ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Mission

To provide alternative, non-intimidating, non-traditional learning settings for women who have limited access to; had bad experiences with formal education; and /or whose life circumstances prevented them from entering fully into society, the workforce or traditional schools.

Program Description

The program employs a holistic approach and utilizes some principles of Popular Education for social change as taught by Brazilian educator, Paulo Freire.

Through our educational programs, the Women’s Intercultural Center serves as a springboard for women to unlock their potential to subsequently consider higher education and/or starting/advancing a career field through classes such as GED - High School Equivalency, English as a Second Language (ESL) all levels includes group sessions and individual tutoring, and U.S. Citizenship Preparation.

Other Classes Offered Per Semester: A broad range of courses are incorporated into the Center’s semester schedules in the spring, summer and fall. Course offerings vary throughout the year depending on availability and demand. Classes include but are not limited to: basic computer skills, financial literacy, health and fitness, job hunt readiness, nutritional cooking, parenting, public speaking, values and life, visual arts and crafts, and special skills classes.

Special Workshops/Sessions: These workshops / sessions are provided on Fridays and tend to vary.  Example topics include but are not limited to: managing grief, domestic violence, organic gardening, diabetes, weight control, tai chi, spiritual days of reflection, and much more.

Contact

For additional information or to volunteer as in instructor, please contact the Program Coordinator @ 575-882-5556.

CONCIOUSNESS-RAISING FOR CHANGE

Mission

To provide opportunities for women to arrive at the truth in order for them to determine means of action and organizing to eventually create change within their respective communities.

Program Description

The program provides the means for women to make an analysis of social, environmental, immigration, and economic justice as well as any other situation(s) for them to in turn organize others, leading to an action phase.  The program awakens women to start thinking and acting.  Issues are presented through both sides of the coin in order for women to make the appropriate decisions for their families and respective communities.

It is through this program that women realize that their current understandings of the world and their place in it have been limited by existing social structures. Most importantly, women learn to find their voice and realize their potential to affect societal change.

Outreach is done through workshops, forums, guest speakers and cultural events scheduled throughout the year to address issues impacting communities at the local, state, regional, and federal levels.  Topics include but are not limited to: immigration, environment, drugs and youth, impact of global economics on border communities, and much more. Skits and “street” theater, field trips, participation in community events, and other types of interactive experiences are often utilized.

Contact

For additional information, volunteer and/or propose workshops, forums, guest speakers and events, please contact the Conciousness Raising Coordinator @ 575-882-5556.

ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY (ESS)

Mission

To foster the entrepreneurial spirit of women through the development of diverse and creative opportunities that promote an exchange of knowledge and skills that will enable women to produce and market quality goods and services through consulting, micro-enterprises and/or small business creation.

Program Description

The program provides a spectrum of opportunities for women to achieve economic self-sufficiency by tapping into their existing talents and building employment and marketable skills to eventually secure a job or consider consulting, micro-enterprise/small business possibilities.  The Center also assists in the marketing and selling of products handcrafted by its program participants. Economic Development Projects  are developed based on the needs of the participants.

Contact

For additional information, to volunteer your expertise, interest in purchasing the products of the women and/or business propositions, please contact the Director of Programs @ 575-882-5556.

MEETING THE NEEDS OF SOUTHERN NM AND WEST TX

The Women's Intercultural Center also launches initiatives based on the needs of the respective communities we serve.  Often times serving as the incubator for the program/project then transferring it over to the appropriate entity to manage.  Current program(s) under this category include:  

• Counseling Services: A collaborative effort with The CLINIC (NMSU Counseling & Educational Psychology Training & Research Clinic) to provide individual and group counseling services, in addition to case management and referral services to programs provided by the Women's Intercultural Center and other community resources.

• Club Latinitas: An after-school educational program focused on girls ages 11-15.  The program was created by our partner Latinitas with the purpose of building self-confidence for young girls and allowing them to express themselves through media, technology, art and culture. By participating in several different creative activities such as photography, film making, desktop publishing, writing, audio production and web design, girls can explore their talents and learn some new interesting skills while having fun in an interactive and educational environment. Club Latinitas meets every Thursday from 4:30-6pm at WInC.  For more information on the program contact Latinitas at 915-219-8554.  Click here to view/download program flier.
  

• Emergency Food Pantry: We collect and distribute canned food donations to individuals and families to ensure that no one goes hungry in  Southern NM and West TX.  The Emergency Food Pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm.  For additional info contact our receptionist at 575-882-5556.

• Honeycomb Thrift Store: The store provides people the opportunity to recycle clothing, office equipment, furniture, electronics, small applications, housewares, books and more for our usage, to fundraise and to donate to the community based on their needs.    The store is open Monday through Thursdays from 9 am to 3 pm.  For more information on the store or to make a donation call 575-882-5556.

• Reiki Clinic: A participant led initiative.  The Clinic provides Reiki treatments every Friday at a cost of $25.  Reiki is an alternative healing method which improves recovery from illness, release of addictions, heals trauma, rehab after injury or surgery, immune disorders, insomnia and fatigue, anxiety and stress, and depression and grieving.  To set up an appointment call 575-882-5556.

• Sexual Assault Recovery Services: A collaborative effort with La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services of Southern NM to provide full-service sexual assault response services to victims and their families of the rural communities of Doña Ana County.  A special meeting place is designated for victims and their families to meet with La Piñon staff as needed.

• Syringe Exchange Program: A collaborative effort with the New Mexico Health Department to reduce the spread of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C that are transmitted through blood, often by the reuse of needles and/or syringes.  The program staff also provide health information; referrals to social, human, mental health, and substance abuse treatment services.  The program is strictly confidential and there is no enrollment fee. They are at the Center the 4th Thursday of the month from 1 pm to 4 pm.  For additional information contact Merced Jasso at 575-528-5095.

• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: The services are aimed to help individuals with disabilities obtain and retain employment.  The services are provided every Wednesday from 8:30am to 5pm by the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). To schedule an appointment, please contact Ramona Contreras at (575) 524-6135 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

WOMEN'S INTERCULTURAL CENTER

"WHERE IT STARTS"