Community News

SILVER CITY, NM - WNMU graduate student and College of Education Academic Advisor Juanwon Anderson-Verdell was recently invited to give the commencement speech for Centinela TK-8 School in Inglewood, CA. Anderson-Verdell graduated from the school himself, and was invited back by his former 6th-grade teacher.

His former teacher felt that the speech would be a good way for Anderson-Verdell to give back to his community. "That is something I really value," he said, "knowing the circumstances in my community and how students don't see people like me come back."

That community, Inglewood, is part of the larger Los Angeles metropolitan area and has seen a number of social challenges over the years.

"Inglewood is a high-level gang activity place with a strong police presence," said Anderson-Verdell, "It was hard navigating that" growing up.

GCCF July News:

• Help Us Map Your Impact!
• Nonprofit Leaders Luncheon
• Art Show
• Annual Nonprofit Conference

Attention Nonprofits: Help Us Map Your Impact!

Our organization, Literacy Link Leamos, is sad to lose 2 of our board members. We would like to thank Thelma Sordyl for her 20 years of service to Literacy Link Leamos. She has worked hard as a volunteer, serving as a tutor, and helping many learners. Thank you, Thelma, for always running the door prizes at Love Your Library Day! Thelma has served many roles for our organization and will be missed. Thank you Thelma for years of dedication and service.

Marivel Medal has been on our board for a few years and has done a lot to move Literacy Link Leamos forward. Thank you, Marivel, for your brilliant mind and your grace in serving us. We have been truly lucky to have your help. Wishing you all the best for your future!

Annette Rubino-Buckley helping youth with stamping their bandanas.The Southwest Women's Fiber Arts Collective (SWFAC) recently participated in the Silver City Public Library's summer program with two outreach activities for youth.

Part of SWFAC's mission is to share fiber art skills with youth.

On June 20, 2024, Annette Rubino-Buckley led a bandana painting activity that included tassel flower making. Youth and their parents were able to paint and stamp a blank bandana to take home. Helpers included Vicki Gadberry, Tina Salmon, Blythe Whiteley and Charmeine Wait. "It was a lot of fun", states Annette Rubino-Buckley. "I made potato stamps and we had wood stamps too, that the youth used in addition to painting their bandanas."

Students from Jose Barrios gleefully splashing in the Gila River during free time during the Children's Water Festival"Ahhh….this is the life!" exclaimed a 5th grader from Bayard Elementary school as he sat on his beach towel next to the Gila River and ate his lunch.  Yellow Warblers vocalized above him in the Cottonwood Trees and children were gleefully chattering to one another, excited to be outdoors. During the month of may, over 300 5th graders from the Silver City and Cobre School Districts had the opportunity to experience the Children's Water Festival; a day of hands-on, experiential discovery at the Gila and Mimbres Rivers.

5th graders from Harrison Schmitt Elementary School pose during the Children's Water Festival located at the Mogollon Day use area

Silver City, NM - In an effort to enhance patient care and address alcohol and substance abuse more effectively, hospitals across New Mexico are implementing the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) program in their emergency departments. This initiative aims to identify, intervene, and offer treatment resources for patients at risk of alcohol and/or substance use disorders.

One of the key advantages of SBIRT is its ability to reach a broad population. Emergency departments often serve as the front line for patients with a variety of medical issues, many of which are directly or indirectly related to alcohol and/or substance use. By integrating SBIRT into routine care, hospitals can address these issues early, potentially preventing more severe health problems down the line.

Volunteers from Western New Mexico University unload donations in Ruidoso, June 26, 2024Successful Donation Drive Benefits Those Affected by Wildfires

SILVER CITY, NM – On Wednesday, June 26, a fleet of four trucks and a large passenger van made their way from the Western New Mexico University campus to Ruidoso and the Mescalero Apache Reservation to deliver donations to benefit those affected by the South Fork and Salt Fires.

The donations were the result of a partnership with a number of area agencies and individuals, including Freeport-McMoRan, Walmart, Albertson's, the Food Basket, the Commons Center for Food Security and Sustainability, the Silver City Gospel Mission, the families of the WNMU Early Childhood Center and the 24 Club. In addition to corporate and agency gifts, numerous Grant County individuals donated items that included nonperishable food, water, sports drinks, clothes, pet items, toiletries, and hygiene products.

Videos and article by Martha Hamblen

Do you Want to see how a 3-D printer works? Maybe you've always wanted to learn to sew or create your own jewelry or do some woodworking.

The Future Forge Makerspace will host an Open House/Fundraiser this Saturday June 29th from 10am-6:30pm at 307 East College Avenue in Silver City. You can see their facility, what they offer and have a chance to meet some members, staff and neighbors.

Future Forge Makerspace - Their name says it all - its a community space where the hands-on experience is the thing. At the Makerspace experts from our community take time to teach, support and encourage your hands-on creativity while offering the tools and materials to make your desires come to life.