Jan. 13-26
Menudo Fundraiser WInC Interns from the University of Phoenix mobilize family, friends1 & co-workers for a good cause.
Women’s Intercultural Center
Letter From the Executive Director I love the Shrek movies because of their clean humor and moral messages. Shrek is a no-nonsense ogre who believes he should be alone because he’s ugly. Eventually in the movie everyone realizes how great he really is inside as does he. The important message that the movie carries is that we must take time to get to know people before making judgments about them. Throughout my life, I have come face-toface with angry, judgmental people who just don’t get it. It’s about second chances; it’s about change and growth; it’s about conversation and not condemnation. It’s about the present and not the past. It’s about forgiveness and not blame. It’s about choosing to be a life-lifter and not a life-sinker.
everything out of proportion. Lifesinkers humiliate others by constantly reminding them of their mistakes and failures. Often times they prevent others from moving on with their lives. At WInC we create life-lifters who show each other how much they care for one another. They awaken within each other a desire to make positive changes by tapping into each other’s potential. They liberate each other from negative comments and wrongful judgments, giving the freedom to be themselves and pursue their dreams. Life-lifters motivate each other to move outside their comfort zone and take risks. Every time a participant acts like a lifelifter they themselves get a lift. Why don’t you give it a try? Write “thank you” notes to the life-lifters who have set you free from the crowd of life-sinkers.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Tony Martinez Chair Eldelisa Nava Vice –Chair Petra Devora Treasurer Joanne Vullo Secretary
Sincerely,
MEMBERS Victor Acosta Grace Jacquez-Chase
Life-sinkers exaggerate our flaws and short comings. They enjoy stretching the truth about others, making up stories, spreading rumors, and blowing
What other say about us... “The Border Awareness Experience is growing everyday, and adding some amazing organizations. This is truly a program I love having the opportunity to work on.” Saif Almuhairbi, Volunteer Technology Director and BAE Director
received about my father. He loved and supported me with the work I was doing with the WInC. Since my grandfather was apart of The Bracero Program, my father lived in Anthony for a time and was happy that I was involved in a place that held special memories for him.
____ Happy New Year! hope you all had a wonderful holiday. I wish I could have joined you in the end of semester party it looked like a lot of fun. I wanted to also send this email to thank you for the lovely card I
303 Lincoln St * Po Box 2411 Anthony, NM 88021 575-882-5556 Fax: 866-285-7245 wintctr@qwestoffice.net www.womensintrculturalcenter.org
I see that WInC is continuing with Unseen Beauty events, that is so great! I hope that I will be able to work with you on more workshops in the future. I have adopted my fathers tools and need to put them to work:) ~ Santa Fe Zubia, Former WInC
WOMEN
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
Pozole Fundraiser While cooking for the Border Awareness Experience participants, Fabiola (WInC Intern) chatted with Ilse (WInC Programs Coordinator) about her idea for a Pozole Fundraiser for the weekend. Ilse loved the idea of her taking initiative; however, she wanted to make sure that she had ample time to plan the fundraiser for it to be a success more for her than us. When Mary, Executive Director, walked in to talk to Ilse they shared their conversation. Mary told Fabiola, “If you really want to have the fundraiser this weekend, I don’t have an objection to it. I just want you to realize that because of the short time you’re giving yourself to plan and publicize it may not turn out to be as successful as you want it to be. If you are willing to take that risk then let’s do it, just let me know what time I have to be here to help you and if you need any other volunteers.” Fabiola immediately jumped on Mary’s cue and started calling all the interns from the University of Phoenix (UOP) that she was working with. She got all them to donate the items needed for the fundraiser and scheduled their assignments and coordinated their work times. By Saturday morning, Fabiola was the first one at the Center’s door. In spite of her challenge to get up that morning. She relayed to Mary how she had made sure to tell her husband to call her from his job to wale her up. Instead he had woken her up before he left to work and encouraged her to get ready. Still half asleep she told him, “Okay, I’m getting up.” And as soon as he left, she went back to bed. A little bit later, he called her. His phone call woke her up. He realized that she was still half-sleep and told her, “Fabiola, you need to get up and
take a shower now. Remember you committed to do this fundraiser so you need to get up.” She then got up and got ready. Before she started calling everybody else, Mary asked her, “So what do you want me to do to help.” After all, Fabiola was the project leader. Soon after everyone started arriving. Lisa brought banana nut bread to snack on and quickly made coffee for Maria who does not operate well in the morning without a cup of coffee. Everyone made it with the exception of Sonia, who we sadly heard had to deal with the loss of her cousin who had just been murdered in Cd. Juarez. Fabiola offered our condolences and told her to call us if she needed anything. Once everything was up to par, Mary ran home to make breakfast for her ill family member. Upon her return, Fabiola already had the interns calling our membership to come out and
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support our Pozole fundraiser. It almost looked like a calling Center with Anna calling on the reception area telephone and all the others with their cell phones on hand. As parents stopped by to drop of their children for their karate class, Fabiola made sure to run up to them and tell them about the pozole. In spite of the short turn around. Fabiola did pretty well and made every effort to make the fundraiser a success. While she didn't raise as much money as she wanted for the Center, we reminded her of the time frame and the many positive aspects of her project leadership over a plate of delicious pozole. Thank you Fabiola, Lisa, Adela and Maria for all your work and dedication to WInC!
First Week of Classes While cooking for the Border The first week of classes is over! So far, our participants seem to thoroughly enjoy familiar classes like Arts & Crafts, Basic Computer, Cake Decorating, Crochet, English as a Second Language Beginners/ Intermediate, Oil Painting, Reiki, Spanish Citizenship and Zumba. We encourage you to try the new classes that we offer such as Basic Sign Language, Capoeira Angola, Thanalogy Group and Trim Upholstery. We have some incredible instructors that are so willing to share their talents to help our participants grow and make the classes quite interesting.
they attend our Trim Upholstery class with Mercy in the evenings. Imagine being taught by an owner of an upholstery company… Or Allen, full-time college student and WInC volunteer, who takes Capoeira Angola at 4pm. You see him rushing to change to be able to make the class in time and during his free times practicing what Jacob teaches him. He’s taking advantage of a great opportunity being offered to him to be taught the Brazilian Martial Art Form from someone that mastered it in college and in Brazil.
The first week of classes was very productive for us as we continue to brainstorm about how to encourage more This year we added classes at later community members to take advantage hours so people that work or go to of the classes we offer. While there is a school can still make the class. For example: Mr. & Mrs. Mendez both work and small fee for taking classes at the Center,
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If long term classes are not your thing, keep an eye out for our special events, workshops and trainings. We hope to see YOU soon!
Congratulations Elias Cornejo for attaining a yellow belt in our Karate Class led by The Westside Dojo!
WInC has recently partnered with DEA to do presentations/tours for our Border Awareness Experience Program. This will be a great addition to our program given the fact that our recent group requested more information about how drugs impact border life. Congratulations to Nancy Arreola, WInC Volunteer/ Participant on her new job at Elite Youth Sports! Have you written a review of your experience with WInC? To write one log on to http:// greatnonprofits.org/reviews/write/womensintercultural-center-inc. "Our work will not end until all the women in Southern NM and West TX find a path to achieve their full potential." -- Mary Carter Thanks Lisa, WInC Intern, for designing our new lobby bulletin board.
WOMEN
please don’t’ be discouraged if you don’t have the funds to pay. We offer other options of payment such as food donations for our Emergency Food Pantry, item donations for the thrift store and or any of the other items listed under our Simple Ways to Help WInC which can be accessed at: http:// www.womensinterculturalcenter.org/ index.php? option=com_content&view=article&id=62&It emid=65.
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
AAUW Visits WInC We enjoy visits to the Center and the opportunity it brings to have people learn more about the work we do. So when Ruth Benjamin called us to arrange a tour for the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Las Cruces Branch we were more than happy to oblige. Whether you have heard about the Center before, there’s more to our story specifically as it relays to the work that we do. Our programming has made its own evolution. As one researcher stated, “You do so much more than other Women’s Centers I’ve researched across the nation. Your individualized programming is quite unique.” We pride ourselves in the work that has been accomplished and the success stories that date as far back as our inception in 1993. The AAUW group had the opportunity to listen to the story of our inception and the many stories of the women that have passed through our doors. Flor, WInC Participant, quickly pointed to her contribution to the 15th Anniversary blanket that was given to us as a gift from our sewing class participants. Flor came to us in 1994 and it is through our programming that she learned English and gained employment skills. Today she is gainfully employed and helps her daughter with her micro-enterprise of providing Zumba classes and selling of Herbal Life products.
To Flor, WInC Center Participant, the Center represents a place that inspires peace, security & family...
has a 100% record of success. All of her students to date have passed their U.S. Citizenship Exam with her help.
As we continued with our tour, the group also had the opportunity to meet Olivia, while she was in the commercial kitchen preparing lunch for our usual community lunches.
It was a quite a learning and eye opening experience for the group to be able to see first hand what we do. To walk through the building and see the many things and accomplishments that are made here. How we have interwoven our selves into the fabric of the communities we serve and how we continuously strive for self-reliance.
In 2007 Olivia came to the Center looking for assistance in preparing for the U.S. Citizenship Exam, a program she later took over and for which she
After the tour, we shared with the group the many simple ways they can help us. And as we were saying our goodbyes, they graciously invited our Executive 5
Director, Mary Carter to lunch at the Rose Garden, a local restaurant in Anthony, TX owned by a former participant of the Center. During lunch the group shared with Mary their stories of where they came from and how they ended up in New Mexico. About AAUW: The nonprofit organization empowers women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. Since its founding in 1881, their members have examined and taken positions on educational, social, economic, and political issues.
Border Awareness Experience - Anthony, New Mexico (Sienna College Recruitment) The BAE is an educational immersion that takes place on the Southwestern U.S./Mexican Border. This region is a microcosm for global concern, and a place where critical issues intersect in tangible ways -- economics, human rights, ecology, migration, labor, militarization of the border, health and more. BAE participants have the opportunity to engage in discussions with local residents and professionals, receive presentations from topic experts, and meet with local grassroots organizations involved in the issues. Visit the Center’s website -http:// www.womensinterculturalcenter.org/programs/borderawareness-experience Videos - http://vimeo.com/2241523 andhttp://www.explore.org/ #!/videos/player/women-chasing-dreams The Border Awareness Experience By Samantha Watson On January 13, 2011 Dr. Shannon O’Neil led Valerie Swenson, Grace Tobin, Kristen Yesensky, and I to the Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC) in Anthony, New Mexico for a weeklong experience. Anthony is a small town that lies directly on the New Mexico/Texas border, about 20 minutes from El Paso, Texas (where we spent the majority of our time). The Center aims to “provide a place for women to learn and work together to develop their social, spiritual, economic and political potential.” This is done through their community center that consists of several buildings, including a house which facilitated our stay. It also includes a computer lab, fitness and English classes, a thrift store, an art studio where women can sell what they make, and a haircutting studio where women learn to cut hair. At the WIC our group participated in the Border Awareness Experience (BAE) where we got a chance to meet with grassroots leaders, locals, and others who deal with issues of immigration on the U.S./Mexican border, as well as take a tour of the border through the Border Patrol. We also visited various organizations, like La Mujer Obrera (The Working Woman) that was founded in response to the high number of jobs lost by Mexican women working (about 35,000) in clothing manufacturing because of the establishment of NAFTA. La Mujer Obrera is an organization in El Paso that aims to empower women, give them jobs, and teach the community about their Mexican heritage. Essentially, our group was given the opportunity to understand what entails living in and near a border city, especially through the woman perspective. We were fortunate enough to be hosted by amazing people through WInC who presented many sides of the issues we were educated about. Due to our incredible time in the Border Awareness Experience, the Women’s Center here at Siena looks forward to taking this trip again next year and (hopefully) for the following years to come.
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Trauma Healing Individuals who had attended an AVP Basic Workshop participated in this active, experiential workshop where they were opened to Transforming Power, a palpable power in the world available to each of us to change ourselves, others and situations for the better, and committed to practicing nonviolence and healing from violence in our daily lives. The workshop helped participants: 1) gain an understanding of trauma, 2) learn tools to create safe space and face traumatic events; 3) rebuild social relationships and trust; and 4) earn to be a companion to others healing from trauma. The workshops activities of remembering are: 1) balanced by the presence of a companion to draw one’s attention to the present while remembering the past; 2) modulated by breaking up memories into small sections and 3) processed into narrative through art, analysis and retelling, which decreases rigidity, distress patterns and reenactment. The workshop drew activities from: 1) a new generation of trauma healing methods based on brain research, which attends to safety, remembering, mourning and reconnection; 2) Re-evaluation or Co-counseling for how to be a listening companion to someone reprocessing and healing from traumatic experiences; and 3) Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) for practicing nonviolence in prisons, community, and, through Friends Peace Teams, in former war zones, realizing the great need for trauma healing for victims and perpetrators alike. This 3 day workshop was NOT personal therapy although it provided therapeutic tools and approaches participants could use for themselves afterwards. Workshop facilitators included Val Liveoak and Saskia Schuitemaker of Peace Building en Las Americas an initiative of Friends Peace Teams.
WInC survives on its social enterprises and the kindness of its donors. Anyone from every walk of life can in someway contribute to Center whether it is through a financial donation or through the many simple ways designed by the Center that individuals already do through every day tasks. Today we thank David Chavez, Jr., Amanda Ramos, The Nutcracker Suite and WInC Interns Adela & Lisa for their recent item donations to the Center. Our work would not be possible without your SUPPORT!
Thank you for supporting WInC! We-Care.com began the #MillionDimes Challenge to prove that small acts and small donations can add up to something special, and now that the votes have been counted and the donations added, it's clear. Together we can make a difference, even if it is just one tweet or one dime at a time. We're very excited to know that WInC will be receiving a $10 donation from We-Care.com thanks to your tweets! We received 1% (http://www.wecare.com/milliondimes) of the tweets that were being generated from all over the country for a great number of nonprofits. Given the fact that we are located in an area that has a huge digital divide and where most of our participants don’t have access to internet, we did rather well. As we continue to grow and continue to participate in these social network fundraising campaigns we hope to increase our numbers. Once again, thank you all for your tweets!
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Buckling Them Upright
Menudo Fundraiser
Purchasing wisely and installing Child Safety Seats correctly can be an ample challenge for anyone from the first time parents to the well seasoned ones. Misuse of child safety seats is not uncommon. Healthy Start Program staff from La Clinica de la Familia held a Child Safety Seat Training at WInC. By the end of the workshop participants were able to identify the appropriate car seat for their children, based on height and weight. Installation of different types of car seats and the importance of restraining children the correct way was also discussed. Maribel Ochoa empowered the workshop participants with the knowledge, tools, and services needed to ensure the safety of their children in and around a vehicle.
From Left to Right: Adela, Lisa and Maria & Jadiel.—The Menudo Fundraiser Crew Many incredible people walk through our doors every day and no matter how often it happens we are always impressed by the ones that go above and beyond for our cause. This group of University of Phoenix (UOP) Interns have mobilized family, friends and co-workers in so many ways and all to help us advance our mission of educating, empowering and engaging women. Fabiola originally came up with the idea of having Menudo fundraiser; however, due to complications with her pregnancy she had to step aside from leading this project. Without any hesitation Lisa picked up the ball and led everyone to a successful fundraising event. She and her two partners raised $262 within 3 hours selling menudo. They sold everything and in doing so, they brought in people from around the area that were not familiar with the Center. One particular individual came to support our cause and ended up staying for the Zumba Party. Thank you ladies for an incredible job! 8
Zumba Party
Some participants and featured instructors posed for a group photo. You can view more party photos on our facebook page.
WInC continues to make history in our area...we were the first ones to have a Zumbathon and now the first ones to have a Zumba Party! The event spearheaded by Annette Bravo, WInC Zumba Instructor and micro-enterprise owner, featured some incredible Zumba instructors from all around the Paso del Norte Region such as Maro from EP Fitness, Nathan from Healthy You, Celina an independent Zumba Instructor, Estela from La Fe and many more. Zumba is a Latin-inspired, dance
fitness craze that incorporates Latin and International music and dance moves. The exciting and dynamic music and dance naturally created a party atmosphere. The Zumba Party was three hours long, participants danced a warm-up and a couple of sessions with Annette Bravo. Then every guest instructor had the opportunity to show the crowd their original Zumba dance moves. The party crowd looked like they were in uniform with the majority of them wearing bright light 9
green Zumba outfits all moving in sequence to the moves of the featured instructor. Annette served food and drinks and giveaways, which added to the excitement and energy of the Latin music. The Zumba party was unlike any other party offered in the Paso del Norte Region. It was definitely a unique and energetic party. The participants not only had a blast, they also had a great work-out led by the best Zumba instructors in the region.
Flowers for you... A Valentine ’s Day Floral Arrangement Offer! Large Arrangement—$40 & Small Arrangement $15 To place an order call Mirtha Anguiano @ 915-886-2813
All floral arrangements are made by the Arts & Crafts Students with proceeds going directly to them to supplement their income and/or purchase supplies for their class.
Women s Intercultural Center 303 Lincoln Street / PO Box 2411 * Anthony, NM 88021 10 575-882-5556 * www.womensinterculturalcenter.org
Every dollar you spend generates funds for WInC1
Introducing the new CommonKindness custom Visa® Platinum Rewards Card.
The CommonKindness Visa card program is operated by UMB Bank, N.A. All applications for the CommonKindness Visa credit card accounts will be subject to UMB Bank N.A.’s approval. For more information about selecting your non‐profit, please visit www.commonkindness.com <http://www.commonkindness.com> before applying.
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Purchases and balances transfers made within the first 6 months from the date the account is open will have a monthly periodic rate of 0.00%, which corresponds to an Annual Percentage
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Rate of 0.00%. Thereafter, the Purchase Advance rate is a variable of 9.74% + Prime, which is currently 12.99% as of January 1, 2013. After 6 months, any amount remaining unpaid from any Purchases or Balance Transfers will bear interest at the rate for Purchase Advances applicable to your Account at that time. We may end your 0.00% APR and immediately apply the Pur‐ chase Advance rate of 12.99%, if you make a late payment. Minimum Finance Charge is $.50. Balance Transfer Fee after the first 6 months will be 3% of the amount of the Balance Transfer, with a $15 minimum and no maximum. Foreign Transaction Fee when making purchases outside the US will be 2% of US dollar amount of each Cash Advance or Purchase. Cash Advance Fee is 3% of the amount of the Cash Advance, with a $15 minimum and a $50 maximum considered a Purchase Advance. The balance transferred must be from an existing account with an issuer 11 other than UMB Bank, or its Affiliates. Donation made when purchase is made within 90 days of issuance.
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See Rewards Program Rules for more details.
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dates to remember For additional information please contact us at 575-882-5556 or the contact number listed next to the event announcement. To view the 2013 Semester Schedule log on to http://www.womensinterculturalcenter.org/index.php?
February
March
2013 Chinese New Year Celebration: This Chinese New Year will be the year of the snake, and as per Chinese Mythology wealth, happiness, and longevity are 2013s hallmark. Be part of our 2013 Chinese New Year celebration starting at 12pm.
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Easter Celebration: Come one, come all. Invite your friends and family and neighbors and the stranger who you just met at the grocery store for our Easter Celebration at 12pm. Bring your favorite dish to add to our celebration. We’ll all share in the special meal and then head outdoors to watch the kids gather up Easter goodies on the Center’s patio.
P.S. Wear red & be ready to eat sweets to have a sweet year ahead of you.
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Operativo Vida Sana Lectures: The two day lectures will be conducted in Spanish from 12-1pm. The lectures promote a healthy lifestyle based on proper eating habits. Additional topics of interest will also be addressed for women, such as menopause, thyroid, natural remedies, etc. At the end of every lecture materials will be available for people interested in having a manual for their homes to use as practical guides to prevent and cure illnesses through alternative healing methods. These lectures will be presented by a group of 4 University students from Argentina.
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St. Patrick’s Day Potluck: Lots o' Luck will come your way if you join us for our St. Patrick’s Day Potluck starting at 12pm!
April
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Valentine’s Day Potluck: Join us for our Valentine's Day Potluck at 12 pm. Bring out the kind of food you love to eat to share with the people you love.
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Ready to Run Conference: Event details to be announced soon. For more information on the conference contact Mary Carter at 575-882-5556
End of Spring Semester Celebration: The Celebration starts at 11am. Time to celebrate YOUR achievement(s)! Bring your favorite dish and join the celebration!
Wednesdays & Fridays, Feb. 20-April 12: Income Tax Services from 1 to 4pm. The Community Action Agency (CAA) will be providing free personal income tax services. Services include: State and Federal tax preparation, ITIN preparation, Review of tax returns prepared by other organizations and general tax information.
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WOMEN
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Intercultural Center WHERE IT STARTS 303 Lincoln Street / PO Box 2411 Anthony, NM 88021 575-882-5556 www.womensinterculturalcenter.org 13