January 17, 2013
Grants awarded: Spirit of Hidalgo, Apple Tree Education Center, TWC’s own Spot Youth Center and La Semilla Food Center were each awarded a small Childhood Obesity Prevention grant from the Community Foundation of Southern NM.
Grants pending: Freeport McMoRan’s Community Investment Fund (CIF) decisions are expected shortly after February 19th, the day that the review committee will interview top finalists. TWC just submitted the renewal of the regional AmeriCorps program, applying for sustaining 88 AmeriCorps members at ten organizations.
Shrinking Funds, doomed programs and changing organizations: Healing House, the Domestic Violence Shelter in Deming, reportedly lost its CYFD funding. Life Quest in Silver City is phasing out of residential services- shrinking state funds do not cover cost anymore. Casa de la Cultura is changing, but not quite dissolving. It is moving into a new configuration as a nonprofit organization associated with Western New Mexico University. It will keep its mission statement to celebrate and promote the various cultures of southwestern New Mexico. The details of the association have yet to be finalized. Meanwhile, Casa has been distributing some of its assets to other nonprofits, including Guadalupe Montessori School.
Growing funds: A working group, comprised of donors, citizens and nonprofits, is currently putting together the grant making process and decision-making structure for a Grant County Fund. The fund will be functioning like a mini-foundation, but will be under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Southern NM.
Data: The Grant County Health Council completed its community survey, with over 5000 responses. Staff is currently working on data analysis and putting together the health profile. The health council also graciously took over the beloved Community Calendar, which can now be accessed by email and through its facebook page. All items are also on the Grant County Beat Calendar. 2011 Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey data has also been released.
Grand openings: The new HMS Community Health Center on Pope Street is opening this Friday with an Open House Celebration at 2 pm. The Gila Mimbres Community Radio (GMCR) also celebrates an Open House at the nonprofit’s new cool downtown digs on 519 Bullard Street, at 4 pm.
The movies go nonprofit! Now that the Real West Cinema has shut down, we’ve heard rumors that Silver City MainStreet may open the Silco as a local movie house…. Stay tuned. Isaac’s and Un Mundo also closed. What’s next? A nonprofit cafe? Co-op restaurants? Bring it on.
Dolly Parton Imagination Library has a new website! It was created by Nikki O Design, with financial support from TWC’s Nonprofit Resource Center’s CIF funds.
Congratulations! Bridge Community, a nonprofit that was formed to create a continuum of care elder housing community in Grant County, has just signed the contract to purchase 10 acres of land. Read more here.
The Volunteer Center is seeking volunteer help for upcoming projects at the new Commons building. Projects will include indoor painting, caulking, and other indoor/outdoor projects that may arise over the next several months. Stay tuned for information on moving the Food Pantry from its 3-year home at The Wherehouse to the new Commons building.
National Day of Service: Communities and nonprofits across the country are gearing up for a “day on, not a day off,” to volunteer on the 27th anniversary of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal holiday. On January 21, 2013, Gila Resources Information Project (GRIP), and The Wellness Coalition AmeriCorps members will be spending the day cleaning up trash and debris from the San Vicente Creek and Trail in downtown Silver City, NM from 10:00 am—2:00 pm. This event is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend; meet-up will be at the San Vicente Creek Trailhead, on Mill Street, under the Hwy 90/Hudson Street Bridge.
The Mimbres Valley Health Action League invites new project proposals and board member candidates to get in touch as the organization enters its annual budget process prior to elections at the beginning of April.
Doña Ana County Humane Society’s Animal Relief Fund (ARF) for low-income pet owners with emergency veterinary bills received a $10,000 grant from Banfield Charitable Trust, and was also the recipient of $3,561.75 from Arroyo Veterinary Clinic's holiday fund-raiser. Executive Director Kathy Lawitz reports further: “The weekend before Christmas, we moved 117 pets from the local city/county shelter by funding ‘A Home for the Holidays’ free adoption weekend. We are excited about our new fund-raising projects for 2013, including the upcoming "Wine 'n Wags" wine tasting event on Feb. 2, and a benefit concert by Jimmy Parrish on Feb. 5; more information on our Facebook page.”
New leader, new house and awesome workshops: On Dec 10, 2012, Habitat for Humanity Gila Region welcomed a new Executive Director, Jean Eisenhower. On January 14 Habitat raised the walls of a new home in Vistas de Plata subdivision, completion expected in March. Habitat will also start a workshop series on low-tech energy solutions for homeowners. The first workshop will be on February 2nd: Passive Solar Hot Air Panels. Call 575-538-9540 for more info.
More events: La Semilla Food Center in Anthony presents: "Working Collectively to Meet Local Food Market Demands" - a networking event to connect area farmers directly with food service directors, restaurants, and other local markets. Tuesday, January 29, 1-4pm at the WIA building, 340 North Reymond, Las Cruces. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Please send corrections and news for February to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
