SEARCH RESULTS

Con Alma Health Foundation’s statewide grants program plays a crucial role in tackling health inequities across New Mexico, with a focus on reaching rural and underserved communities. These grants empower local organizations to create meaningful solutions that improve access to care and overall well-being. “At Con Alma, we are proud to support community-driven initiatives that address the unique challenges of rural healthcare,” said Executive Director Linda Candelaria. “Investing in these efforts strengthens the foundation of health equity across our state.” One example of this impact can be seen in Northern New Mexico’s Mora County, where Steve Smaby of the Collins Lake Autism Center shared how the funding will make a difference: “This support will help us bring much-needed non-primary care services, like physical therapy and behavioral health, to our rural community, where these services are nearly nonexistent. By recruiting and subsidizing part-time providers, we can make care more accessible and reduce the travel barriers that often prevent people from seeking help.” This initiative exemplifies how Con Alma’s commitment to equity is creating lasting, positive change for New Mexicans. 2024 Statewide Grant Recipients are: 100% Taos County ($30,000): Supporting a Coordinator to develop the 100% Family Center in Taos, Questa, and Peñasco, while expanding the initiative to include a comprehensive medical and dental team. This capacity building effort provides programmatic support to Action Teams focused on reducing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and improving community health throughout Taos County, including broad community outreach. Albuquerque Sign Language Academy ($25,000): Supporting a capacity-building initiative to address the unique needs of Albuquerque Sign Language Academy students and their families, empowering students to thrive and advocate for themselves in a world that can be challenging for individuals with disabilities. American Lung Association of New Mexico ($20,000): To help build the capacity of the American Lung Association’s Free Lung Screening initiative in New Mexico, expanding lung health awareness and promoting well-being across the state. Brighter Bites ($15,000): Enhancing capacity building in health promotion programs that offer nutrition education, produce distributions, and engaging food experiences in partnership with Las Cruces Community Schools in Doña Ana County. Cancer Services of New Mexico ($15,000): To support the legal, insurance, and paperwork assistance for cancer patients program in building its capacity to provide statewide support for navigating the financial challenges and complexities associated with a cancer diagnosis. Cavern City Child Advocacy Center ($30,000): In support of the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP), which is working to build its capacity to improve domestic violence victim response and services across Eddy County. Integrating LAP plays a vital role in homicide prevention efforts by enhancing police training, coordinating community response, improving emergency services, and increasing victims’ awareness of protective strategies. Chaves County Casa Program ($30,000): To help build the capacity of the Healthy Habits program to provide daily meals with cooking instruction, supporting the short and long-term health of abused and neglected youth in Chaves County. Chronic Disease Prevention Council ($30,000): To help build the capacity of the New Mexico Peer Support Network to increase the number of Certified Peer Support Workers across the state and improve behavioral health services. Collins Lake Autism Center ($30,000): To support the Collins Lake Autism Center’s Integrated Therapy Center in strengthening its capacity to deliver mental health services to Supported Living residents and others in the Mora County area, addressing the gap in accessible services for individuals in rural communities. Esperanza Shelter, Inc. ($30,000): To provide emergency shelter support for domestic violence victims, offering counseling and housing to women and families in Santa Fe and surrounding areas. This capacity building assistance will help Esperanza Shelter transition from pandemic related restrictions to a communal model, while expanding its ability to meet the growing demand, as the shelter has been operating at full capacity since reopening earlier this year. The Family YMCA ($20,000): Supporting the Española YMCA Teen Center in building capacity to expand its daily prevention and intervention activities, addressing the evolving needs of local youth while fostering creativity, resilience, and essential life skills. Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico ($30,000): Capacity building for three New Mexico’s Regional Food Banks in San Juan, Sandoval, Roosevelt, Rio Arriba, Quay, McKinley, Guadalupe, DeBaca, Curry, and Cibola Counties to engage in creating a strategic plan. Food Depot ($30,000): Supporting upstream solutions to chronic food insecurity in Northeastern New Mexico by building capacity for regional coalitions of community members to advocate for systemic changes in food equity, driving sustainable, long-term improvements in public health. Fundamental Needs Inc ($30,000): Supporting Shiprock area’s Oasis Project to build capacity by training and hiring local high school students through an after-school work program to assist with off-grid water system installations. These systems include water tanks, pumps, heaters, sinks for water access, and greywater gardens to leverage every drop of liquid. Healthy Native Communities Partnership, Inc . ($30,000): To build rural community capacity in sharing Navajo cultural and traditional teachings in the Shiprock Service area or Northern Navajo Agency. This project will establish social and cultural activities that promote health and well-being, and celebrate traditional wisdom, cultivating a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Jardin de los Niños ($30,000): Building capacity to enhance infant mental health in the Las Cruces and Hatch Valley communities through a holistic, preventive, and trauma-informed framework. This approach addresses challenges such as generational poverty, homelessness, immigration stressors, and trauma, promoting the well-being of children and families with responsive support. La Plaza De Encuentro Gathering Place ($30,000): Empowering frontline workers in Albuquerque to drive efforts in advancing health equity for aging Spanish-speaking Hispanics and immigrants, focusing on improving access to culturally relevant services, promoting wellness, and influencing health policy. Lions Club of Taos Inc ($15,000): Supporting the Lions Community Health and Technical Education program, which prepares high school students in the UNM-Taos Health Science pathway for local workforce development in healthcare. This capacity-building effort provides financial support to reduce mandatory expenses, including entry and certification tests, travel for clinical training, and continuing education requirements, fostering a culturally and linguistically diverse workforce. Mandys Farm ($30,000): Capacity building for a therapeutic adaptive horseback riding program in Albuquerque’s South Valley, offering children with intellectual and developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience the joy of horseback riding. This program provides physical, emotional, social, and cognitive benefits with the goal of empowering children to thrive and grow. National Latino Behavioral Health Association ($30,000): Building the capacity of a coalition of stakeholders to address chronic homeless encampments in the Española Valley. This effort will identify gaps, needs, and strategies to create a multijurisdictional approach to addressing these challenges. New Mexico Environmental Law Center ($20,000): Building community capacity to address the toxic legacy of uranium by providing free legal services, policy advocacy, and public education to frontline communities in Northwestern New Mexico. New Mexico Immigrant Law Center ($30,000): Building workforce development capacity for immigrant youth in healthcare through the Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) Act. This includes training judges in rural areas to ensure consistent application of the Act and advocating in court to prevent the denial of eligibility for individuals aged 18-21. New Mexico Ramp Project ($30,000): Building capacity for ramp construction in selected rural/frontier and tribal communities in San Juan, McKinley, and Cibola counties. New Mexico State University College of Health and Social Services ($30,000): Supporting a peer mentorship and career development initiative that builds capacity for enhanced academic and career support for students identifying as racial or ethnic minorities. This initiative aims to improve graduation rates, diversify the state’s health workforce to better reflect the communities served, and address systemic gaps in care. New Mexico Voices for Children ($30,000): Supporting innovative collaboration with partners in rural communities to build capacity among families advocating for policies that advance child well-being and public health in light of environmental health concerns. Northern New Mexico College ($30,000): Supporting a Collaborative Food Security Initiative to enhance Sostenga Farm’s capacity to grow fresh produce, provide healthy meals at the campus Café and Pantry, and offer free community cooking classes featuring traditional Hispanic and Native American recipes. All produce and meals are provided at no cost to students and their families. Solace Crisis Treatment Center ($30,000): Supporting workforce development for the Solace clinical team to build capacity and expand access to services for Hispanic-Latinx clients. This effort aims to reduce waitlists for culturally specific programs addressing the unique experiences of migrants and subsequent generations of Hispanic-Latinx individuals in Northern New Mexico. St. Luke’s Health Care Clinic dba Amador Health Center ($25,000): Supporting health equity for dairy workers in Doña Ana County through expanded outreach, a mobile healthcare van, health promotion, and case management by Community Health Workers. This capacity building effort enhances access to care by providing information, referrals, and education, benefiting both migrant workers and dairy owners. Valencia Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence ($30,000): Building capacity to increase access and equity, decrease service barriers and disparities, and cease systemic racism and generational cycles of abuse for historically marginalized community members affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse in underserved rural and tribal areas, including Valencia, Socorro, Torrance, Catron Counties, and Laguna and Isleta Pueblos. Zuni Youth Enrichment Project ($25,000): Supporting cross-sector collaboration for holistic wellness among Zuni community members by building the capacity of working groups to leverage shared expertise and resources. These efforts focus on promoting well-being while addressing chronic health disparities and inequities.

Con Alma Health Foundation Announces 2025 Multi-Year Grant Recipients Con Alma Health Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Multi-Year Grant awards—an initiative designed to support nonprofit organizations that are driving long-term, systemic change to improve health and advance health equity across New Mexico. This year, seven organizations are approved for funding that begins in 2026 through the end of 2028. Each recipient will receive up to $150,000 over the three-year grant period totaling a total investment by Con Alma of almost $1 million dollars. Proposals approved support efforts that benefit entire networks, systems, and communities and reflect our commitment to health equity and the belief in the power of community-led solutions. Congratulations to the 2025 Con Alma Health Foundation Multi-Year Grant Recipients! Healthy Native Communities Partnership, Inc. ($50,000) To strengthen the community medicine curriculum of the Shiprock-UNM Family Medicine Residency by providing opportunities to work with Navajo communities and community resource networks through a Navajo cultural and community lens. A comprehensive residency requires developing excellent clinical skills and understanding the sociocultural context of the community served. Memory Care Alliance ($40,000) To help develop low-cost, self-sustaining caregiver communities with tribal partners across the state ensuring families have ongoing, culturally grounded support for dementia care that can thrive for generations. Memory Care Alliance supports family caregivers across New Mexico who are caring for loved ones with dementia. Their grassroots, peer-based programs provide education, emotional support, and social connection so caregivers don’t have to face the journey alone. New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers ($50,000) To improve access to housing, healthcare, and reintegration services for New Mexico’s 9,500 Indigenous/Native veterans. This project seeks to build sustainable partnerships with 23 tribal communities, reach underserved urban veterans, and integrate traditional healing into care models. Focused engagement in both rural and urban areas ensures the initiative reaches those most affected by service gaps and health disparities. Cavern City Child Advocacy Center ($30,000) This project aims to establish in-person advocacy services for incarcerated survivors of sexual abuse in Eddy and Chaves Counties. It will provide direct advocacy inside detention facilities, formalize policies through MOUs, and build referral networks for post-release services such as counseling and housing support. The initiative seeks to improve institutional response, promote health equity, and support long-term healing for marginalized populations and their loved ones. New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty ($50,000) To ensure public assistance systems are inclusive, accessible, and responsive for those most impacted by poverty and systemic inequity in all geographic areas of the state. This project will support community-driven solutions to protect access, simplify enrollment, and eliminate barriers to Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food assistance), and related public benefits programs. New Mexico Doula Association ($50,000) To strengthen the grassroots infrastructure for Medicaid-funded doula care in New Mexico. Led by and for BIPOC, queer, rural, immigrant, and disabled communities, the New Mexico Doula Association is building pathways for doulas to access credentialing, billing, mentorship, and retention support. This broad, equitable focus seeks to promote fairness in Medicaid-funded doula care statewide. Santa Fe Dreamers Project ($40,000) To deliver bilingual Know Your Rights legal workshops and community forums across New Mexico’s most marginalized immigrant and mixed-status communities. These trainings and community dialogues will help to dismantle fear, affirm self-determination, and ensure immigrant families shape the systems meant to serve them.

Con Alma Health Foundation Awards $810,000 in Grants to 28 New Mexico Nonprofits Con Alma Health Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 grant awards—28 nonprofit organizations across New Mexico that are working to advance health equity and improve the well-being of their communities. This year, the Foundation awarded a total of $810,000 in funding to support innovative, community-driven initiatives that address the root causes of health disparities and promote lasting change.  Funding priorities include: Access, Culturally Appropriate Services, Evaluation/Research, Health Promotion, Policy and Workforce Development. Con Alma’s mission centers on ensuring that all those living in New Mexico have full and equal access to opportunities that enable them to lead healthy lives. Each year, the Foundation invests in organizations that are deeply embedded in their communities and committed to creating systems-level solutions that reflect the values of equity, inclusion, and collaboration. The 2025 grant recipients represent a diverse range of efforts—from expanding access to culturally responsive healthcare and mental health services, to supporting food security, youth development, and advocacy for underserved populations. These organizations are not only meeting immediate needs but also building long-term capacity for healthier, more resilient communities. Congratulations to the 2025 Con Alma Health Foundation Grant Recipients! Region One – Cibola, McKinley, Sandoval, San Juan, and Valencia Counties 100% San Juan Initiative ($30,000) To deliver a system of support for San Juan County residents facing barriers to health, housing, and stability. Using the 100% Well-being Framework, the project addresses urgent needs and builds pathways to thriving, with a focus on Native American, Hispanic, rural, and low-income families. Gallup Community Health ($30,000) To expand a Community Health Worker program serving rural and predominantly Native American communities in Gallup and McKinley County. The project will integrate a Navajo Community Health Worker into the clinical care team to provide culturally grounded patient navigation, outreach, and health education tailored to community needs. By strengthening local capacity and expanding services, including at a new school-based health center, this initiative will improve access to care and promote health equity across the region. NACA Inspired Schools Network ($30,000) To support Indigenous Farm Hub’s Farmers-in-Residence program and Community Supported Agriculture distribution. The project will provide adult farmers and youth apprentices with hands-on training in regenerative agriculture, agribusiness, financial literacy, and food safety while distributing fresh produce across three counties. Operating from Indigenous Farm Hub’s 16-acre site in Corrales and serving Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Valencia Counties, this initiative strengthens Indigenous food sovereignty, promotes health equity, and builds a sustainable local food economy rooted in culture and community. National Indian Youth Leadership Development Project Inc   ($30,000) To sustain and expand Project Venture, an evidence-based, culturally grounded youth development program serving Indigenous youth in Albuquerque and tribal communities across New Mexico, including Laguna, Acoma, Isleta, Cochiti, and Taos Pueblos. The project engages students through outdoor experiential learning, community service, and peer mentoring while integrating culturally responsive mindfulness practices guided by an Elder Advisory Committee. By blending traditional Indigenous values with modern wellness strategies, Project Venture fosters resilience, leadership, and health among tribal and urban Native youth across New Mexico. Northern New Mexico Indigenous Farmers, Inc ($30,000) To expand the Northern New Mexico Indigenous Farmers Community Training Program in Shiprock, NM, supporting beginning farmers, many of them former coal workers, in developing sustainable, culturally grounded agriculture. The project blends Navajo traditional knowledge with modern farming techniques to restore idle farmland, create jobs, and improve food access across eight Chapter Houses. By pairing experienced mentors with new growers, the program builds local capacity, reduces food insecurity, and strengthens food sovereignty within the Navajo Nation. Region Two – Colfax, Guadalupe, Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Taos, and Union Counties Breath of My Heart Birthplace ($30,000) To support underserved Indigenous and land-based families in Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and Sandoval counties, as well as rural communities across Northern New Mexico. Breath of My Heart Birthplace develops programming and advocacy efforts that reflect the needs and priorities of the Eight Northern Pueblos – Ohkay Owingeh, Santa Clara, San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Nambé, Tesuque, Picuris, and Taos. Cooking With Kids ($30,000) To provide fun, positive experiences with healthy foods—because research and program experience show that when kids help prepare healthy meals, they’re more likely to eat and enjoy them. Since launching in Las Vegas in 2023, demand has grown rapidly, and there is a waiting list of schools and partners eager to participate. Cooking with Kids San Miguel and Mora serves rural students who rarely have access to supplemental health and nutrition education. El Valle Community Center ($30,000) To sustain pantry staffing and continue vital programs that nourish families, preserve cultural traditions, and strengthen community resilience. El Valle Community Center provides food and family support for children and multi-generational households in rural, low-income communities of the historic San Miguel del Bado Land Grant area. Rising living costs, job losses, and wildfire impacts have sharply increased food insecurity, doubling pantry visits from 150 in 2023 to 315 in 2025. Free Flow NM Inc ($15,000) To expand access to menstrual products across Santa Fe County through community-based distribution and artist-designed “Period Pods.” The funding will sustain the existing pod at the Santa Fe Downtown Public Library, distribute 1,200 additional kits through over 55 local organizations, and provide 60 reusable period kits. While this request focuses on Santa Fe County, Free Flow NM’s broader work reaches seven counties and multiple Pueblos across Northern New Mexico, promoting dignity and menstrual equity through grassroots collaboration. Lake City Youth Center Inc ($30,000) To help upgrade technology infrastructure improving service coordination and launch three new youth programs that foster thriving, resilience, and opportunity for local families. Lake City Youth & Family Center, serving as the 100% Guadalupe Family Center, leads Guadalupe County’s participation in the statewide 100% New Mexico initiative, which ensures residents can access the ten vital services needed for surviving and thriving: medical and dental care, behavioral health care, safe housing, reliable transportation, food security, early childhood learning, parent and caregiver supports, youth mentoring, community schools that integrate health and social services, and job training. Located in Santa Rosa, Lake City Youth & Family Center coordinates service access and builds local capacity where gaps exist, working across the county’s wide rural area to connect families with essential supports. Scott’s House ($15,000) To expand equitable access to hospice and respite care for underserved and rural communities across Northern and Central New Mexico. Located in Santa Fe, the organization provides 24/7 compassionate, culturally appropriate end-of-life care that relieves pressure on hospitals, caregivers, and families while serving more than 1,200 people annually. Focus includes night-duty caregiving, ensuring continuity of care and strengthening a regional network that bridges critical gaps in the continuum of community-based hospice services. Sunrise Clinics ($30,000) To strengthen healthcare access across northeastern New Mexico through capacity building, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development. Operating community-based and school-based clinics in San Miguel, Colfax, Guadalupe, and Quay counties, Sunrise provides primary care, behavioral health, and chronic disease management for medically underserved residents and students. The project will enhance management capacity, expand outreach to rural and frontier areas, and invest in technology to sustain high-quality, culturally responsive care that improves health outcomes and equity across the region. Visiones Colaborativas-Collaborative Visions ($30,000) To continue critical post-fire water testing in Mora County following the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. The project expands ongoing groundwater and well monitoring to identify contaminants threatening the county’s primary drinking water source. Focused on areas most affected by flooding and aquifer infiltration, this work safeguards the health of residents in one of New Mexico’s most rural and under-resourced counties. YouthWorks ($30,000) To expand current culinary training program’s meal service for unhoused youth at Consuelo’s Place in Santa Fe. The program will provide meals for residents under 18 on non-school days, improving food security and health outcomes for vulnerable children. At the same time, Opportunity Youth trainees gain hands-on culinary and workforce experience, creating a dual benefit that advances health equity and economic opportunity in the local community. Region Three – Bernalillo County Centro Savila ($30,000) To ensure New Mexico’s underserved populations receive essential behavioral healthcare in Albuquerque’s International District, Downtown, and South Valley. Centro Sávila provides services that are culturally and linguistically responsive to the communities they serve. The organization also strengthens New Mexico’s behavioral health workforce through its licensure support program for diverse and multilingual providers and advances systems change through its Youth Advocacy Program, which empowers local teens to engage in health equity work at the legislative level. New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers ($30,000) To provide comprehensive support to 150 veterans in Albuquerque and surrounding Bernalillo County communities, focusing on improving access to healthcare, promoting health equity, and delivering culturally appropriate services. Through integrated case management, tailored health education, and transportation assistance, the program addresses barriers related to mental health, substance use, and chronic illness—empowering veterans to navigate care systems and achieve stability. Centering services where health disparities among veterans are most pronounced, the initiative builds local partnerships to deliver culturally informed, comprehensive support that promotes reintegration and long-term well-being. NMCAN ($30,000) To advance a narrative campaign distinguishing poverty from neglect, aiming to prevent unnecessary family separations that disproportionately impact Native and children of color. As a trusted organization supporting youth with lived experience in foster care, juvenile justice, and homelessness, NMCAN engages about 100 young people annually through leadership development and financial stability programs. Based in Albuquerque, the initiative will focus on Bernalillo, Sandoval, and Valencia counties, regions with high rates of disconnected youth, building awareness and influencing policy to promote equity and family preservation. Partnership for Community Action ($30,000) To expand culturally responsive family engagement and parent leadership through the evidence-based Abriendo Puertas – Opening Doors program, a culturally rooted family engagement and leadership initiative based on the 2Generation model. Through classes, facilitator training, and technical assistance, the program empowers BIPOC and Spanish-speaking parents to promote their families’ health, well-being, and early childhood development. Anchored in Albuquerque’s South Valley and extended statewide through a network of trained facilitators, PCA’s work strengthens family advocacy and builds community-led pathways to long-term equity and resilience. Three Sisters Kitchen ($30,000) To address the critical need for a capable and confident home healthcare workforce providing culturally appropriate, quality care and nutritious meals for home-bound, low-income seniors in Albuquerque. Co-led with Encuentro, the program builds workforce capacity, celebrates the expertise of caregivers, and expands access to healthy food among seniors most at risk of hunger and chronic disease. Based in downtown Albuquerque, Harvest to Health serves Home Health Aides and their clients throughout Bernalillo County, where many seniors face poverty and food insecurity, strengthening both health outcomes and the caregiving workforce. Region Four – Chaves, Curry, DeBaca, Eddy, Harding, Lea, Quay, and Roosevelt Counties Community Drug Coalition of Lea County ($30,000) To address health inequities and systemic barriers faced by residents of rural, low-income, and historically underserved communities in Lea County, including Hobbs, Lovington, Eunice, Jal, and Tatum. This initiative expands access to culturally competent, trauma-informed substance use disorder services for people who are uninsured, underinsured, or involved in the criminal justice system. Many of those served face economic hardship, chronic health conditions, or limited access to behavioral health care due to geographic isolation. United Way of Eddy County ($20,000) To develop an Emergency Response Auxiliary that will train and mobilize volunteers to assist during local crises. Working with the Eddy County Office of Emergency Management, the initiative will establish a Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT) and create pathways for volunteers to gain Red Cross certification and hands-on training with first responders. Centered in Eddy County and designed for regional resilience, this program will strengthen community preparedness and expand the region’s capacity to respond effectively to future emergencies. West Texas Counseling & Guidance, Inc DBA Permian Basin Counseling & Guidance ($30,000) To expand culturally appropriate mental health services for Latinx/Hispanic communities in Southeastern New Mexico. The project will recruit bilingual providers, train staff in culturally responsive care, and implement interpreter services to reduce language barriers and stigma around mental illness. Serving Eddy, Lea, and Chaves counties through in-person and telehealth options, the initiative will also conduct Spanish-language outreach to improve awareness, access, and equity in mental health care. Region Five – Catron, Doña Ana, Grant, Hidalgo, Lincoln, Luna, Otero, Sierra, Socorro, and Torrance Counties La Casa, Inc. ($25,000) To explore social justice entrepreneurship as a path to economic empowerment for domestic violence survivors and long-term organizational sustainability. Serving predominantly Hispanic communities in Doña Ana, Luna, and Hidalgo Counties, the project will cultivate survivor-led enterprises and mission-aligned social ventures to break the cycle of violence through financial independence and economic resilience. Rooted in the borderlands of southern New Mexico, this effort advances economic justice, reduces regional disparities, and strengthens La Casa’s capacity to serve survivors amid ongoing federal funding cuts. New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension ($30,000) To expand the Extension Get Fit program to improve physical fitness for rural and linguistically isolated residents of Doña Ana County. The project will train Community Health Workers to deliver Extension Get Fit in underserved border and rural communities, translate instructional materials into Spanish, and create a model for future multilingual adaptations. By addressing geographic, linguistic, and economic barriers to wellness, this initiative promotes equitable access to low-cost, evidence-based fitness education across Southern New Mexico. ProAction, Inc. ($15,000) To expand vaccination clinics for uninsured and underinsured children and families in southern New Mexico. This project will increase access to essential vaccines through mobile outreach in underserved border communities, ensuring children are protected and ready for school while reducing geographic and financial barriers to care. Strong Families ($30,000) To support healthcare networks engaged in systems change and by developing leadership programs rooted in advocacy, outreach, and education. The project will expand access to affordable care for rural, immigrant, and Indigenous communities through targeted messaging and community engagement. Operating remotely with staff and organizers based in Albuquerque and Doña Ana County, Strong Families will continue to leverage its trusted, decade-long relationships in Doña Ana and McKinley Counties through both virtual and in-person collaboration. Region Six (Statewide) New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty ($30,000) To engage families statewide in advocating for reforms to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, ensuring cash assistance better meets families’ basic needs for food, housing, and stability. By combining research, communications, and community-driven advocacy, New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty aims to shape systemic solutions informed by lived experience and advance health equity for low-income families. Based in Albuquerque but working statewide, this effort is especially critical amid federal funding cuts and growing economic insecurity across New Mexico. Seva Foundation ($30,000) To expand access to quality eye care for Native communities in and beyond Albuquerque through a new mobile vision clinic. Building on the success of its work with established urban Indian health providers, the project will reach patients with limited transportation access. By meeting people where they are, Seva Foundation aims to close gaps in care and bring affordable eye health services to underserved areas across New Mexico. Tribal Adaptive Organization ($30,000) To develop “Movement, Identity, and Belonging,” a K–12 para-sport curriculum that integrates Native culture, disability inclusion, and adaptive health education. The project will publish the curriculum, pilot it in three San Juan County schools, and host an educator training conference in Farmington. By fostering empathy, accessibility, and cultural relevance, this initiative aims to advance statewide health equity and inclusive education while creating a scalable model for tribal and rural communities.

Northern New Mexico Health Grant Group Awards $200,000 to Support Community Health Initiatives in Los Alamos, Rio Arriba and Northern Santa Fe Counties The Northern New Mexico Health Grants Group is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 grant awards—ten nonprofit organizations serving Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, and northern Santa Fe counties. This year, a total of $200,000 in funding has been awarded to support projects that promote health and wellness across the region. This grantmaking initiative is made possible through a long-standing partnership between the Con Alma Health Foundation and the Hospital Auxiliary for Los Alamos Medical Center, united by a shared commitment to serving the unmet health needs of the areas served in Northern New Mexico. Congratulations to the 2025 Northern New Mexico Health Grant Group Grant Recipients! American Heart Association ($20,000) To help the American Heart Association directly address disparities of higher death rates for heart and stroke and help elevate health equity by supporting a hypertension program in Rio Arriba County. Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region ($20,000) To recruit, enroll, and support volunteer mentors for at-risk youth through school-based programs in Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, and Los Alamos counties. These programs are evidence-driven and built upon the foundational principles of Trauma-Informed Care and Developmental Assets. Cooking With Kids ($20,000) To expand services for at-risk children with hands-on nutrition education, in Española Public Schools, Pojoaque Public Schools, and the tribal communities of Nambe, Ohkay Owingeh, Pojoaque, Santa Clara, and Tesuque. Reflecting each community’s interests and feedback, this programming supports healthy choices and improves long-term health outcomes for children in rural Northern New Mexico. Family YMCA ($20,000) To support ongoing youth development services at the Family YMCA’s Española Teen Center, enhancing daily prevention and intervention efforts. Funding will support expanded program reach, deepen community engagement, and empower Española teens to explore new opportunities and achieve their full potential. The Teen Center fosters the holistic development of teens by offering nutritious meals, health referrals, and engaging programs that promote well-being while cultivating creativity, resilience, and essential life skills. Inside Out ($20,000) To serve the most vulnerable in Española through the Inside Out drop-in center. This initiative provides a wide range of no-cost, low-barrier services, including monthly mobile health clinics, comprehensive harm reduction services, peer support, and referrals for substance use treatment. The center also meets basic needs by providing food, clothing, and assistance with mail service and ID acquisition. La Clinica del Pueblo de Rio Arriba ($20,000) To support employee training opportunities in Rio Arriba County, including provider Continuing Education (CE), the EMR, cultural competency, basic communications in other languages, and effective ways to serve the community. Specific topics will include the 340B program and how to assist high-risk and historically underserved patients. Additionally, employees will receive annual required training on topics such as HIPAA refreshers, emergency situations, and phone etiquette. Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) ($20,000) To provide art therapy and mental health support for older adults, focusing on critical themes such as grief, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. The program at the Betty Ehart Center will feature monthly art projects to foster creativity and community, six-week art journaling sessions to aid in emotional processing, and a weekly talk therapy group to promote mental well-being and personal growth. Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation ($20,000) To increase the reach and impact of the Northern Roots: Increasing the Impact of Food is Medicine Program in Rio Arriba and northern Santa Fe counties. Funding will support expanding access to care navigation for perinatal individuals and children on Medicaid, closing gaps in preventive care. The program will also expand navigation and support for prenatal and postpartum patients, establishing new referral partnerships and providing health education, with nutrition materials and recipes developed in partnership with Cooking with Kids. Scotts House ($20,000) In support of increased outreach into rural and underserved communities across Rio Arriba, Los Alamos, and Northern Santa Fe Counties to expand the impact of Scott’s House’s free end-of-life residence and services. This program strengthens community-driven care and health equity, addressing the rising need for accessible, culturally appropriate end-of-life care for populations traditionally overlooked. United Way of Northern New Mexico Serving Los Alamos & Rio Arriba ($20,000) To help build the mental health safety-net capacity in Rio Arriba, northern Santa Fe, and Los Alamos counties by training and certifying two instructors and delivering six Mental Health First Aid classes (three for youth, three for adults). Funding will also support a high school intern, materials, and incentives, with activities centered in Española through the UNITE! network.

Con Alma Health Foundation is honored to recognize Shelbie Corriz as our 2025 Hero of Health. Shelbie’s work reflects a deep commitment to health equity rooted in lived experience, long-term relationship building, and a belief that access to healthy food can transform lives and communities across New Mexico. Shelbie’s journey with Roadrunner Food Bank began in 2017, when she became the organization’s first staff member dedicated to the Healthy Food Center. What started as a part-time role quickly grew into a vocation. Over the years, her work has expanded into statewide initiatives that blend nutrition education with traditional food banking, always grounded in listening to community members and responding to what they say they need. That commitment is personal. Growing up in New Mexico, Shelbie’s family relied on summer lunch programs, and she saw loved ones struggle with chronic health conditions tied to limited access to nutritious food. For a long time, she believed illnesses like diabetes or heart disease were simply part of aging. Studying nutrition and public health changed that understanding. “I wanted to take what I learned and use it to help the community I grew up in,” she says. “I believe food can bring us together, and healthy food has the power to change lives.” As Director of Health Promotion at Roadrunner Food Bank, Shelbie leads partnerships that reach communities across all 33 counties. Working closely with organizations such as the NMSU Cooperative Extension Offices, she helps bring programs like Kitchen Creations and ICANN to rural agricultural towns and larger cities alike. Through hands-on cooking classes, nutrition workshops, and “take and make” recipe kits, families gain practical tools and the freedom to define what health means for themselves within their own cultures, histories, and unique journey. “Everyone has their own definition of health,” she shares. “Our role is to meet people where they are and help them take the next step in a way that makes sense for them.” At the heart of Shelbie’s leadership is a deep tenderness toward the people she serves. She often says, “Sharing food is sharing humanity,” a belief that shows up in the quiet moments she treasures most, conversations at food pantries, loading groceries side by side, listening as someone shares what they are facing. “That is when we really learn what they need,” she explains. That attentiveness also reflects the spirit of New Mexico itself, a place where neighbors look out for one another and generosity is part of everyday life. “Part of health equity is preserving the beautiful culture we have here in New Mexico, where we help our neighbors and lift each other up,” Shelbie says. Through this lens, her work becomes more than service; it continues a long tradition of community care rooted in relationship, dignity, and shared responsibility. Shelbie has also played a key role in reshaping how Roadrunner addresses barriers within food and health systems. Her work has supported innovative responses to food deserts, expanded multilingual nutrition education, opened a Community Resource Center, helped certify staff as Community Health Workers, and strengthened partnerships that now deliver groceries to more than 500 homebound households each week. “If someone cannot come to us, then we will go to them,” she says. “Everyone deserves food that supports their health.” One story Shelbie often reflects on involves a woman managing diabetes while needing nutritional changes before surgery. With weekly groceries, cooking classes, and steady encouragement, she met her goals, completed her surgery, returned to work, and later became a donor herself. “It was a dark moment in her life,” Shelbie says, “but it wasn’t her whole story. We just walked with her for part of the journey.” When asked what she hopes future health leaders take away from her work, Shelbie offers simple advice: “If you have a passion or an idea, go for it. Show up exactly as you are. Even if what you do helps one person, it matters more than you know.” With heartfelt gratitude, we celebrate Shelbie Corriz as Con Alma’s 2025 Hero of Health, a leader whose compassion, courage, and unwavering hope are helping shape a healthier and more caring New Mexico for us all. She is building true health equity by honoring community voice, listening deeply to the people she serves, and ensuring that their experiences guide the solutions that support their well-being.

The Food Depot, in partnership with the Con Alma Health Foundation, has expanded its services to Pueblo communities in Northern New Mexico, delivering culturally relevant food and strengthening community bonds. This collaboration addresses immediate nutrition needs while expanding long-term health equity in these areas. In Northern New Mexico, where diverse communities span vast landscapes, The Food Depot serves as a lifeline for families in need of nutritious food. This Santa Fe-based food bank operates in nine counties, collaborating with over 80 partner agencies to combat hunger. The Food Depot provides millions of pounds of food annually, with a special focus on rural and underserved areas where access to fresh, nutritious food is limited. Addressing Food Insecurity Hunger remains a critical issue in Northern New Mexico, where 1 in 7 people and 1 in 5 children face food insecurity. The Food Depot tackles this issue by not only providing immediate food assistance but also working toward long-term solutions to end hunger. Through partnerships with local pantries, meal programs, and shelters, The Food Depot reaches communities that otherwise lack access to healthy food options. The organization’s commitment extends beyond typical food bank services. Recognizing the unique needs of the indigenous populations they serve, The Food Depot offers culturally appropriate food items, such as traditional indigenous ingredients, to promote healthier diets and expanding health equity. “Building strong community relationships is vital. By fostering trust and ensuring culturally appropriate solutions, we’re committed to bringing fresh, healthy foods to every corner of the community,” says Program Coordinator Mary Ocampo. Expanding Services to Tribal Communities A key focus of The Food Depot’s recent efforts has been expanding services to tribal communities in Northern New Mexico, including five of the eight northern Pueblos and the Jicarilla Apache Nation. The pandemic highlighted the urgent need for better food access in these areas, many of which are classified as food deserts. According to Communications Manager Amanda Bregel, “Addressing food insecurity in native communities requires systematic change and a focus on long-term health.” The Food Depot has expanded its services by incorporating community feedback and adapting to each community’s unique preferences. “Culturally appropriate service starts with respect and listening,” adds Bregel. By focusing on community engagement and health challenges like higher diabetes rates, The Food Depot ensures that its food distributions support the continued well-being of these communities. The Role of Con Alma Health Foundation A grant from the Con Alma Health Foundation has been pivotal in supporting The Food Depot’s expansion to Norhern New Mexico’s tribal communities. This funding allowed the organization to increase the availability of culturally relevant foods and improve community engagement. Through collaboration with tribal leaders and local organizations, The Food Depot tailored its services to meet each community’s needs and traditions. This effort resulted in the distribution of approximately 100,000 pounds of food, equating to 81,870 meals. Additionally, the grant helped foster leadership initiatives within tribal communities, empowering local members to take an active role in service delivery and food distribution. As Bregel notes, “Partnering with Con Alma aligns with our values at The Food Depot. Together, we’re fostering long-term health and creating lasting change.” A Holistic Approach to Food Security The Food Depot’s mission goes beyond food distribution, addressing the root causes of hunger through education, advocacy, and collaboration as well as expanding health equity. Their strategic plan focuses on expanding direct services, coordinating resources, and advocating for systemic changes to break the cycle of food insecurity. This holistic approach ensures that people are not only fed but also empowered with tools for long-term stability. The Food Depot is also a key participant in the CONNECT network, which offers essential services like SNAP enrollment, food distribution, and diaper assistance, while partnering with other organizations to address a wide range of needs. Ongoing Commitment As The Food Depot continues its work in Northern New Mexico, it remains committed to expanding its services and partnerships to better serve vulnerable communities. The challenges ahead are significant, but with support from the Con Alma Health Foundation and a growing network of local organizations, The Food Depot is poised to make a lasting impact. This effort demonstrates how community-driven solutions, strategic partnerships, and culturally sensitive approaches can create meaningful and lasting change in the fight against hunger. The Food Depot’s work is a vital resource for improving the health and well-being of Northern New Mexico’s most vulnerable residents. For more on The Food Depot please click here

In New Mexico, where food is deeply tied to heritage, health, and community, Three Sisters Kitchen, a nonprofit in Albuquerque, is redefining care for those in need. Their Harvest to Health (H2H) program, created in partnership with Encuentro NM, is improving senior nutrition, addressing food insecurity, and building a skilled workforce of home health aides (HHAs). With funding from the Con Alma Health Foundation, H2H is an example of how community-driven solutions can tackle some of the most pressing health challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Understanding the Need: Senior Poverty and Food Insecurity New Mexico ranks third in the nation for senior poverty, with many older adults in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County struggling to access nutritious food. Food insecurity among seniors is linked to chronic health conditions like depression, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma. The H2H program recognizes that addressing senior hunger requires more than providing food—it demands education, hands-on training, and community support. By equipping HHAs with the skills to prepare healthy meals and manage chronic diseases, H2H tackles senior hunger at its source. “This program celebrates the expertise that home care providers bring and supports their interest in exploring the role of food in their work,” says Three Sisters Executive Director Anzia Bennet. A Community-Driven Solution to Senior Care Harvest to Health was born from the needs of Spanish-speaking graduates of Encuentro’s Home Health Aid training program, many of whom provide care for low-income seniors facing chronic illnesses worsened by poor nutrition. In response, Three Sisters Kitchen created a 10-week training course that combines senior nutrition education with hands-on cooking instruction. Participants learn to prepare meals tailored to clients’ specific needs, including those with diabetes and dementia. The program also delivers fresh, locally sourced food bi-weekly, allowing caregivers to practice their new skills at home, benefiting their own families’ nutrition as well. Certified Nursing Assistant Maluisa shared her experience: “I learned how to control carbohydrates for a client with diabetes, adjust sodium intake for a client with high blood pressure, and prepare food with the right consistency for a client with Parkinson’s. These changes improved their health and quality of life.” Another HHA, Alma, noted the personal impact: “Learning about nutrition has allowed me to offer a better quality of life to my clients. I can prepare meals that meet their dietary needs, prevent choking, and improve digestion.” She also learned to read food labels and understand how nutrition impacts medication effectiveness. These testimonials highlight how H2H empowers HHAs with skills that improve not only their clients’ health but also their caregiving capabilities, allowing them to offer better care and promote healthier lifestyles. Overcoming Challenges: Recruitment and Adaptation Though successful, the program faced challenges in 2023, including recruitment difficulties that resulted in smaller cohorts than expected. Nevertheless, the program adapted by planning to expand its reach to Community Health Workers (CHWs), family caregivers, and other care providers interested in senior nutrition. Despite these hurdles, H2H thrived through strong collaboration with partners like Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Meals on Wheels New Mexico, and Encuentro. These organizations co-lead program planning, facilitation, and evaluation, ensuring the program remains responsive to community needs. Measuring Success: Outcomes and Long-Term Impact In 2023, H2H delivered 40 hours of senior nutrition training to 11 HHAs, distributing 651 pounds of fresh, locally sourced food. All participants reported an improvement in their nutrition knowledge, with increased healthy eating behaviors, cooking confidence, and familiarity with local produce. Since 2018, 125 community members have graduated from the program, the majority being Spanish-speaking, Latina immigrants. These participants often provide in-home care for seniors, as well as care for their own children or elders. The program’s long-term impact is clear: it equips HHAs with concrete strategies for managing chronic diseases and improving senior nutrition, leading to better quality of life for seniors and a stronger home healthcare workforce. Building a Thriving Community: The Power of Mutual Support One of the most significant long-term effects of the Three Sisters H2H program is the creation of a supportive community among HHAs. In a profession that can be isolating, the program offers opportunities for mutual learning and support. This sense of community helps combat feelings of isolation, fostering resilience and empowerment among participants. The validation of their expertise and the support of their peers lead to a thriving workforce, better prepared to care for seniors and advocate for their own health and well-being. The mental and physical benefits of participating in a learning community cannot be overstated. The Future of Harvest to Health: Continuing the Journey As Harvest to Health looks to the future, the program remains committed to continuous improvement and community engagement. The insights gained from the challenges and successes of 2023 will guide its evolution, ensuring it continues to meet the needs of HHAs, seniors, and the broader community. The support from the Con Alma Health Foundation has been instrumental in the program’s success. This funding allowed Three Sisters Kitchen and Encuentro to refine the curriculum, rethink recruitment strategies, and center the experiences of HHAs and their clients. As Bennet notes, “The grant allowed us to identify challenges, learn from peers, and build a network of support.” Conclusion: A Model for Community-Driven Health Initiatives The Harvest to Health program serves as a model for how community-driven initiatives can address complex health challenges and create lasting change. By empowering HHAs with the knowledge and skills to improve senior nutrition and manage chronic diseases, H2H enhances the quality of care for seniors while building a more confident, capable home healthcare workforce. As the program grows, its journey will inspire other communities to explore similar approaches to improving health outcomes and addressing food insecurity. The success of Harvest to Health is a testament to the power of collaboration, community engagement, and the belief that everyone deserves access to nutritious food and quality care.

It is with humility and gratitude that we share some of the accomplishments of Con Alma Health Foundation and our partners. As we celebrated our 20th year anniversary, our philanthropic reach expanded as we continued to leverage local and national resources to advance health equity statewide. We look to the future with optimism—as we develop a new strategic plan, renew our promise to advance health equity for all New Mexicans, and be part of the long-term solutions and systemic change strategies necessary for communities to thrive. Denise E. Herrera, PhD, MCHESExecutive DirectorCon Alma Health Foundation

“Nonprofit organizations make substantial contributions to the quality of life and economic well-being of the people of New Mexico. These organizations provide health care, social and educational services, advocate for social and environmental change, support businesses and communities, conduct research, support the arts and other cultural activities, and provide credit and basic utilities where the market does not. Far from offering a full account of the contribution of nonprofit organizations to the state, this report surveys the direct and indirect impact of employment and wages of these organizations on New Mexico’s economy.”

We are happy to share with you highlights from our special focus on health equity in 2019. It was a year of collaboration as we worked with partners to ensure a complete census count and wrap up our W. K. Kellogg Foundation grant. The two-year grant sought to enhance health reform and strengthen the state’s health-care safety net as well as expand our network of nonprofits and stakeholders to advocate for policies, services or activities that impact health care and health equity. We partnered with the New Mexico Health Equity Partnership , an initiative of the Santa Fe Community Foundation , to bring together a diverse group of people to determine how we can ensure that all children and families have a fair chance at getting insurance coverage and accessing health care and other social resources which are needed to live a healthy life. This year we also continued our partnership with foundations and other nonprofits to advocate for a complete count of our residents in the 2020 census. This is an enormous health-equity issue as our minority, rural and underserved populations have been left out of previous census counts, leading to a loss of federal funds for such critical needs as food and healthcare. We thank our Board of Trustees and Community Advisory Committee members, and our funding and community partners, for supporting our work toward health equity. You help us extend our reach to all parts of New Mexico, and your time and devotion are invaluable.

In 2017 we celebrated the power of partnerships; it’s a value that we uphold in everything we do at Con Alma Health Foundation. It is reflected in our partnership with our grantees and funding partners. In our grant investments, comprehensive studies and advocacy work, we know we can accomplish more by bringing people together to find solutions to our health challenges and work toward health equity in New Mexico. In one of our major collaborations this year, we partnered with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the New Mexico Health Equity Partnership , an initiative at the Santa Fe Community Foundation , on our latest project to bolster New Mexico’s health-care safety net and advocate for strong health policies. Together with our partners, we will identify the most impactful next steps from our report, Achieving Equity in Health for Children and Families in New Mexico Through the Affordable Care Act. We expect this collective effort , funded by a $200,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, will result in stronger networks that can address continuing issues around health care and the health needs of all. This year’s report features several of 2017’s partnerships including our work with Sancre Productions to create four compelling videos that show how four nonprofits used multi-year grants (three year grants ending in 2017) to help people access health care, protect the confidentiality of adolescent health care, and support community health workers to help those in need. We commissioned a study on the impact of grandparents raising grandchildren in New Mexico , particularly in situations where parents are not involved. And we continued to champion the goals of the New Mexico Health Equity Working Group , U.S.- Mexico Border Philanthropy ​Partnership , and New Mexico Association of Grantmakers . Our ultimate partners are the dedicated members of our Board of Trustees and Community Advisory Committee – people who share our values and their insight into health issues affecting their diverse communities. We thank our devoted members and professional staff for helping us build partnerships and invest in change so all individuals have an equal chance at living a healthy life, regardless of their income, race or zip code.

As in previous years, we remain committed to our support of organizations that focus on underserved populations. We work with Border Philanthropy Partnership to advance health equity through leadership, collaboration and philanthropy in the border region, and with the UNM Transdisciplinary Research, Equity and Engagement (UNM TREE Center) to advance behavioral health. We continued collaborating with nonprofits and other stakeholders through a W.K. Kellogg Foundation two-year grant aimed at strengthening our fragile health-care safety net and bolstering health reform efforts. By bringing diverse groups of people together, we are strengthening relationships with organizations focused on health issues and creating successful networks to guide policy makers and stakeholders in how they can best support our children and families as well as advocate for the health needs of all. For this year’s report we chose the theme, New Mexico Counts , to highlight the critical importance of every New Mexican being counted in the upcoming 2020 Census . Our work with other funders included urging the federal government to not add a citizenship question, which would have undermined the accuracy of the count here and across the country. Our advocacy reflects our mission to improve the health status of New Mexicans and be aware of and respond to the health rights and needs of our culturally diverse population. Our center spread provides information about our efforts and what you can do to get every New Mexican counted. As always, we must credit our grantees, funding partners, committed staff and members of our Board of Trustees and Community Advisory Committee . We appreciate your time and dedication in helping us achieve our goal of improving health in New Mexico.