Week in Review Solar training experience
Franklin College externship Franklin College students continued their externship at WInC. We can already feel the impact of the work they have performed in the weatherization of the Center. We look forward to having the reduced energy costs by having them improve the efficiency of our facilities.
Passing the Torch
Featured Donor/Volunteer
In a review of the Center she stated: "An empowering place for women to cultivate various skills and talents. A place where women can explore, enhance and develop. I love the Women's Intercultural Center because I have seen first hand the deeply loving support the staff and volunteers so willingly provide and the women that have taken the opportunity and ran with it!!" It was at this time that Grace felt the calling to further her involvement with WInC. She initially started volunteering a little of her time, donating items to the thrift store, became a monthly donor, and now a Board Member. As the 2012 Chair of the Board of Directors of WInC, we look forward to our continued success in programming and through her leadership and expertise in finance we look forward to overcoming our financial struggles to successfully continue our operations for years to come. Naturalization Ceremony
Diaz put a lot of hard work into preparing to pass his U.S. citizenship exam and the scholarship he received from Doña Ana Community College helped him defray the costs of his citizenship application. He credits WInC and his instructor for assisting him through the entire process. "I'm so happy to have become a citizen," said Diaz. As a new citizen we emphasized his new obligations of paying attention to government policies, voicing his opinion on the issues, and most importantly exercising his right to vote. Local resident donates computers
While Vigil currently works for ADP, he has a side business of building computers. He immediately evaluated what he as an individual could do to help us. He built two brand new computers for the Center. He added a neat feature that would automatically display on the computer monitor upon start up our logo and an acknowledgment that the computer is the property of WInC. We thank Vigil for his generosity. We will be working towards raising an estimated $2,400 to have him build another 8 computers in order for us to regain our lost computer lab. Simple ways to help WInCLooking for an easy way to support WInC? Here are some ways you can help us that won't cost you but a few minutes of your time:
1. Intuit is Awarding $1M
in Hiring Grants! Your votes can help us win
a small business grant worth $25K to $50K. The contest runs until March
of 2012. The $25K winners are selected monthly and the $50K winners
on a quarterly basis. Winners are selected based on monthly votes and
what our fans say they love about us. To cast your monthly vote online click here and/or you can cast your vote by texting “winc” to 244326. You’ll receive a message asking you to text your name and a then another message asking you to text why you love WInC. Please encourage your family, friends and colleagues to vote for us once month.
2. Rent our Facilities: When you rent the facilities at the Women’s Intercultural Center, you are helping support the education and empowerment of the women of Southern NM and West TX. To download our Facilities Rental Brochure click here. To submit a Facility Usage/Rental Request click here. 3. Shop at our Thrift store: When you shop our Honeycomb Thrift Store you'll find a wide selection of new and used merchandise at very cheap prices (i.e. clothing for 25 cents, majority of items for a $1, nothing over $50). If you like to shop you'll want to stop by often to see what's new or follow us on facebook as new merchandise is posted upon arrival. Best of all, you'll know your purchases will benefit the women of Southern NM and West TX who rely on the tools and resources we provide for them to thrive. 4. Featured simple way to give: Are
you wondering what to do with some of the gift cards you received
during the holidays? Each year, millions of dollars worth of gift cards
go unredeemed. Unused gifts card can now be put to great use. Donate
them to WInC and we can use them or redeem them for cash and send you a
tax receipt. To find other simple ways to help click here. We cannot express how important your support is to helping fund our work. A few minutes of YOUR time, a simple click, a simple comment, a simple vote can make a WORLD OF DIFFERENCE in our ability to EDUCATE and EMPOWER WOMEN who in turn can EMPOWER their families and respective communities. Will YOU commit to being our CHAMPION? Wish ListWe are in need of the following construction supplies:
Other items:
Follow Us:
| WM |
Letter from our Executive DirectorAs a strong independent woman, I'm not accustomed to asking for help. But in running a nonprofit I have to do just that.
With a strong push expanding our ability to provide the tools and resources for women to thrive; together we can help eradicate poverty. A related common factor in children faced with poverty and at-risk youth is related to a parent’s lack of education whether it is illiteracy, lack of high school diploma/GED, technical training and/or higher education. This serious issue impacts the ability for women, specifically single mothers, head of households; the ability to become economically self-sufficient as a majority have a third to six grade level of education. Additionally, their children are adversely affected by their parent’s limitations.
But,
economic challenges to our operations can stop our ability to do what we
do. Through a financial
donation and/or participation in the day-to-day activities listed under
the Simple Ways to Help WInC,
YOU can lead the charge in educating
and empowering women to become economically self-sufficient and self-reliant. YOUR
support will help transform an individual’s life, the life of her family and
their respective communities. Sincerely, Mary Carter Take ActionThis bill if passed will provide Gadsden School District funding for maintenance of building & grounds and equipment for schools. Early voting is going on now until 2/3/12. Last day to vote is 2/7/12. See flier for voting locations. Latest VideosWomen Chasing Dreams - The Women's Intercultural Center in Anthony, NM acts as a springboard for female immigrants to obtain their desired goals. To view the video click here. The video was produced by Explore, philanthropic based media championing the selfless acts of others, creating a portal into the soul of humanity and inspiring lifelong learning. Upcoming EventsPlease feel free to forward event information to people who you feel
will benefit from our workshops, trainings and special events. For additional information please contact our receptionist at 575-882-5556 or the contact number listed next to the event announcement. To download/print our weekly calendar click here. Monday, January 23 Spring Semester Classes begin. Check
your schedules for the dates, times and room assignments of your
classes. If you need assistance please see the receptionist. Click here to view & download schedule. Free Counseling Services from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment please fill out a referral form with the receptionist. Click here to download the form. Wednesday, January 25 Thursday, January 26 Free Counseling Services from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule an appointment please fill out a referral form with the receptionist. Click here to download the form. Chinese New Year Celebration starting at 12:30 p.m. Join us as we ring in the Year of the Dragon. Come learn how people in China celebrate the New year. Click here to download event flier. Friday, January 27 Notary Services and VIN inspections from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost of services will vary. For more info contact Maxi Urrutia at 915-626-8469. Click here to download flier. |
"My
experience with the PV systems was all new to me. As we begun the
training course it was something difficult to absorb within a 5 day time
frame. I have realized that when people have a desire to learn to
better themselves or others they will do what it takes to learn the
material. I met wonderful people who took this training to emphasize how
important it is to start contributing PV systems into the Grid. I look
forward to attending future trainings in the field of solar technology
and contributing more to our going green efforts.” said Nancy Arreola of her
week long training on Solar Panel Installation in Houston conducted by 
The
Mexican Consulate hosted a gathering for former 
Grace Jacquez-Chase had often heard about the work of WInC through her sister-in-law, Toni Jacquez. But for some reason or other the timing was off. In 2011 her schedule finally allowed her to take Toni up on her offer to tour the Center. Upon entering the building and speaking with the staff Grace felt an immediate connection. As her visits to Center increased, she had the opportunity to speak to our participants. 
Local resident and former employee
of Gadsden Independent School District,
Miguel Vigil donated two computers
to WInC. Vigil
with friend Bernice Holguin saw in
the news a report of the recent theft at the Center which included all the
computers from the Center’s computer lab.
He immediately knew he had to do something to help. 
tories of our participants
Elva Alarez moved with her twin grandsons to Anthony, NM in November 2008 from Creel, MX. She received TANF and SNAP benefits to help support her family.
Elva volunteered at the Women’s Intercultural Center to fulfill her TANF work requirements and it was clear that she valued her work with us. She participated in many classes, including citizenship, English, jewelry making and dance. Elva especially appreciated the Center's positive role in empowering single mothers like herself to succeed in a new country.
Staff, instructors, participants, supporters and visitors alike took notice of Elva's work ethic, her desire to learn, her initiative, her trustworthiness and her ability to make others feel welcomed at the Center. What started out as volunteer work evolved to temporary work and eventually into a job.
Because of her skills and abilities, Elva was hired for the position of Hospitality Manager. She is responsible for setting up logistics for guests, rentals, catering services and on occasion the Border Awareness Experience including - providing meals, ensuring guests participant and staff accommodations are presented in a clean and welcoming condition and maintenance of Center facilities.
We congratulate and welcome Elva as a member of the Women’s Intercultural Center staff. We hope to be one of the stepping stones towards her success as she works toward her dream of opening a home-based food business or becoming a nurse. The opportunities for her are endless specially if she takes advantage of enrolling in our Small Business Development Academy and the many other educational/development courses the Center has to offer.
Petra Devora came to the Women’s Intercultural Center four years ago hoping there was a class on how to play guitar. Since that type of instruction was not available she stayed for the oil painting classes. "I was embraced by everyone and immediately felt at home. The receptionist had this ability of getting people interested in participating in the classes provided by the Center." said Petra. As time passed she learned that in educating a woman, you not only educate and transform her family but her community as well. "The Women’s Intercultural Center is the place where women transform and learn to be self reliant."
At the Center Petra was given the opportunity to develop her artistic and leadership abilities. She currently represents the voices of the participants as a member of the Center's Board of Directors. It is in this capacity that she traveled to New York to the WhyHunger Chapin Awards Dinner to receive the 2009 Harry Chapin Self-Reliance Award on behalf of the Center. "It was quite an experience to be able to meet with other grassroots organizations from across the country and learning about their work. It made me appreciate the uniqueness of the Women’s Intercultural Center. The Center provides women the tools necessary to succeed based on the individual learning development plan of each participant." she proudly stated.
Olivia Contreras has two grown children and six grandchildren. She came to the Women’s Intercultural Center for the first time in May 2007. She always heard that the Center offered many classes but she never came. She finally came because she wanted to become a U.S. Citizen and when she went to the community college she couldn't enroll because they didn't have citizenship classes in Spanish and she didn't think she could learn citizenship in English. She was surprised that the Center had English tutors who could also teach citizenship classes in Spanish. She had been in the United States for 26 years and thought that it was about time she learned English and became a citizen. Thanks to her tutor, Elizabeth, she passed her citizenship test and became a U.S. citizen on November 6, 2007. She feels secure now that she is a citizen and it is very important to her to be able to vote. She would like to tell all women at home to come to the Center and that if she can do it they can too and if they need help to become a citizen she is willing to tutor them.
Toni Jacquez was a participant of the Small Business Development Academy's first cohort. She felt that fulfilling her dream of business ownership would not only enhance her life but that of her community where she would establish her business. Since her retirement, her husband had been contemplating opening a cabrito (young goat) restaurant. She had worked from the age of 12 to the age of 22 at a small business grocery story with her father. She knew the work a family owned business entailed, so she knew that she did not want to devote 24/7 time again. But after attending the Academy, she realized that she did not have all the information necessary to successfully develop her business.
Toni is happy that the Center saw the need to educate women on how to develop a small business. She noted that some of the participants attending the Academy had no business experience, different levels of education, and different commands of the English language; however, everyone was equally given the opportunity to learn no matter what their personal situation was.
Toni says, "Attending the Academy was an informative and pleasurable experience. I will always remember and appreciate the support we received from the Center and our instructor and my fellow classmates. " Toni Jacquez is the Chair of the 2009 Board of Directors of the Women’s Intercultural Center.
A friend invited Rosario Renteria to the Women's Intercultural Center. She had been worried about her as she had fallen into a deep depression and had become isolated due to the recent death of her son. Her friend encouraged her to take art classes. She brought her to the Center and introduced her to the painting instructor. As she walked into the building she felt a sense of warmth and the welcoming nature of the participants and staff instantly made her feel at home.
She was given a test to assess her painting skills for her individual learning plan. She soon began attending the painting classes, found the solace and worth she needed and has been painting ever since.
Rosario says, “When I paint, I feel peaceful. I feel like an artist.”
After that one class she began taking a variety of other classes. The Center helped her advance her skills in paining and exhibited her work, she learned English while taking art classes and has found a source of income through the Center’s Economic Self-Sufficiency program by selling her art work and various other artistic products she learned to produce. She now teaches classes in art, repujado and knitting. Aside from all this, the Center has given her the opportunity to explore her singing skills. She is the official singer of the Center and has brightened many events with her talents. She recently formed a singing group and was commissioned to paint her vision of the downtown area of Anthony, NM upon its incorporation.
She now initiates and hones in her creative talents and encompasses new ideas to the Center. In meeting and sharing with the many women that have come to the Center, she has made this her home.
Rosario says, “It (the Center) is my source of inspiration and a support network for me. In being here it is not only an economic support but it elevates my morale and I feel really happy particularly in sharing my knowledge. Before the Center, I used to feel limited, but now I know that there are various opportunities to achieve your goals and dreams. I have evolved as an individual and as a professional artist. All the women that come to the Center have those opportunities. In the time that I have been here, I have seen many women participate in everything the Center has to offer at all generational levels from 17 to 85. They come searching for a safe place to create their own goals and dreams, there’s an abundance of color, talent and beauty here.”
Reyna Urbina had focused her entire life on her six children and found herself lost after her youngest daughter left home. Since she didn't know how to drive and there is no means of public transportation in Anthony, NM she felt trapped and alone. The only things she could concentrate on where her husband who worked very late hours, her home and her sewing machine.
Her youngest daughter, former volunteer at the Women's Intercultural Center, encouraged Reyna to register for classes as it would be the most appropriate venue for her mother to continue her personal development. In spite of her fears and with lots of encouragement from her children, Reyna learned to drive and got her driver's license at age 62 in order to follow her daughter's advice to come to the Center.
"That's how I came to this wonderful Center where I found the most beautiful people." says Reyna. "I enrolled in computer classes as I knew nothing about computers. I have learned so much since I first came here."
Armed with a new laptop that was given to her by her children, Reyna continues her computer classes at the Center and practices at home. "Thanks to the Women's Intercultural Center for thinking about women like me in designing their programming that has taught me so much and all their beautiful smiles that greet me each day I come to class." say Reyna with a smile on her face.
Reyna credits the Women's Intercultural Center and the support of her children for changing her life. She now realizes that something was missing, a void that was filled by the learning opportunities offered at the Center.
"Thank you for being here for us women and for the opportunity you offer us for our continued personal development."
