Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern New Mexico(BBBSNNM) 85% of the youths matched with adult mentors in the BBBS program qualify as moderately to extremely poor and most are from single parent households. Research demonstrates that BBBS mentoring reduces drug and alcohol use, decreases violence, and enhances school attendance, performance, and relationships with parents and peers, helping children have safer, healthier and more successful lives. National studies of BBBS document that, when compared with their peers, Little Sisters and Little Brothers who met with their “Bigs” mentors regularly were 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs, 27% less likely to begin using alcohol, 52% less likely to skip school, one-third less likely to hit someone and were getting along better with their families. BBBS has been identified as one of eleven model intervention programs as well as a “Model/Exemplary Program” by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) that has provided solid proof that they have prevented or reduced high-risk behaviors, including substance abuse. New Mexico Suicide Intervention Project (NMSIP) In its efforts to combat this tragic trend, NMSIP has established numerous prevention, intervention and training programs in Northern New Mexico. Cynthia Gonzales, LISW, Executive Director of NMSIP, reports that the donation from the Grand Prix de Santa Fe in 2008 was critical in a time of diminished private foundation and government funding, and that the donation supported the following NMSIP programs: Rio Grande Agricultural Land Trust(RGALT) Cecilia Rosacker McCord, Executive Director of RGALT, reports that the 2008 donation from the Grand Prix de Santa Fe was used to work with landowners who were interested in doing conservation easements on their property. This allowed the landowners to then qualify for federal funding to eradicate non-native species and restore the native Rio Grande habitat, improving the health of the river, wildlife habitat, benefiting all New Mexicans. Silver Bullet Productions Silver Bullet Productions provides rural and Native American communities in New Mexico with an opportunity to celebrate their culture, history and language through film and film production skills taught to children. The program is managed by carefully selected volunteer professionals under the leadership of a Board that is diverse in culture, gender, geography and training. In designated communities, the program begins with intense workshops for the students on writing, organization, development of theme and interview techniques. The students are then joined by the community’s educators as they learn about film techniques. Then the fun begins as teachers, students and the professional film crew engage the community of adults in interviews, discussions and events that are focused on one theme significant to the community. The result is a professionally edited short documentary that remains part of the community for use as an economic tool, cultural archive, oral history or school production. Pamela Pierce, President, Silver Bullet Productions, plans to use the 2009 donation from the GPSF to support a drop out program in Santa Fe High School, a New Mexico high school identified by NM Public Education Department as having a significant student drop out problem. With the support of funding, SBP will create and run a series of workshops focused on developing awareness of the impact of leaving school on a student’s future, provide writing and screenwriting skills necessary for a Public Services Announcement, and the network-worthy filming of a PSA for broadcast to other New Mexico students. This is a motivating and relevant way to combine academics with drop-out prevention, using the “voice” of students at risk. The immediate impact is on the students at risk; the broader impact is on the viewing public, parents and students. The Horse Shelter While horses are central to New Mexico life, a symbol of the spirit and beauty of our state, sadly, they are not always treated well. Since 1999, The Horse Shelter has served the abandoned, neglected and abused horses of New Mexico, a segment of our equine population that has been greatly affected by the recent economic downturn. Registered with the NM Livestock Board, the spacious sanctuary located outside Cerrillos has recently been recognized in extensive media coverage as a model facility for equine rescue, rehabilitation and adoption. Past contributions from the Grand Prix de Santa Fe have supplemented the income from the organization’s annual events in May and October, fundraising efforts by the board, and contributions from their extensive donor base. In 2008, The Horse Shelter increased adoptions by implementing a training program. In 2009, they plan to hire an on-site handler to provide careful preliminary screening and follow-up for rescued horses as well as work with their companion animals. The Horse Shelter takes a multifaceted approach to achieve their mission. The staff investigate all reports of abuse and neglect and make every attempt to improve a horse’s situation instead of removing a horse from its guardian. If these efforts fail, the horse will be taken into the Shelter. For some, the Shelter will be a life-long sanctuary, while others will be adopted out to carefully screened new homes. The Horse Shelter also conducts a humane education program, reaching out to schools, clubs and groups of all kinds. Las Campanas Compadres Founded in October 2006, Las Campanas Compadres is devoted to providing opportunities for therapeutic physical skill development and activity in a supervised and attractive facility for individuals with physical, emotional and/or learning disabilities. Las Campanas Santa Fe and their members donate the use of their stellar equestrian and swimming facilities. The success of LCC also depends heavily on the donated time of a large number of volunteers, many of whom are Las Campanas members. The program has expanded rapidly since its inception, when it began with 4 students in the riding program. LCC now has 29 students participating in its riding, swimming and art programs, with an additional 8 students looking to join the program this spring. To date, LCC has underwritten approximately 600 riding lessons and 150 swimming lessons (under the guidance of swimming instructor David Caldwell). LCC has also begun a new art program under the tutelage of Donna Bailey. The program has four students and is growing rapidly. In May 2009, Las Campanas hosted a triathlon and identified Las Campanas Compadres as the beneficiary of the proceeds of this event. It was a huge success and great fun was had by all who participated.
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