community strength by focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The mission of our Española YMCA Teen Center is to strengthen the efficacy of community youth through educational support and positive youth development programs; we use evidence-based best practices documented by Dr. David DuBois, University of Illinois-Chicago, whose research documents mentoring relationships for youth resilience and holistic development. Proposal | Funds will provide positive adult staff mentors, educational support (tutoring), youth development programming (skill-building classes), and substance abuse prevention programming at the Española YMCA Teen Center during out-of-school times year-round. These activities move us closer to our objective of improving health outcomes for local youth by supporting them in a social-community context. Noteworthy | NM Dept. of Health (DOH) reports show that Española and Rio Arriba County suffer from poor educational outcomes, multi-generational substance abuse, domestic violence, poverty, and high crime rates. A 2020 DOH Epidemiology report says Rio Arriba County has the highest drug overdose death rate in the state at 92.8 per 100,000 vs. the New Mexico average of 25.5. The 2019 Española graduation rate was 63% vs. the state’s 75%. A 2007 NM PED report said 73% of Española high school graduates need remedial classes in college.

Fathers New Mexico

Santa Fe | fathersnewmexico.org

Mission | To provide support, resources, and skills to promote healthy and responsible fathering in young families. Fathers New Mexico nurtures connections between the father, the family, and the community to promote self, family, and community health. Proposal | Fathers who are involved early in the lives of their children build foundations for positive outcomes for their children. Young fathers and those living in poverty (disproportionately young men of color), are significantly more likely than other fathers to be disconnected from their children by age three. Fathers New Mexico (FNM) proposes to continue engaging fathers and providing them with effective programming to meet their needs and support them to be dedicated dads. Noteworthy | Increasing father involvement amongst fathers of low socioeconomic status can decrease disparities in school performance (Miller, Thomas, et. al., 2020). Engaged fathers are linked to better outcomes on every measure of child wellbeing, from cognitive development and educational readiness to self-esteem and pro-social behavior.

The Food Depot

Santa Fe | thefooddepot.org

Mission | The Food Depot fosters healthy communities by engaging a network of partners and developing solutions for a hunger-free New Mexico. Proposal | As the only food bank serving nine counties in northern New Mexico, The Food Depot provides hunger relief through a combination of direct and indirect service programs. The Food Depot partners with 115 nonprofit organizations including food pantries, meal programs, and shelters to provide food assistance. In addition, The Food Depot fills gaps in hunger relief services by providing food to children, people in rural communities, and seniors through three direct service programs. Noteworthy | Hunger remains constant in the lives of many New Mexicans and is a growing crisis for families in northern New Mexico as a result of the pandemic. According to Feeding America’s food insecurity data, 19.7% of northern New Mexicans are food insecure. Children in northern New Mexico face an even more dire situation; more than 1 in 3 children in New Mexico are experiencing food insecurity right now. As a result of the pandemic, demand for hunger relief services increased 30%.

The Friendship Club

Santa Fe | friendshipclubsantafe.org

Mission | To provide a multi-use community center that promotes activities and events focusing on mental, spiritual, and physical recovery. We provide an inviting, supportive, and safe environment where people in recovery and heal and help one another. Proposal | We provide educational opportunities such as Peer support, non-violent and overall communication skill classes, women's empowerment programs, volunteer programs, and more at the Friendship Club. We are looking to expand these opportunities even further. We have a large number of sponsors at the Club who work with people one-on-one. We also have educational literature and room expenses. Our meetings also provide continuing education for the attendees on how to live productive lives. Noteworthy | With the FC opening up again for some live meetings, we are using ZOOM to be able to reach more people in the recovery community. We have close to 40 meetings each week available on ZOOM and would like to increase this in the near future to 50 meetings. We will be increasing the number of in-person group meetings also. We have 4 peer support workers who come to the Friendship Club and would like to increase this number to 6 in the future. COVID has limited us with our in-person meetings.

Generational Empowerment

Ohkay Owingeh

Mission | To empower, guide, and cultivate youth through evidence-based prevention curriculums focused on substance abuse prevention, positive coping mechanisms, education, culture, health and wellness. If our future is to be great, we need to empower our youth. Proposal | Cultural protective factors for Native youth are often linked to traditions of their ancestors. Generational Empowerment is recognized as a powerful community resource to help youth stay away from drugs, build selfesteem, strengthen cultural connections, and develop healthy behaviors for their future. Noteworthy | Ohkay Owingeh has seen a decreasing trend in the number of community youth participating in traditional dances because of the lack of traditional regalia youth own. The proposed Ohkay Owingeh cultural program will lay the foundation for an increased number of youth participating in our cultural dances. Additionally, the cultural program will help develop strong relationships with Elders and Spiritual Leaders of the community.

Gerard's House

Santa Fe | gerardshouse.org

Mission | Gerard’s House is Santa Fe’s center for kids grieving the death of — or separation from — a loved one. Our mission is to create safe spaces where healing happens through acceptance and peer support for grieving children, teenagers, families, and adults. Eight programs support grieving youth according to their needs, whether they have immigrant roots, are living in poverty, are homeless or have attempted suicide. To meet grieving families’ holistic needs, we also provide basic needs casework. Proposal | When a child, teenager, or adult experiences the death of — or separation from — a loved one, Gerard's House offers free grief support. We request funding for weekly peer grief support groups, casework, suicideprevention programs, individual sessions, crisis response services and summer camps. Each is uniquely designed for those experiencing life-changing loss. Programs are collaborative, bilingual, culturally specific, free of charge, and accessible in multiple ways — mobile, virtual, or on-site. Noteworthy | In 2020, Gerard’s House 2020 provided 910 children, teenagers, and adults with grief support services; met 525 urgent needs beyond grief support; saw 419 individuals participate in our food distribution program; provided 18 weekly grief support groups, including in 11 SFPS schools; and had volunteers contribute 2,000 volunteer hours. Thank you, amazing donors, collaborative partners, and volunteers!

IMPACT Personal Safety dba Resolve

Santa Fe | resolvenm.org

Mission | To prevent violence by building skills and inspiring individuals to be agents of personal, community, and cultural change. By reducing the fear and impact of violence, we help to create a community where people live powerfully, experience freedom, and pursue joy. Proposal | Resolve’s skill-based programs teach youth and adults to prevent violence in their communities and defend themselves and others against violence through collaborations with schools, Pueblos, and nonprofits. Our students learn to challenge beliefs and behaviors that create violence; they also learn concrete bystander and self-advocacy strategies to prevent violence. By reducing the impact of violence, we make our communities stronger and healthier. Noteworthy | Violence is a public health crisis in New Mexico. According to the FBI, our state has the 3rd highest per capita incidence of rape and domestic violence in the country and ranks 2nd for violent crimes. Prevention and early intervention are key as one out of three female victims and one out of four male victims experience sexual violence before the age of 18. Additionally, half of all middle school students in New Mexico report being bullied at school over the course of one year.

Interfaith Community Shelter Group, Inc.

Santa Fe | interfaithsheltersf.org

Mission | To provide safe, hospitable shelter, food and clothing to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in Santa Fe, and to promote self reliance by providing a point of entry to the other services necessary to make the transition from homelessness to stable housing. There are three components to Interfaith Community Shelter Group's programming: the Seasonal Night Shelter, the Day Services Program, and the Women's Summer Safe Haven. Proposal | We seek funds to support our work as the only "come-as-you-are" or "minimal barrier" shelter in northern New Mexico, which means we accept everyone, regardless of condition or circumstance, including their pets. Last year, the Interfaith Community Shelter at Pete's Place served 1,187 discrete individuals for 22,946 bed nights, served 64,683 meals, and distributed 42,011 articles of clothing. We are a largely volunteer-based agency with 46 faith and community groups and 2,000 active volunteers. Noteworthy | The greatest challenge to our community is the number of people who live in poverty; more than 20% of New Mexico residents and 14.4% of Santa Fe residents. Santa Fe Public School's Adelante program counts more than 1,100 homeless students. In a recently released HUD report, New Mexico ranked number two, behind Washington DC, in the highest percentage of chronically homeless and, behind Montana, in homeless veterans. New Mexico had a 57% increase in homelessness last year, the largest increase in the country.

Kitchen Angels

Santa Fe | kitchenangels.org

Mission | To provide free, freshly prepared and nutritious meals to homebound individuals living with chronic, life threatening or terminal illnesses. Proposal | Improve the health of homebound residents in the greater Santa Fe area who face life-challenging or terminal medical conditions and who are financially limited in their ability to meet their daily nutrition needs by providing free, nutritious, specially prepared meals delivered to their homes. Noteworthy | In the US, one in three chronically ill individuals cannot afford food, medications, or both and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 60.5% of adults age 65 and older have two or more chronic medical conditions.

La Familia Medical Center

Santa Fe | lafamiliasf.org

Mission | To foster community well-being in partnership with our patients by providing excellent, accessible, familycentered medical, dental, and behavioral health care. Proposal | La Familia seeks funding for our Healthy Children’s Initiative. This comprehensive program provides primary medical, dental, and behavioral health care to uninsured pregnant mothers and children from conception through early childhood. Noteworthy | In 2020, La Familia’s providers saw more than 2,000 children under the age of five. Over 65% of our families are underserved when it comes to their healthcare, with 33% being uninsured and 32% on Medicaid. La Familia’s Healthy Children’s Initiative gives low income children a healthy start on life to grow and learn.

Las Cumbres Community Services, Inc.

Española | lascumbres-nm.org

Mission | To provide quality services, public awareness, and integrated community supports for children, adults, and families facing social, emotional and/or developmental challenges. We are working for a world where every person connects and thrives in their community. Proposal | Our Santuario del Corazon Program requests funds for bilingual/bicultural case management and counseling to support immigrant children and their families experiencing traumatic separation due to arriving unaccompanied in the US, separation at the border, and/or deportation. This includes school-based help to mid- and high-school students to collectively address their needs, fears, and educational concerns while engaging educators to learn more about trauma-informed practices for immigrant youth. Noteworthy | In the US today, roughly 6 million children under 18 share a home with at least one undocumented family member, often a parent. Consequently, immigration enforcement actions have significant physical, emotional, developmental, and economic repercussions for millions of children across the country. A 2010 study of immigrationrelated parental arrests found that the majority of children experienced at least four adverse behavioral changes in the six months following a raid or arrest.

Los Alamos Family Council

Los Alamos | lafamilycouncil.org

Mission | To improve social and emotional well-being through education, prevention, and counseling. Proposal | We seek funding to further expand affordable mental and behavioral health support to those in need. Helping individuals and families to overcome difficulties that arise from previous trauma enable those same individuals and families to prevent future traumas in those they love — we aim to help them in that endeavor. Noteworthy | One in five of our clients struggle to make their co-payments to receive mental health treatment for themselves and their dependents. Just over half of our clients are Medicaid clients. We are trying to ensure that clients are able to receive the treatment they need regardless of their ability to pay.

The May Center for Learning

Santa Fe | maycenter.org

Mission | May Center for Learning empowers students with learning differences to be successful, confident learners who recognize the importance of communication, collaboration, and community. We accomplish this goal by focusing on four specific success attributes: Literacy, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Principles in our school, tutoring, and summer programs, May Evaluation Center and May Teacher Institute. Proposal | Funding will support May Center's school, tutoring, summer programs, and evaluation services for students with learning disabilities, and May Teacher Institute, allowing more students to access intervention and ensuring that every child in New Mexico has a teacher who understands the science of reading instruction. Noteworthy | Funding will support May Center's school, tutoring, summer programs, and evaluation services for students with learning disabilities, and May Teacher Institute, allowing more students to access intervention and ensuring that every child in New Mexico has a teacher who understands the science of reading instruction.

McCurdy Schools of Northern New Mexico dba McCurdy Ministries

Española | mccurdy.org

Mission | McCurdy Ministries Community Center (MMCC) creates hope and empowers the lives of children, youth, adults, and families through education, life skills, and faith-based programs in the Española Valley. Proposal | MMCC sponsors Project Cariño, a free schoolbased mental heath counseling program, which serves 28% of the school age population of the Española Valley and their families. Services include play, talk and family therapy, support groups, crisis intervention, Big Buddy/Little Buddy program, educational programs, and support of the MMCC and McCurdy Charter School staff and administration. Project Cariño works to build resiliency in our students and their families. Noteworthy | According to the US Census Quick Facts, 35% of the residents of Española who will report to the census live below the Federal Poverty Line. The Rio Arriba County Health Council states that, due to drug and alcohol addiction rates and incarceration rates, 60% of our students are being raised by their grandparents. Through Project Cariño, MMCC is working to improve the self esteem, mental health, resiliency, educational & life skills of our students who are adversely affected by these statistics.

The Memory Care Alliance

Santa Fe | thememorycarealliance.org

Mission | To provide pro-active comprehensive on-going support, planning, education and resources for families living with Alzheimer’s and all other dementia-related illnesses. To educate and raise community awareness concerning the level of need for volunteer and financial help. To remove the stigma associated with dementia-related illnesses and replace it with compassionate understanding. Proposal | Our goal is to develop our existing Memory Care Alliance programs for the Spanish-speaking members of our community. In addition, we plan to establish a Spanish-speaking weekly caregiver group assisting families impacted by memory loss, provide education programs, and add resource pages in Spanish to our website, as well as develop a method to provide bi-lingual consultations and other assistance to the Spanish-speaking community affected by memory loss issues. Noteworthy | According to the National Institute of Health, currently there are approximately 43,000 people living with Alzheimer’s in New Mexico. No services are currently provided in northern New Mexico for the Spanish-speaking community affected by Alzheimer’s.

Mesa to Mesa

Española | mesatomesa.org

Mission | To bring people together to improve the health, safety, and security of low income homeowners in northern New Mexico by performing minor repairs to their homes, facilitating larger repairs by means of referrals and collaborations, and providing home maintenance education. Proposal | Our goal is to help those in most need of our services — low income, disabled, elderly, homes with young children, and those in crisis situations — to live safely and with dignity. We do this by making small home repairs free of charge to qualifying families. Noteworthy | According to the New Mexico Department of Health, New Mexico's fall-related death rate was 1.5 times greater than the U.S. rate in 2017. In 2018, there were 5,829 hospital visits in those 65 and older, because of falls. This is up from 5,515 visits in 2017, an increase of over 5%. Our organization works with elderly clients to identify and minimize risks. 100% of our clients fall below the Federal Poverty Guidelines which increases their chances of living in substandard housing.

Mora Valley Community Health Services, Inc.

Mora | mvchs.org

Mission | To deliver excellent primary care and other services to Mora residents. Proposal | MVCHS seeks funding to provide utility, firewood, and food vouchers to seniors in Mora County, whose income is within the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Noteworthy | Adult Day Services participants are referred to MVCHS' program by Adult Protective Services because they have been deemed to be at risk of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation. Personal Care clients are generally homebound and require assistance at their homes. Both Adult Day Services participants and Personal Care Program participants incomes are within the federal poverty guidelines. MVCHS has 10 Adult Day Care participants and 30 Personal Care clients.

The Mountain Center, Inc.

Santa Fe | themountaincenter.org

Mission | We promote wellness, personal discovery and social change through innovative learning experiences in wilderness, community, and cultural environments. Proposal | The Mountain Center Harm Reduction Program has been developing strong relationships throughout northern New Mexico since we began providing outreach services in 2005. In 2016, we added office-based services in the City of Española and introduced more comprehensive harm reduction and behavioral health services, including MedicationAssisted Treatment (MAT), Counseling Services, and Case Management. Our goal is to increase MAT access and accompanying case management to support our community. Noteworthy | In January of 2020, an article entitled “Availability of Buprenorphine Treatment in the ten States With the Highest Drug Overdose Death Rates in the US” was published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice. Rio Arriba County had the second-highest opioid overdose death rate in the country at 82.1 per 100K but was found to only have two providers per 100k, the lowest of all 10 counties. The study found a total of six unlisted providers, none of which had available appointments for new patients.

Mountain Home Health Care, Inc.

Taos | mtnhomehealth.com

Mission | Mountain Home Health Care provides superior home health and hospice care in rural northern New Mexico regardless of ethnicity, gender, age, or ability to pay. We provide a continuum of care between hospitals, facilities, and home — whether a short evaluation period of supportive and instructive care, an indefinite period for chronic maintenance care, or terminal care at home. We appreciate the cultural diversity of our communities, enhancing the quality of life for all with respect and dignity. Proposal | Our agency serves 775 patients per year with home health, hospice, and palliative care in Taos, Rio Arriba, and Colfax counties, and Taos and Picuris Pueblos. We provide education, counseling, and grief support to 2,500 informal caregivers and family. With indigent care services, we provide equitable, compassionate, patient-directed care to all, based on each individual's needs. Funding will go to indigent care services, including medical and related basic needs for low-income patients and families. Noteworthy | According to Data USA, Taos County, a rural county of 2,200 sq miles, has 33,000 residents with only 5,500 living in the Town of Taos, where medical services are primarily located, leaving most people underserved. In 2019, 21.3% lived in poverty, a number that has increased during 2020 due to COVID-19 and economic shutdown. Over 25% of Taos County is 65+ years old. Uninsured individuals in Taos County are 11.9% of the population, while 16.8% are currently on Medicare and 33.9% on Medicaid.

My Little Horse Listener, Inc.

Santa Fe | mylittlehorselistener.org

Mission | To use the gentle and therapeutic magic of miniature horses to rebuild trust and add comfort and laughter into the lives of youth who are recovering from physical, mental, or emotional abuse, or may simply need a special kind of friend to minimize loneliness in their young lives. Proposal | We can expand our services by bringing the miniature horses into the northern New Mexico communities, thereby creating access to children who cannot travel to our ranch. A safer horse trailer and large portable corral will enable us to reach children where they are. Noteworthy | In New Mexico, children are present at one out of every 3.3 domestic violence incidents and 77% of the children were under the age of 12. Children who witness abuse are four times more likely to experience child abuse. The healing power of horses is increasingly documented in at least 30 research studies that show an increase in a sense of control, well-being, and a decrease in depressive symptoms for children who have suffered debilitating abuse.

NAMI Santa Fe

Santa Fe | namisantafe.org

Mission | The NAMI Santa Fe (National Alliance on Mental Illness of Santa Fe) is a non-profit corporation of families, friends, and people with mental illness organized for mutual support, education, and advocacy. NAMI Santa Fe is committed to a comprehensive community support system for people with mental illness. Proposal | NAMI Santa Fe is asking for support to expand our programs for PIRS (persons in recovery from mental illness); specifically, our Peer to Peer Program. Peer to Peer is a free 8-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions who are looking to better understand themselves and their recovery. Noteworthy | According to the Community Health Needs Assessment established by Christus St. Vincent 2020–2022, "New Mexico’s suicide rate has consistently been higher than the US and Santa Fe’s is even higher than New Mexico’s suicide rate" (p. 53). The assessment goes on to list some of the main risk factors for suicide including: "depression and other mental disorders, and [ ... ] family history of mental illness" (53). These risk factors are among the primary issues that NAMI works to ameliorate.

National Dance Institute of New Mexico

Santa Fe | ndi-nm.org

Mission | National Dance Institute of New Mexico is founded with the knowledge that the arts have a unique power to engage and motivate children. The purpose of our distinctive programs is to help children develop discipline, a standard of excellence, and a belief in themselves that will carry over into all aspects of their lives. Proposal | Using the joy and exuberance of dance and music, NDI New Mexico provides access to transformational educational enrichment to low-income and high-risk students in Santa Fe and northern New Mexico. NDI New Mexico programs are offered at no cost to students and participating children make gains in educational success, social-emotional learning, and physical well-being. Students K–12 are taught self-discipline, confidence, teamwork, excellence, and health. Noteworthy | In 2020, New Mexico ranked 50th in our nation in education. New Mexico’s high school graduation rate is 71%, and only 29% of 4th graders and 23% of 8th graders scored at or above proficient in reading (Kids Count Data Center, Annie E. Casey Foundation). Graduation rates are even lower in Española (65.5%) and Santa Fe (68.9%, NMPED, 2018). A UNM study found that NDI New Mexico students earn higher grades and standardized test results than non-participating peers.

National Latino Behavioral Health Association

Cochiti Lake | nlbha.org

Mission | To influence national behavioral health policy, eliminate disparities in funding and access to services, and improve the quality of services and treatment outcomes for Latino populations. NLBHA has worked to provide national eadership on mental health and substance abuse concerns of the Latino community. We conduct policy advocacy, research, workforce development, mental health promotion, training and technical assistance. Proposal | We seek funding for a youth-driven Youth Health Equity Advocacy program that promotes well-being and addresses the mental health and substance issues experienced by youth in Santa Fe County to demonstrate the practice of diversity, equity and inclusion of youth voice, action, and leadership. Noteworthy | Our grant priority focuses on school age children and adolescents in Santa Fe County in the area of substance use and mental health. Youth in Santa Fe rates of persistent sadness (39.8%); seriously considered suicide (17.3%); and attempted suicide (8.7%) are above the U.S. rates. The prevalence rate of youth E-Cigarette use in Santa Fe County is 31.8%, still much higher than the state rate. Santa Fe County has a higher number of alcohol-related deaths twice that of Rio Arriba County.

New Mexico Alliance of Health Councils

Santa Fe | nmhealthcouncils.org

Mission | To improve the health of all people living in New Mexico by supporting and strengthening county and tribal health councils, advocating for health equity, and by providing a strong voice for community and public health. Proposal | We seek funding to build and maintain an online, comprehensive, searchable resource and referral platform, provide training and technical assistance and additional support to assist residents of Rio Arriba County in identifying and accessing the range of services needed for healthy development. Noteworthy | People looking for help in New Mexico face many challenges. Needed resources may not exist or are difficult to access. There also may be a lack of awareness of resources that are available and easily accessible. Both challenges prevent community members from accessing the resources they need. Rio Arriba residents recently reporting difficulty in accessing a range of services, including housing services (66%), childcare (51%), job training (47%), and behavioral health (46%) (Anna, Age 8 Institute).

New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force

Albuquerque | breastfeedingnm.org

Mission | To create supportive environments in which breastfeeding is the cultural norm. Our purpose is to bridge the gap in breastfeeding disparities by ensuring all families have the support they need to reach their breastfeeding goals. Proposal | Our work supports families by engaging Healthcare Systems, training lactation professionals, and providing community support. We also train community members and current healthcare professionals to better support families’ lactation goals. We are seeking support for Lactation Education and Support Expansion in northern New Mexico, which will provide lactation education to home visitors and, from them, recruit applicants for our Certified Lactation Consultants (CLC) training. Noteworthy | Human milk has well-documented health benefits for babies. Families in rural areas have less access to breastfeeding support than those in urban communities. Home visitors are critical for all, but particularly rural families, bridging the gap between hospital discharge and well-child visits. Our 2020 survey indicated that only 42% of home visitors had attended a breastfeeding class and that 100% could benefit from the support of lactation professionals in the communities they serve.

New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty

Albuquerque | nmpovertylaw.org

Mission | To advance economic and social justice through education, advocacy, and litigation. We work with community members and partners to improve living conditions, increase opportunities, and protect the rights of people living in poverty. Proposal | NMCLP leads a power collaborative effort to transform New Mexico’s public school system so that all children have the opportunity to learn and succeed. Funding will support efforts to enforce the landmark Yazzie/Martinez decision, which holds the state accountable to fulfill students’ constitutional rights to a sufficient education, and coalition work to promote multicultural and bilingual learning, school funding and teacher retention, and other necessary programs and services. Noteworthy | A 2020 report by a national economist found that, when adjusted for inflation, New Mexico's public schools have less spendable funding and lower teacher pay today than in 2008. The lack of funding and resources has left our children at the bottom nationally in educational achievement, with 30% of students not graduating and 70% not reading or doing math at grade level. This is an opportunity gap, not an achievement gap. More resources are needed to create a public educational system that works for all.

New Mexico Foundation for Dental Health, Research and Education dba New Mexico Dental Association Foundation

Albuquerque | facebook.com/NMDentalfoundation

Mission | The New Mexico Dental Association Foundation (NMDAF) provides oral health education for low-income individuals and families, with a pathway for oral health care for New Mexicans. Proposal | We seek support for our efforts in providing oral health education and access to free and low-cost dental care to low income individuals across the state. Noteworthy | Almost half of New Mexicans lack access to dental care, which exceeds the national average. Even with dental insurance, most cannot afford it (Pew Research).

New Mexico Immigrant Law Center

Albuquerque | nmilc.org

Mission | To advance equity and justice by empowering low-income immigrant communities through collaborative legal services, advocacy, and education. Proposal | We seek funds to ensure health access and safety for immigrant victims of crimes and neglected, abandoned, and abused children. Funds will be used to provide free immigration legal services and advocacy for victims of crimes and youth, in partnership with community organizations. Noteworthy | According to recent census data, there are 18,454 immigrants in the City of Santa Fe. An estimated 30% of this population are undocumented and are ineligible for the Heath Care Exchange and most forms of Medicaid due to exclusion based on immigration status under the Affordable Care Act.

New Mexico Legal Aid

Albuquerque | www.newmexicolegalaid.org

Mission | New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) is the voice, defender, and advocate for poor people who are seeking justice in all forums, particularly in the communities in which they live. NMLA is committed to help poor people in their struggle to access food, shelter, and security, and to preserve their unique cultural heritages. Proposal | New Mexico Legal Aid has a unique role in addressing health equity for all New Mexicans: providing free civil legal aid to low-income individuals and victims of violence to address socio-economic factors that affect their legal rights and wellbeing. Your support translates into families leading safer lives, keeping their homes, and having more economic security to build better futures. Thank you for helping us help those most in need. Noteworthy | Each year, 71% of low-income US households experience at least one civil legal problem, including problems with domestic violence, veterans' benefits, disability access, housing conditions, and health care. The rate is even higher for households with interpersonal violence survivors (97%), with parents/guardians of kids under 18 (80%), and with disabled persons (80%). Most of those families don't get the help they need.

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains

(Not a part of the Community Health Funder Alliance)

Denver | pprm.org

Mission | To provide education, advocacy, and patient centered sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion care. Proposal | PPRM’s New Mexico health centers provide compassionate, high-quality sexual and reproductive health care to over 10,000 patients every year. This funding will support PPRM’s Santa Fe health center and the Patient Assistance Fund to support the patients most in need of sexual and reproductive health care. The Patient Assistance Fund offers immediate financial assistance to offset the cost of our services for any patient regardless of their economic and medical insurance status. Noteworthy | With over 70% of PPRM’s patients either on Medicaid or without insurance, our health centers uniquely reach patients living with low incomes. PPRM’s greatest priority is to meet the communities that experience the greatest sexual health disparities where they are and provide them with the sexual health care services, education, and resources they need. Many of our patients see us as their primary care provider, and in some cases, we are their only point of access for medical care.

Punching Out Parkinson's Santa Fe

Santa Fe | popsantafe.org

Mission | To empower people living with Parkinson’s disease to maintain and improve their quality of life through exercise and community support. Proposal | Since 2017, Rock Steady Boxing has operated in a shared gym environment. The pandemic has made us acutely aware of the importance of having ongoing and thorough equipment sanitation practices. We realize that operating in a shared environment does not support the health of our participants and we now need our own gym. We’ve located a well-suited space and plan to take occupancy in July 2021. We seek funding to install padded gym flooring and equip our new space. Noteworthy | Due to postural instability and gait difficulty, 50–86% of people with Parkinson's fall several times a year. Such falls are a significant cause of disability, loss of independence and a diminished quality of life. Studies show intense exercise induces brain repair and results in the slowing, stopping and reversing the effects of the disease. Studies also show that practicing gait and balance, and increasing core strength reduces fall risk.

The Samaritan House, Inc.

Las Vegas | lvsamaritan.org

Mission | To provide a continuum of care to those in crisis due to homelessness and poverty while seeking transformation by identifying and addressing the causes of poverty at the local level. Proposal | We warm the cold and feed the hungry while seeking social transformation by identifying and effectively addressing the various reasons for poverty, toward dignified, sustainable self-sufficiency of individuals and families. Noteworthy | Individuals experiencing homelessness on their own are particularly vulnerable. Most (51 percent) live in places not meant for human habitation. Those who are chronically homeless are most likely to be in these circumstances—66 percent are without any shelter at all.

Santa Fe Boys and Girls Clubs, Inc.

Santa Fe | bgcsantafe.org

Mission | To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Proposal | We are requesting funding to help pay for program supplies for our Healthy Habits programming at five Club sites throughout northern New Mexico. Currently, 76% of our members are Hispanic and 58% are from singleparent households. Our program teaches kids and families how eating healthy and getting daily exercise leads not only to healthier lifestyles and decreased rates of obesity in school-age children, but also improvement in academic performance and social/emotional learning. Noteworthy | According to the latest New Mexico State Health Assessment published by the New Mexico DOH, 13.3% of kindergarten students and 22.6% of third grade students in New Mexico were obese, compared to 18% of 6–11 year-olds nationwide. Our program, aimed at preventing childhood obesity, is tied to understanding its causes and focusing on the modifiable factors that can lead to positive health changes for every child we serve, many of whom are low-income and attend our program free-of-charge.

Santa Fe Children's Museum

Santa Fe | santafechildrensmuseum.org

Mission | Discovering the joys of learning, play, and community. The Children’s Museum has been sparking the curiosity of northern New Mexico's children for 36 years. Our innovative bilingual programs and exhibits provide the opportunity for hands-on exploration and informal education. A key focus is to ensure access for all as we honor, celebrate, and interweave the multicultural heritage that is so unique to New Mexico. Proposal | Funds will support our life-changing programs including Virtual Field Trips, Grab and Go Kits, In-Person Camps, and Outdoor Space, and Community Garden — serving 40,000 children. These programs are designed to be delivered throughout rural and underserved communities in northern New Mexico. The In-Person Camps, together with NM Youth Conservation Corps, tend to our acre-anda-half Community Garden, which produces 1,000 pounds of produce, donated to homeless shelters throughout Santa Fe County. Noteworthy | COVID-19 has dramatically changed the well-being and tested the resilience of our children and families. According to the Kids Count Study 2020 for New Mexico, "almost 40% of adults in households with children reported feeling nervous, anxious, or on edge, while 27% reported feeling down, depressed, or hopeless." SFCM is poised to address this statistic, by providing enriching programs that will not only bring added joy but address education loss and well-being for this vulnerable population.

Santa Fe Dreamers Project

Santa Fe | santafedreamersproject.org

Mission | Santa Fe Dreamers Project provides free legal services to immigrants to promote economic empowerment, community development, family unity, and liberation from detention. Our work is centered around the belief that supporting immigrants makes our whole community stronger. Proposal | Established in 2014, Santa Fe Dreamers Project has become a leading organization in the fight for immigrant rights. With offices in Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and El Paso, our team of dedicated and talented immigration legal professionals has served thousands of undocumented individuals and families. Our legal services are on par with the best private law firms in the country and, unlike other legal non-profits, we provide not only legal consultations but actual legal representation at no charge. Noteworthy | 29% of foreign-born adolescents and 34% of foreign-born parents experienced trauma during the migration process. Among those that experienced trauma, 9% of adolescents and 21% of their parents were at risk for PTSD (Perreira, Krista M and India Ornelas, Painful Passages: Traumatic Experiences and Post-Traumatic Stress among Immigrant Latino Adolescents and their Primary Caregivers, International migration review vol. 47,4 (2013): 10.1111/imre.12050.)

Santa Fe Farmers Market Institute

Santa Fe | farmersmarketinstitute.org

Mission | The Institute is the non-profit sister organization to the Santa Fe Farmers' Market. Our mission is to advocate for farmers, ranchers, and other land-based producers; provide equitable access to fresh, local food; own and operate a year-round venue for the Santa Fe Farmers' Market; and manage programs to help sustain a profitable, locally-based agricultural community. Proposal | We support local food self-sufficiency through programs that help sustain a locally-based agricultural community and address local economic development, health, and environment issues. We provide resources, training, and development opportunities to improve farm businesses and expand the skill sets of local farmers while supporting the rich heritage of farming in New Mexico. We also address food access and educate the community about the importance of local agriculture and healthy food. Noteworthy | In Santa Fe County, 25% live at or below the poverty line and we rank last in the nation for childhood food security. Only 18% of children in the county eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day. The lack of knowledge, resources, and access impacts their physical and mental health, which has devastating impacts on childhood learning and development. Double Up Food Bucks helps to bridge that gap by doubling SNAP transactions at the Market, increasing access to fresh, healthy food.

Santa Fe Public Schools ADELANTE Program

Santa Fe | sfps.info/teaching___learning/student_ wellness/s_f_p_s_adelante_program

Mission | The SFPS Adelante Program works to strengthen opportunities for the academic achievement and life success of Santa Fe children and youth who are experiencing homelessness. Proposal | The Santa Fe Public Schools Adelante Program provides services for Santa Fe students from Pre-K to 12th grade and their families experiencing homelessness, as defined by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Services provided include access to material aid, free tutoring, referrals to outside agencies, case management and navigation services, advocacy, collaboration with other organizations, food bags, and, on occasion, financial aid. Noteworthy | In 2015–2016, the US Department of education reported 32% of New Mexico families with children under the age of 18 were living with high housing cost burden and 1 in 16 children under the age of 6 were identified as homeless. National KIDS COUNT reported 13% of New Mexico children under the age of 18 were living in extreme poverty in 2018.

Scott's House, Inc.

Santa Fe | scottshouse.org

Mission | Scott's House provides free volunteer caregiving and a free community residence for hospice and respite patients for the most vulnerable in our society. Proposal | We seek funds to support our mission and a new health workforce development collaboration between Scott's House and Santa Fe Community College, where Scott's House provides a clinical training facility and training in hospice and respite for senior second semester LPN nursing program students. This program began in March 2021 for the current semester and will be renewed next school year. This program also provides Scott's House with skilled volunteers. Noteworthy | The LPN students this semester are 12 SFCC Hispanic nursing students. This supports the development of health care professionals who reflect the cultural and linguistic diversity of New Mexico, resulting in greater opportunities for those underrepresented in health care fields.

Self Help, Inc

Los Alamos | selfhelpla.org

Mission | To provide a bridge to self-reliance for people in need in northern New Mexico. Proposal | Self Help seeks funding to support our targeted short-term microgrants, which ensure that families in crisis don't go without basic needs such as shelter and medical care. For an average of less than $200 per family, we make payments directly to vendors and act as a safety net for a four-county region of northern New Mexico. Noteworthy | The COVID-19 pandemic has been catastrophic for New Mexico's working families. As of March 2021, over 1/3 of New Mexican households were struggling to pay for household expenses, including 18% of enters who are behind on rent. 50,000–100,000 New Mexico households are estimated to be at risk of eviction.

The Sky Center/New Mexico Suicide Intervention Project

Santa Fe | skycenter.nmsip.org

Mission | The Sky Center/NMSIP meets the challenge of youth suicide in Santa Fe and northern New Mexico through lasting solutions that encourage resiliency, courage, connection, and hope. Proposal | Our purpose is saving young lives from hopelessness, fear, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. Funding will sustain and expand services that address the multi-layered issues affecting a young person’s elevated risk of suicide. Noteworthy | The 2019 Santa Fe County Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey reports that 41.6% of high school students (grades 9-12) felt sadness or hopelessness; 16.6% seriously considered suicide; and 9.4% made an attempt.

Solace Crisis Treatment Center

Santa Fe | findsolace.org

Mission | To empower survivors of sexual violence by restoring dignity, strength, and resilience. Our clinicians provide individuals struggling with trauma caused by sexual assault and other violent crimes with therapeutic mental health services. Our advocates help survivors navigate the legal system and connects them with community resources. Our education specialists provide students with programs designed to reduce violence in our community. Proposal | We are requesting funds that will enable us to: continue providing therapeutic clinical services to children and adults who have been impacted by sexual assault and other violent crimes; continue providing bi-lingual advocacy services to families navigating the criminal and family court systems and connect them to the essential wrap-around services they need; and continue to provide evidence-based, violence prevention workshops to schools and community groups. Noteworthy | In New Mexico, one in four women, one in 20 men, and one in two transgender people will experience sexual violence in their lifetimes. For many people, the #MeToo movement was empowering and healing. But for others, the movement triggered memories and caused re-traumatization. Last year, our Clinical Department saw 589 clients and provided over 3,230 sessions. Our advocates saw 927 clients and provided over 3,920 hours of service. This was a 30% increase over the previous year.

Southwestern College

Santa Fe | swc.edu

Mission | The mission of Southwestern College is "Transforming Consciousness through Education" and the mission of Tierra Nueva Counseling Center, which is operated by Southwestern College is “to provide affordable and accessible client-centered holistic mental and behavioral healthcare services that honor cultural resiliency and the mental, emotional, cultural and spiritual needs of the people of northern New Mexico." Proposal | Funds will support adult individuals, couples, children and families seeking affordable behavioral healthcare services at Tierra Nueva Counseling Center located on the far south side of Santa Fe. Bilingual, Spanish, and English counseling and art therapy are offered on a sliding scale from $0–25. No one is turned away for inability to pay. Treatment is provided for depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, conflict, recovery from addiction, loss and grief through private sessions and support groups. Noteworthy | In New Mexico, approximately 20% of adults between 18–64 are uninsured. The majority of our local immigrant community is uninsured. Sliding scale services provide affordable behavioral healthcare for this population. Additionally, New Mexico ranks among the highest for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) according to national rankings. This correlates with post traumatic stress disorder, chronic physical health problems, and behavioral health disorders. Culturally sensitive treatment can help.

St. Elizabeth Shelter

Santa Fe | steshelter.org

Mission | To assist homeless individuals and families by providing emergency shelter, food, case management, counseling, supportive housing, and referrals to partnering human service agencies. St. Elizabeth Shelter's ultimate goal is to end the cycle of homelessness. Proposal | St. Elizabeth Shelter requests operating support for our five residential programs — two emergency shelters and three longer-term supportive housing apartment complexes — and outreach services to those still living on the streets. All together, these programs and services assist more than 1,500 homeless men, women, and children every year. Noteworthy | Even with occupancy limits imposed by the pandemic, St. Elizabeth assisted more than 1,000 homeless men, women and children in 2020 by providing 36,392 bed nights of shelter, 33,208 meals and 16,332 units of case management to our guests, along with 14,360 meals, 16,896 referrals and 20,233 disbursements of needed items to those still living on the streets. More importantly, 195 people — 57% of those leaving one of our five residential programs — successfully moved into housing

Villa Therese Catholic Clinic

Santa Fe | vtccsf.org

Mission | To serve the underserved with quality health care in a responsible manner continuing the mission of the Sisters of Charity established in 1937. Proposal | Villa Therese Catholic Clinic provides basic medical, dental, and vision services at no cost to the underserved, Hispanic immigrant, and/or uninsured populations in the city of Santa Fe, New Mexico and surrounding communities. Villa Therese Clinic serves children and families in all programs (on-site and off-site), and provides a variety of assistance services such as Braces4-Healthy Smiles, Blessing Bags, Pack-to-School, and Christmas gift cards which benefit our patients throughout the year. Noteworthy | According the CSVRMC CHNA (2020–22) and the 2017 NM-IBIS Report, 95% of our patients fall below the Federal Poverty Line, are uninsured, Hispanic, and come from immigrant families. There is estimated to be 11,829 people in Santa Fe County who are non-US citizens or foreign born leaving over 60% of this population not eligible for health insurance. There is a huge unmet need for health care by a population who has no access, no ability to pay, and are exposed to other disparities as well.

Villages of Santa Fe

Santa Fe | villagesofsantafe.org

Mission | Villages of Santa Fe supports seniors so they may age at home. As we age, we lose some independence, but we can retain control. Proposal | During the pandemic, in April 2020, Villages members took a small exercise class online with Zoom. By February 2021, classes increased to six per week and registrations exceed 500 weekly with 71% attendance — and growing. Classes are free and open to the public. We seek funding to continue offering free online exercise classes. These free classes are keeping our senior community healthy, active, and energized. It is about a safe space providing regular, scheduled exercise, a place that fights isolation and supports mental resiliency while we are separated from our friends and family. In our Q1 2021 client survey, 97% of participants responded that they would continue online classes, even when in-person classes resume. Noteworthy | The rate of fall-related deaths for seniors was 77.7 per 100,000 in Santa Fe County for 2017, which is higher than the U.S. rate of 61.6 per 100,000. Falls can be prevented for seniors through exercise to maintain fitness, increase strength, and improve balance. Seniors tell us balance is very important. Encouragement and venues for more balancing exercises, such as yoga, to support them in maintaining and increasing balance is needed (CHNA 2020–2021).

Youth Shelters and Family Services

Santa Fe | youthshelters.org

Mission | Deliver life-changing shelter and support for homeless, runaway, and in-crisis youth. Our objective is for at risk youth to achieve safety and stability, which includes sustainable housing through our array of services like Youth Emergency Shelter, Cold Weather Shelter, Transitional Living, Rapid Rehousing, Street Outreach, Community Counseling, Food Pantry, and our Pregnant and Parenting Initiative. Proposal | We are seeking funds to support our agency programs. Our vision is to end youth homelessness in Northern New Mexico through shelter, housing and case management for youth ages 10–24. Since 1980 we have provided a 24-hour safe-haven for youth ages 10–17 who are experiencing family crisis and homelessness. Over 40 years, we have expanded services and now provide thousands of bed nights for youth and their dependent children who otherwise would be on the streets or living in unsafe situations. Noteworthy | According to the Family & Youth Services Bureau, there is a strong correlation between youth homelessness and low household income, school dropout, substance abuse, mental health issues, and experiences of childhood abuse. These studies also found that special populations such as LGBTQIA+ identifying youth and foster care youth experience homelessness at alarmingly greater rates than other youth. Parenting youth fleeing domestic violence and minority youth are also disproportionately represented.