Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern New Mexico(BBBSNNM) The need for positive role models is starkly evident in Northern New Mexico, which dropped this year from fourth to second worst nationwide in measures of child well-being. Drug and alcohol abuse, suicide rates, school truancy and dropout rates and violence remain significant problems in our communities. 85% of the youths matched in the program qualify as moderately to extremely poor and most are from single parent households. National studies of BBBS document that after 18 months of being matched to their volunteers mentors, known as “Bigs”, Little Sisters and Little Brothers 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 ten model programs for violent prevention. 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, including, but not limited to: the SKY Center on the campus of the College of Santa Fe, which provides free/low-cost counseling to children and teens who are experiencing school failure, depressive symptoms, family conflict, drug or alcohol use, or other related behaviors that are associated with increased risk of youth suicide; Natural Helpers, a peer-helping program situated in all four Santa Fe Public middle schools that is designed to lower the adolescent suicide rate in Santa Fe County and create a caring and supportive community within each school; Suicide Education and Public Awareness Program, providing prevention and awareness presentations to the general public, including schools, youth service organizations, parents, and community organizations; and Crisis Services, which, in the aftermath of a suicide, assists community and school leaders in navigating the grief process, reaches out to other at-risk youth and talks with parents. NMSIP’s services are recognized “best practices” by the Centers for Disease Control and the New Mexico Department of Health. Rio Grande Agricultural Land Trust(RGALT) RGALT is a community-supported organization made up of farmers who live in the Middle Rio Grande Valley and are dedicated to the preservation of working farms, ranches, wildlife habitat and open space through the use of voluntary conservation easements that are “held in trust” by RGALT. The conservation easement limits future commercial development and urban sprawl in order to protect farming, ranching, historic sites and wildlife habitats. As of January 2007, farmers and ranchers who donate land for conservation can receive an increased deduction and be assured these lands will remain in agricultural production. 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. Communities that have participated in the project report decreased drop-out rates as well as increased pride, positive interaction between students and adults and interest in pursuing higher education in film, communications, history and journalism. 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. As the only statewide equine welfare organization, The Horse Shelter’s mission is to see that New Mexico’s horses are as safe and well-cared for as possible. The Shelter takes a multifaceted approach to achieve their mission. The staff of the Horse Shelter 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, where they have run-in stalls, large paddocks and turn-outs, appropriate food and water, veterinary care, farrier care, exercise when appropriate and the attention of a live-in Barn Manager (and many volunteers). 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. The presenters are trained and convey the message that kind and responsible treatment of others, both four- and two-legged, is rewarding in many ways.
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