Santa Fe and Taos Non-Profits

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
John Wooden

How many Non-Profits exist in the geographical region promoted by The Essential Guide to Santa Fe & Taos. Would you believe more than 1000 are currently operating throughout our communities.—and more seem to commence each day. That’s a lot no matter how one looks at statistics. Many are doing worthy and much needed work serving their clients. Yet each year most compete against one another for the same limited funds available from foundations, organizations and governmental programs providing dollars to New Mexico’s non-profits. Having had a successful career advising, serving, creating, and promoting healthy non-profits, and encouraging philanthropic activities amongst corporate executives; we felt the need to continue these actions through the use of our publication. So beginning with this edition we will annually recognize nonprofits that go above and beyond their stated missions, often serving those most in need. In addition to bringing more awareness about these wonderful agencies, to our readers’ attention, we will also donate part of our proceeds each year to the agencies and associations we recognize. We acknowledge that this is just a drop in the bucket, of the ever-growing budget concerns of many agencies. Therefore, we encourage our readers if so moved, to donate directly to these programs and their most deserving clients!

Youth Heartline provides services to abused and neglected children in Taos, Colfax and Union Counties. They do this by providing three main programs: The CASA program’s purpose is to train community volunteers to be advocates for children involved in the court system with a priority on abuse and neglect cases. The CASA volunteer provides a strong voice to represent the child’s best interest while advocating for a safe and permanent home. The purpose of the Family Empowerment Program is to provide treatment and advocacy for children and non-offending family members who have been victims of child abuse. The Child Personal Safety Project’s purpose is to educate the community around issues of child safety; in particular, child sexual abuse. Web info: youthheartline.org

Challenge New Mexico is a non-profit organization founded on the principle that all individuals should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of ability. CNM is committed to helping each person live the CNM motto - "If I can do this, I can do anything!" They offer services and support to people who are physically or mentally challenged, and to their families, enhancing their ability to grow, develop and function as valued contributing members of their communities. Their Adaptive skiing and snowboarding and Therapeutic Horseback riding programs are modeled around the country. CNM just celebrated their 50th anniversary! Web info: ChallengeNewMexico.com

ARTsmart was founded in 1993 by the Santa Fe Gallery Association to address the lack of funding for art programs and supplies in Santa Fe public schools. In a city built on and sustained by the arts, ARTsmart is committed to funding the creative thinkers of tomorrow. Every year ARTsmart organizes ARTfeast as its major fundraiser. Contributions are made through ticket sales, event and program underwriters, donors, and the volunteerism of hundreds of businesses and educators. Through 2007, ARTsmart distributed $476,278 to ARTsmart projects, public school programs and art-related organizations in the city of Santa Fe. Now in its 12th season, ARTfeast is heralded as one of the most inspired reasons for a getaway to Santa Fe. The weekend of festivities celebrates the City Different’s world-class chefs and restaurants, an international array of vintners, original designer fashions and unique homes, along with nationally and regionally prominent artists represented by members of the Santa Fe Gallery Association. All of this fun and food helps young people develop the skills needed to creatively respond to life Web info: www.artfeast.com

The Santa Fe Rape Crisis & Trauma Treatment Center is celebrating its 35th year of continuously expanding service and support to Santa Fe and northern New Mexico. The Center currently provides direct support services to over 500 survivors of sexual violence and their families each year. In addition, the Center's outreach and prevention programs reach over 10,000 people in the community every year. They work together with community groups and agencies to build a community free of sexual violence by:
1. Treating and rehabilitating people affected by sexual violence in our community and Northern New Mexico
2. Providing education and training to promote the prevention of sexual violence
3. Maintaining the provision of crisis services to survivors of sexual assault and their families and assisting them to overcome the trauma of the crime committed against them
4. Providing therapeutic services to children who sexually molest other children
Web info: www.sfrcc.org