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Letter from the Editor
When visitors walk through the doors of the Women’s Intercultural Center, they often describe an immediate sense of belonging, a warmth rooted in dignity, shared purpose, and genuine care for one another.
Over the years, we have had the privilege of welcoming visitors from across the country and around the world. Almost without exception, as they experience the energy and spirit of our center, they leave us with a familiar reflection:
“We need a place like WInC in our own community.”
It is a striking sentiment, but not a surprising one.
In a world that can feel increasingly fast-paced and disconnected, people are hungry for places where they can learn, build relationships, discover their strengths, and feel supported. They are looking for communities where they are not simply recipients of services, but active participants in shaping their own futures.
That is what makes the Women’s Intercultural Center so difficult to replicate.
WInC is more than a nonprofit. It is a living ecosystem created with and for the community. It is a place to learn, socialize, grow, find your voice, and discover your potential to create the life you want to live.
Our holistic, relational approach brings together opportunities that are too often separated: civic engagement, education, job and life skills, creative expression, wellness, food access, cultural understanding, and personal development under one roof.
And the impact is perhaps best understood through the voices of the people who have experienced WInC firsthand.
GreatNonprofits has highlighted stories describing the Center as a safe and welcoming environment, where women can access everything from learning programs and English classes to food assistance, counseling, and citizenship education. One community member specifically described the Center as a place that helps people in “many different ways,” while providing the support and resources needed to move forward.
Another story shared through GreatNonprofits captures the personal transformation that can happen here. A WInC participant described how her experience helped her grow professionally and personally, come out of her shell, gain confidence, and recognize her own strength and value.
These stories show that our cannot be measured only by the number of classes offered, meals distributed, people served, or certificates earned. The deeper measure is what happens inside a person when someone believes in her, listens to her, teaches her, and gives her the tools to move forward.
For 32 years, WInC has created a nontraditional, welcoming learning environment for women who may not have had access to traditional educational opportunities. GreatNonprofits has recognized the Center's work in helping women develop their voices and create political, economic, and cultural change in their communities since 2011.
That spirit also extends beyond the classroom. Our work in citizenship, food access, cultural exchange, wellness, creative expression, and community connection reflects a simple belief: people thrive when the whole person is supported.
WInC's long-standing recognition by GreatNonprofits, including its designation as a Top-Rated Nonprofit, reflects what so many visitors, participants, volunteers, and supporters already know. The Center fills a need that exists far beyond the borders of southern New Mexico and West Texas.
Perhaps that is why visitors continue to say the same thing when they leave:
“We need a place like WInC in our own community.”
Maybe the greatest compliment we can receive is knowing that people don't simply see what we do, they see what their own communities could become.
A place to learn.
A place to belong.
A place to find your voice.
A place to grow.
A place to imagine what comes next and have the community beside you as you get there.
That is WInC.
Mary Carter
Editor & Executive Director
Women’s Intercultural Center
Highway 28 Farmers and Artisan Market
WInC Volunteers spent a vibrant afternoon at the Highway 28 Farmers and Artisan Market. They shopped, ate, and relaxed while supporting local growers, artists, and small businesses.
They stocked up on fresh, locally grown produce provided directly by our friends at the Anthony Youth Farm, while browsing beautiful artwork created by local artist and WInC art instructor Art Perez, along with handmade items from dozens of talented local makers. Families picked up free school supplies to help students prepare for the upcoming academic year, and WInC volunteers enjoyed delicious offerings from local food vendors, freshly baked treats, and wonderful community conversation throughout the afternoon.
It was a fantastic turnout that highlighted the power of supporting our local farmers and artisans and small businesses.
A Recipe for Community
When you open your doors to support a neighbor, the warmth always finds its way back to you. This past week, former WInC participant Ruby reached out to us with a quick request. As a hardworking single mother, Ruby does a variety of creative things to keep her family afloat and make ends meet, including preparing and selling delicious homemade plates of food for friends and relatives every Friday.
This week, she was making salpicón, but her home electric stove would take far too long to cook the meat. Remembering her time with us, she called to ask if she could use the Center’s kitchen. Having spent plenty of time in our kitchen cooking meals for our visiting Border Awareness Experience (BAE) students, Ruby knew the space inside and out, and we were more than happy to welcome her in.
Not only was her cooking session a success, but Ruby completely sold out of every single plate! Before packing up, and without us expecting anything in return, she surprised our WInC volunteers with an incredible thank-you treat: a batch of her delicious homemade salpicón served with homemade crisp, golden tostadas. Every single bite was a celebration of care, hard work, and deep connection.
Reflecting on the afternoon, Ruby shared:
"It will always be a pleasure to share, especially with such beautiful people like you who are always there to lend me a hand. God bless you."
Thank you, Ruby, for sharing your incredible cooking skills and your corazón with us, and congratulations on selling out! Your generosity nourished both our bodies and our spirits, proving once again that at WInC, food and friendship truly go hand in hand.
Farm-Fresh Flavors: From La Semilla to Our Tables
When a fresh delivery of locally grown produce arrives from La Semilla Food Center, something special happens. The bounty makes its way from the farm into the heart of our community’s kitchens, where simple ingredients become delicious meals and opportunities to gather, share, and connect.
Thanks to La Semilla’s generous donation, families at our center spent the week enjoying fresh, locally grown produce and turning it into meals filled with flavor, creativity, and love.
The excitement began the moment the boxes were opened. As she unpacked her fresh produce box, Lupita couldn’t hide her delight. She smiled and shared, “The peppers in the box are delicious. They’ll be my meal for the whole week!”
For Patty, the colorful harvest inspired one delicious creation after another. She began her morning with a hearty breakfast burrito, sautéing fresh okra, mushrooms, Japanese eggplant, and roasted chile with scrambled eggs. She wrapped it all in warm tortillas and topped it with her homemade spicy salsita de chile güerito which she also made with produce she received.
By evening, the kitchen moved outdoors. Patty fired up the grill and roasted green chile for flavorful green chile burgers. She also placed ripe tomatoes and chiles on a hot comal, roasting them until they were perfectly charred and aromatic. The result was a rich, homemade salsa that brought the warmth and authentic flavors of the Southwest straight to the table.
But Patty wasn’t finished. Wanting to share the abundance with others, she transformed more of the fresh produce into a special meal for our WInC volunteers: golden, comforting chile rellenos served alongside warm and savory fideo. The lunch was a delicious way to say thank you and celebrate the spirit of community.
Throughout the week, these fresh ingredients did more than fill plates. They brought people together. They inspired creativity in the kitchen, encouraged healthier eating, and created moments for neighbors, families, and volunteers to share food and stories.
From La Semilla’s fields to our community tables, every vegetable carried a little something extra: the generosity of people who believe that good food can nourish our bodies, our relationships and our community.
Crafting Her Own Path: A Journey of Creativity & Independence
After raising three children on her own as a divorcee, Patty dedicated her life to ensuring her family grew up supported, strong, and prepared for the future. Today, with her children grown into men with families of their own, Patty has stepped into a well-earned chapter of retirement. But rather than slowing down, she set her sights on a new personal goal: paying off her home and finding creative, empowering ways to sustain herself independently.
That journey brought her to the crochet classes at the Women's Intercultural Center. Sitting down with hooks and yarn, Patty quickly turned basic stitches into advanced craftsmanship. What began as a class rapidly evolved into a thriving personal venture, allowing her to take custom orders and earn a living through her own artistic talent.
Her creations speak for themselves, each one packed with personality and heart. One of her standouts is a beautifully detailed handcrafted crochet horse that brings instant charm and personality to any display shelf or plush collection. She also outdid herself with a true masterpiece of a plushie; the sweetest, fluffiest handcrafted kitty featuring soft white paws and a rosy button nose designed to bring an instant smile to your face. Showing off her fun, modern style, Patty even created a plushie inspired by K-Pop Demon Hunters, complete with a cozy yellow jacket, a super long purple braid, and a shiny gold bow that brings fierce idol energy into every stitch.
Through her dedication and skills, she continues to build her own financial independence while bringing warmth, talent, and handmade joy to our entire community.
Community Caring for Community
At the Women's Intercultural Center, showing up for one another is at the heart of everything we do. Whenever our amazing participants lead fundraising efforts for their families and futures, you can always count on the WInC team to be first in line to offer support.
This week, we had the joy of backing the Cervantes family by purchasing their incredible homemade flauta plates. Crispy, golden flautas served alongside warm rice, flavorful beans, and fresh toppings made for a lunch that nourished both body and spirit.
Supporting our participants' goals, dreams, and family endeavors is something we do, and it defines who we are. Thank you to the Cervantes family for sharing their wonderful cooking with us and thank you to everyone in our center who continuously proves that community caring for community is what WInC is all about!
Unleash Your Creativity with Our Upcoming Yarn Art Class!
Get ready to pick up your hooks and let your imagination soar! We are thrilled to announce that our next Yarn Art Class starts on September 14th, led by the wonderful and talented Alma. Time and again, we are blown away by the intricate, vibrant, and deeply expressive pieces our community members create in this space, and we can’t wait to see what beautiful designs come to life next.
Whether you are looking to master new techniques or simply enjoy a relaxing morning of crafting alongside friends, this class offers a warm, inspiring environment for creators of all experience levels.
Class & Registration Details
- Start Date: Monday, September 14th
- Class Schedule: Every Monday at 10:30 AM
- Early Registration: Open now through September 3rd
- Cost: $5 registration fee, plus $5 per class session
Spaces fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot before the early September 3rd registration deadline! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to center volunteers. Come join us, connect with fellow makers, and create something truly beautiful!
The Story of the Final Box
You never know what kind of everyday miracle is going to walk through the doors of the Center.
Our afternoon began with a profound blessing: a special delivery of farm-fresh vegetable boxes, generously provided by the La Semilla Food Center. We immediately distributed all but one of these heavy, nutrient-packed boxes to the community members who were already gathered inside our walls. Yet, somehow, one single box remained waiting.
Not long after, a grandmother stepped through our front doors. She originally stopped by just seeking a bit of guidance, trying to find the location for the Anthony Youth Farm food distribution happening the next day. But as we sat down and listened to her, the heavy, exhausting weight of her current reality poured out. She is raising her young grandchildren completely on her own following the heartbreaking loss of her husband. As if navigating that profound grief wasn't enough, her car was recently stolen, leaving her stranded and fighting an uphill battle just to provide basic needs for the ones depending on her.
Suddenly, the purpose of that final box made perfect sense. It wasn't leftover; it was meant exclusively for her.
She left our Center heading home to her grandchildren with deeply nourishing food: a sweet mini watermelon, vibrant tomatoes, earthy Lion's Mane mushrooms, and local Hatch green chile. It might seem like just a box of vegetables, yet at that moment, it was a lifeline.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to La Semilla Food Center for providing this harvest. Your dedication to the land translates directly into vital hope for families who need it most.
The Language of Movement: Alicia Alonso Spoke Without Words
Alicia Alonso transformed dance into a powerful language of emotion and truth, defying legal blindness. Through fierce discipline, she proved movement could convey deep meaning without words, leaving a legacy that inspired others to connect with their inner strength. This is part of a WInC series of stories about women who changed the world.
Stepping Toward Citizenship: Guidance, Growth, & Community
Every day at the Center, we witness powerful moments of determination as community members take meaningful steps toward becoming U.S. citizens. Whether answering questions over the phone, connecting online, or meeting face-to-face, our volunteers are honored to walk alongside individuals as they embark on this life-changing journey.
This past week, we welcomed Mr. Vélez, who stopped by to clear up a few questions before officially enrolling in our Spanish citizenship classes. His story is one shared by so many in our community, a desire to move forward with confidence, backed by clear information and a supportive environment.
If you or a loved one is preparing to take the next step toward citizenship, understanding the requirements is the best place to start. Here is a quick guide to help you navigate the process:
Citizenship Language Requirements & Exemptions
- Standard English Exam Requirement: If you have been a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) between 5 and 14 years, you are required to take the citizenship exam in English, regardless of your current age.
- Language Exception (50/20 Rule): You may take the exam in your own language (i.e. Spanish) if you are 50 years of age or older and have lived in the U.S. as a permanent legal resident for at least 20 years.
- Language Exception (55/15 Rule): You may take the exam in your own language (i.e. Spanish) if you are 55 years of age or older and have lived in the U.S. as a permanent legal resident for at least 15 years.
A Helpful Tip for Getting Started: Check the "Resident Since" date printed on the front of your Green Card to accurately calculate how many years you have held legal permanent residency.
No matter where you are in the process, you don't have to navigate it alone. We offer clear guidance and preparation classes tailored to meet your unique needs. Reach out to us today and let us help you take your next step with clarity and peace of mind!
Civic Pride in Action: Rita’s Journey as a U.S. Citizen
At the Women's Intercultural Center, nothing brings us greater joy than watching our students reach major milestones. This week, we received a wonderful visit from our former citizenship student, Rita, who dropped by with some exciting news: she officially received her very first summons for jury duty this week!
For many, a jury summons might feel like a routine civic obligation, but for a new U.S. citizen, it is a powerful symbol of belonging, rights, and responsibility. Having walked alongside Rita as she studied, prepared, and earned her naturalization, seeing her step confidently into this fundamental duty of citizenship was an unforgettable moment for our entire team.
Rita visited the Center so we could help her navigate the paperwork and understand what to expect during the process. We are immensely proud to support her as she continues her engagement and participation in our democratic system.
Congratulations, Rita! Your dedication to growing, learning, and serving our community inspires us all, and we are so honored to be a part of your journey every step of the way.
Expanding Horizons: Video Games Join the WInC Little Library
The WInC Little Library has always been a space where the border communities can share stories, discover new interests, and find inspiration and now, that inspiration comes in a brand-new format! We are excited to share that a fresh batch of PlayStation 3 and Xbox games has officially joined our community collection.
While books will always be at the heart of our library, stories come in many different media. Video games offer our community’s youth and families a unique way to build problem-solving skills, explore immersive storytelling, and enjoy interactive entertainment right at home.
Whether you’re looking to revisit classic favorites, try out a new genre, or pick up a fun game for the weekend, our Little Library is here for everyone. Drop by the Center to check out the updated selection, leave a game you’ve finished, or take home your next gaming adventure!
A Heartfelt Gift: Flour Tortillas Bring Warmth to WInC
Sometimes the simplest acts of kindness bring the greatest comfort. This week, our Center received a wonderful surprise when an anonymous donor dropped off several bags of fresh, handmade flour tortillas for our community.
In our border region, a fresh flour tortilla is a staple food, a symbol of home, comfort, and warm family meals around the kitchen table. Thanks to this thoughtful gesture, we were able to share these fresh tortillas with our participants, ensuring that families left our Center with something wholesome, fresh, and delicious to take home to their loved ones.
To our anonymous friend: thank you for your kindness, your thoughtful heart, and for bringing so much warmth and care directly to our tables!
A Lifeline Across the Years: Continuing the Journey with Nancy
Every person who walks through the doors of the Women's Intercultural Center brings a story, yet some stories are woven into the very fabric of our history. This week, we shared a deeply meaningful morning with Nancy, a long-time member of our WInC family whose journey with us spans years.
Nancy returned to us facing a stressful and confusing setback: her SENTRI access had been unexpectedly denied, leaving her with no explanation as to why. Navigating federal border systems without clear information can feel overwhelming, so we sat down together to process a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. By requesting her records, we laid the groundwork to identify the exact reason behind the revocation so she can take the right steps to resolve it.
While working through the paperwork, the conversation naturally turned to family. Nancy shared her concerns about her son, who had recently received confusing, misleading advice about his future career path. We gathered accurate, reliable educational and career resources for her to take home to him. It was a surreal moment for our volunteers, her son is now 18 years old, a milestone that feels almost unbelievable to us considering he practically grew up at WInC, spending countless afternoons entertaining himself in our halls while his parents gave classes.
The conversation didn't stop there. We also talked about the new barbershop that Nancy and her husband now own. Celebrating this incredible entrepreneurial milestone, we encouraged her to enroll in business classes to help her gain new management tools, streamline operations, and continue growing their family business.
What began as a visit to solve an administrative problem evolved into a comprehensive map for her family’s legal, educational, and financial future. As she prepared to leave, Nancy turned to us with heartfelt gratitude:
"You guys are my rock. Thank you for always being available to help me whenever I am in need."
At WInC, we aren't just here for a single appointment or a quick answer, we are a lifelong anchor for our families as they navigate challenges, build businesses, and watch the next generation grow.
Amplifying Local Voices: WInC Meets Voices of Anthony
This week, we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Jorge, the dedicated heart behind the popular Voices of Anthony with Jorge Facebook page, for an inspiring conversation centered on community, connection, and the heart of our mission.
Sitting together, we talked about what makes our region so resilient, the everyday moments that bring our neighbors together, and the remarkable personal journeys that make the Women's Intercultural Center shine.
As part of his visit, Jorge conducted a special interview with our Executive Director, Mary Carter, exploring WInC's history, our ongoing programs, and our vision for the future of our community.
Be sure to tune in to the Voices of Anthony with Jorge Facebook page this weekend to catch the full interview feature! We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jorge for his dedication, his platform, and his continuous commitment to making space for the local voices that make our community home.
Savoring Success: Day One of the ICAN Cooking Class
The gallery at the Women's Intercultural Center was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and incredible aromas as we kicked off Day One of our ICAN cooking class!
Our talented students jumped right in, tackling a classic crowd-pleaser for their very first lesson: homemade chicken fried rice made completely from scratch. From the moment the class began, everyone brought incredible focus, passion, and teamwork to their prep stations.
Step by step, the gallery transformed into a bustling culinary workshop. Students expertly diced colorful vegetables, seared tender chicken to perfection, cooked up fluffy scrambled eggs, and tossed it all together with perfectly seasoned rice. The result was nothing short of spectacular; golden, savory fried rice packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Seeing the pride on our students' faces as they plated their dishes was the best part of the day. What an awesome start to this exciting new journey! Great job to all our ICAN students on a fantastic first session. Stay tuned to see what delicious, nourishing creations they whip up next!
Know The Rules
Our Executive Director, Mary Carter, always shares a powerful piece of wisdom when discussing complex systems: "If you don’t know the rules of the game, how do you expect to win?" This isn't just a saying; it's a core philosophy. Navigating legal, administrative, or bureaucratic processes can often feel like playing a game with ever-changing rules, leaving you confused and intimidated. That's why learning the process is about empowerment, not red tape. Our center helps individuals master the rules by breaking down applications, deadlines, and requirements into clear, manageable steps, so they can achieve their goals. Understanding how a system works transforms you from feeling powerless to becoming a proactive champion for your own future. Real change happens when purpose meets preparation. You don't have to play the game alone. Stop by the Women's Intercultural Center, and let us help you learn the rules, own the process, and win your future!
