Feb. 10-16, 2013
Women’s Intercultural Center
Celebrating Valentine’s Day! WInC commemorates the day of love and friendship with family and friends in a room full of love. At a place that loves YOU for who YOU are, that embraces your quirkiness and unique personality.
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Letter From the Executive Director Crying has always been a taboo in my family. It was only allowed to mourn the dead. Because of our travels and constant change in our lives our parents wanted us to be strong. We weren’t allowed to cry in front of our family, friends, neighbors and most of all strangers. It’s a tradition I followed in raising my sons.
intense emotion often contained behind our walls of restraint.
It wasn’t until I came to WInC that I learned that a good cry can always make a person feel better. Moist eyes are acceptable. Quivering voices don’t hurt anyone.
Sometimes I still try to hold back my tears, afraid to let them out and sometimes when they flow I wish I could stop them. Then I remember what I learned from WInC’s peer support network, tears are a way to cleanse the soul.
While tears used to be disconcerting to me and made me run for the hills, I learned through our peer support network that they can draw people together. Tears remind us of our humanity, they connect us with others on a deeper level when words fail. Tears invite an embrace and when we are touched with care and compassion, we’re free to let loose the floodgates of
Crying is a sign of a tender heart, one that is beating and feeling. Even anger and hatred can be softened by tears. Now I tell my boys to never allow anyone to tear their tender heart for it’s one of the most precious resources we have. So now at our house it’s okay to let the tears flow. These days I allow myself to cry when I’ve been moved and when I need to release my frustration and anger at things I cannot control and then I’m ready to move on.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Tony Martinez Chair Eldelisa Nava Vice –Chair Petra Devora Treasurer Joanne Vullo Secretary
Still learning to cleanse my soul,
MEMBERS Victor Acosta Grace Jacquez-Chase —Our prayers are with Toni Jacquez and her family for the recent loss of her 26 year old nephew. May the Lord grant them the strength they needed to overcome their loss. Also for her speedy recovery of a cold and her upcoming surgery. —Our prayers are with Claudia Chavez for the recovery of her 83 year old mother who had a stroke. —Our prayers are with Grace JacquezChase and her family to overcome the medical challenges faced by her son. —Our prayers are with Tina Marquez for a speedy recovery from her surgery. You are greatly missed by your students in the crochet and sewing class.
WOMEN
303 Lincoln St * Po Box 2411 Anthony, NM 88021 575-882-5556 Fax: 866-285-7245 wintctr@qwestoffice.net www.womensintrculturalcenter.org
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
SHARE YOUR LOVE WITH US SEND YOUR IMAGES SHARING WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT US AT: @GUIDESTARUSA on Twitter and Instagram or GUIDESTARUSA.TUMBLR.COM 3 BE SURE TO ADDTHE HASHTAG #NONPROFITLUVE to your photo on Twitter, Instagram or Tumblr
Internship @ WInC Maria came to WInC seeking an internship that would provide her the opportunity to gain additional experience in her field. Her major is Education with a goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. She explained to our staff that while she had already done an internship she felt she needed more experience in working with children. Her busy schedule with school and work was also an issue that was a barrier. As we talked with Maria, we wanted to find a way where she would be able to attain additional experience while at the same time not add any undue burden to our operations that may come from creating new programming or provision of new services. So together we developed the opportunity for her to work with the children of our Zumba participants. Many of the women that come to the evening Zumba class have young children and sometimes they cannot make the class because they don’t have someone to care for their children. This provided the opportunity that Maria needed to attain her desired goal while meeting the needs of our participants. WInC is “Where It Starts!”
WOMEN
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
Help us provide quality alternative education that can help women progress socially, spiritually, economically & politically
Women’s Intercultural Center “WHERE IT STARTS!” 303 Lincoln Street / PO Box 2411, Anthony, NM 88021 5 575-882-5556 & www.womensinterculturalcenter.org
WInC Participant receives DACC Citizenship Scholarship WInC participant, Maria Baeza, was selected by Doña Ana Community College (DACC) to receive a Citizenship Scholarship. The $500 scholarship is awarded to DACC students participating in a Citizenship and English as a Second Language class which she currently takes at WInC through a partnership with the college. The funds are to be utilized to defray the costs of applying for U.S. Citizenship. It has been Maria’s dream to become a U.S. Citizen. In order to overcome her challenges Maria learned U.S. history, government, rights and responsibilities of citizens, civic participation, requirements for citizenship, conversational English and basic English literacy. Additionally, she has been practicing the questions that may be asked during her U.S. Citizenship Examination. The only barrier in Maria’s path to attaining U.S. Citizenship was the funds to pay the required application fees. Having received this scholarship has provided her the financial means to make her dream a reality.
Executive Director speaks to Social Work Policy Class Mary provided an informative experience for the students and generated a good discussion and gave the students a lot to She encouraged the students to put aside think about. their personal experiences and their need At the end of the presentation, a young to resolve the problems of their clients woman walked up to her and asked her through the following story: “A friend of “Do you remember me?” Mary looked at mine wanted to help the Tarahumara her and said, “Yes, you’re the young lady Indians. So she worked tirelessly in Recent discussion in the class included how social workers need to become pol- securing food donations, clothing, shoes, that was collecting books for a veteran’s and blankets. When she showed up with library.” The young lady excitedly said, icy advocates, Mary shared our work in “Yes, that was me. I wanted to let you the trucks of goods to present to them this area with emphasis on social policy they told her, ‘We didn’t ask for your help know how meaningful the donation of and border issues. The one thing she books you gave me was. The library that but if we had we would have told you emphasized was that the best job they you helped me create is the focal point for can do as social workers is to teach their what we needed.’ She had brought the veterans, an area where they socialclients how to advocate for themselves as canned goods to a community that had no can openers. She had brought electric ize, read, pick up and bring in books. there would be times when they would Thank you.” blankets to a community that had no not be able to advocate for them. electricity. She had brought shoes to a This interaction was a great way for Mary She shared stories about the women that community that didn’t use shoes. So in essence, the best way to help others is by to exit and an example of what she have crossed through our doors. She said, “I wish I could show you the photos asking them what they need then facilitat- always tells us all, small actions can create great impact. of how they come in and the photos after ing the tools and resources for them to attain their desired goal.” they have unleashed their potential and found their voice.” She managed to de-
WInC Executive Director, Mary Carter, had the opportunity to speak to graduate students in the Social Work Policy Class at NMSU. She shared with the students the story of how the Center was founded and the evolution of the Center’s leadership and program activities.
scribe the changes in their faces, their bodies and attitudes.
WOMEN
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
Love and friendship is in the air…and at the Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC). Staff and Interns decorated the gallery to be red and festive in celebration of Valentine’s Day! The center pieces that adorned the tables were lovingly made by our Arts and Crafts class.
What better way to commemorate the day of love and friendship then with family and friends in a room full of love. At a place that loves YOU for who YOU are, that embraces your quirkiness and unique personality. Thank you Olivia, Ilse, Rachel, Maria, Noemi &
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Saif for your work in making our Valentine's Day Celebration a success!
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Alternative Education: A fundamental tool for Empowerment No matter what part of the world you live in, being a woman has challenges particularly when it comes to the ability to attain an education. Like most of the world, in our area women are responsible for looking after their children, their husbands and sometimes their extended family. The overwhelming workload and responsibility is a barrier towards their education and their ability to become economically self-sufficient. Due to childcare problems many of the women find themselves unable to get educated, attain a job and sometimes even complete the
volunteer hours required by the welfare system. The few that are able to attain a job are forced to take low-paying jobs that do not provide them enough to support the basic needs of their families. All these pressures combined make it difficult for women to find the time to engage in educational programs and often find themselves too tired from their jobs to take on any class. The cultures in our area also push women away from education. A prime example was my mother who is from Chihuahua. She so eagerly wanted to get educated beyond the third grade; however, her father told her, "You are a woman. You don't need to be educated because your husband will take care of you." Or parents of high school girls that tell them they don't need to waste their time in college because they need to prepare to be good wives and mothers. And in some cases women who become selfreliant must give up their professional life once they get married based on their culture. For example the Jemez Pueblo, women must give up their
professional careers no matter how successful they are to return to their tribe and become housewives once they are married. Additionally, domestic violence impacts our community. While our area does not condone domestic violence, it does not do enough to prevent it. The lack of available resources puts many women residing in the rural communities at risk and undocumented women face higher risks. Domestic violence greatly impacts a woman's ability to learn and meaningfully participate in educational programming. WInC was founded to support women to overcome any barriers that hinder them from getting educated. Every woman that comes through our doors is assisted based on their personal educational goals aside from any other personal issues that may arise as they are merged into our community. Our strong peer support network establishes connections with every woman creating long term friendships and a support base as strong as that of a family base that will be there for her to share in her joy and help her overcome any challenges in her life. Our WINGS (Women Interweaving Needs and Goals for Success) Programming provides education that helps hone the skills and abilities of the women that take them. The program interweaves alternative education and personal development, economic self-sufficiency and consciousness raising for change to hone in the skills and abilities of the women taking our classes. Our classes are designed with input from the women themselves using real life issues and providing opportunities for increased civic engagement. Through education and action we are transforming the lives of the women we serve, the lives of their families and the lives of the communities they live in. We are moving beyond self-empowerment to community empowerment. WInC is "WHERE IT STARTS!"
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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.
FEATURED VOLUNTEER: Noemi Mireles finds a way to pay it forward Noemi Mireles is doing volunteer work at the Women’s Intercultural Center. Why did she decide to do her volunteer work here? “Years ago, I used to attend the English as a Second Language and U.S citizenship classes. Those classes helped me improve my life. Here at the center, I met very nice people who encouraged me to continue my education, and not only encouraged me but also assisted me in filling out the documents to enroll in college. When I was told that I needed to do some volunteer work for one of my classes, I immediately thought of the Center. This was the best place for me because I am very grateful with the people from the Center for all the help I received. I wanted to pay it forward.” To Noemi, the Center is a place that gives all people the opportunity to learn new skills and create good memories with their peers. She is thankful for the opportunity she has been given to work closely with the Director, Mary Carter, all team members of the Center and most importantly with the participants of the Center. “Being able to work with the participants was extremely important to me,” said Noemi. “During my time here, I have had the opportunity to apply the knowledge I have acquired through my education. Moreover, I have learned many new things that will be useful to me in securing a job after my graduation. Therefore it has been a pleasure being here.” stated Noemi.
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WInC: Educating, Empowering & Engaging Immigrant Women For WInC participants, aspiration and love bring them to class each day to learn from and support one another. They inspire each other to change their lives and communities. Social, economic, and political systems in the U.S. place immigrant women on the lowest rung of society. This is the reason why WInC was founded to provide a place for women to learn and work together to develop their social, spiritual, economic and political potential. WInC is a place where women can unleash their potential and find their voice to pursue their personal and collective goals. Through the WINGS (Women Interweaving Needs and Goals for Success) Program women are provided classes per semester (Spring, Sum-
mer and Fall) which cover a period of 15 weeks. Classes combine a three pronged approach that incorporates alternative education and personal development, economic self-sufficiency and consciousness raising for change.
Through Economic SelfSufficiency we 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, microenterprises or small business creation.
Through Alternative Education and Personal Development Programming we provide alternative, nonintimidating, 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.
Through Consciousness Raising for Change we 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. Through the classes women learn, share and
build their skills and abilities they need to shape their new lives in the U.S. The Center is a transformative space. For many older women, it is the first time their own education took precedence over the needs of others. Many like Alejandra have sacrificed their goals to provide opportunities for their children. After working cleaning houses for over 20 years, Alejandra is now fulfilling her dream of returning to school. Many of our participants often refer to the Center as the “little school.� Sharing this experience with women like her allowed her to fully participate and feel comfortable at the Center. The participants have input in the classes that are provided and the activities that are included in the classes. The women are encouraged to express their opinions, engage in dialogue with each other and share their personal experiences. As a result of the emphasis on trust and relationships and community building, those with more advanced skills become instructors and learning partners. Through special events,
WOMEN
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
People young and old love our Zumba class. The youngest individual trying to get into the class is Magali’s one year old daughter. Check out the video of her making her way to the class at: https:// www.facebook.com/photo.php? v=493764340669773&set=vb.252514849425&type =2&theater We encourage you to like the facebook page of the "El Paso City Ballet"...(El Paso REALLY needs a resident professional ballet company!!) This has been a mission and mantra to get it going by our dear friend Lisa. Like the page at: https:// www.facebook.com/elpasocityballet?ref=ts&fref=ts.
Truck to pick up item/food donations New 15 passenger van to transport Center participants and Border Awareness Experience Participants Commercial Washer & Dryer to wash linens, table cloths & chair covers Folding Chairs for events & classes Round tables (light plastic tables) for events Mannequins, Display Racks, & display counter for thrift store Construction worker(s) to install 3 metal doors in the Original Center Four double pane windows to replace broken & cracked windows Plumber to fix leak in the tub of the house
Continued from page 12 trainings and workshops the women explore complex social problems that many women do not initially have the language skills to discuss. They also promote critical thinking and community building, and a safe way for women to explore different options and approaches to solving problems and issues within their own lives. As a result, they build the confidence and support to make life changes outside of the Center. They develop what Paulo Freire refers to as new ways of “reading the world” and “rehearsing for social change.”
After participating in our trainings and workshops, many women become involved in immigrant rights organizing. The co-director, Martina Morales, of Border Network of Human Rights is a former Center participant as is the Southern NM liaison, Claudia Flores. They participate in campaigns for immigrants’ access to driver’s licenses and higher education. The women that participate in our programming also use their skills to organize fundraisers for the Center as well as celebrations for their peers.
When reflecting on the Center, women attribute their successful learning experiences to the fact that they could speak “sin verguenza” (without shame) and “con confianza” (with confidence). Rosa, Center participant, talked about the collective power of women, “Women have a lot of worth and we can achieve very important things if we try to reach them together.” Rosa realized through a workshop that getting physically beaten was not an expression of love but domestic violence. Through
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her peers and support from the Center she was able to safely leave the home with her daughters and start a new life. At the core of this learning process is a strong love for life, for learning, for family, and community. A love that builds power, fuels aspirations, strengthens voices and creates change. According to Martha, another Center participant, “Our lives are sustained by this love and the solidarity that exists between women as a way of surviving.”
WInC supports and assists in the creation of microenterprises providing the tools and resources for our participants to start and maintain their own business. In this way, we focus on the attainment of economic self-sufficiency, as opposed to short-term opportunities to make money. It is the embodiment of the old saying with a twist, “Give a woman a fish and she he will eat for a day; teach her to fish and she will eat for a lifetime; put her in charge of maintaining the lake where she’s fishing and seven generations will eat for a lifetime.” Congratulations to our friend Yolanda Martinez for being nominated for the 14th Annual Native American Music Awards for BEST LONG FORM VIDEO and BEST LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO for "Desert Woman." You can help her win by voting for her at: http://www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com/ votenow.cfm.
High School Juniors and Seniors interested in saving money for college, sign up for an Individual Development Account with our partners at Community Action Agency (CAA). Do the math, for $1,000 of your savings you can get a total of $4,000. This program allows High School Juniors and Seniors at 200% or less of the poverty guidelines to accumulate funds for education (college or trade school). For every $1.00
Why do we support micro-enterprise? We believe that microenterprise is the best hope to eliminate poverty by giving people a way of supporting themselves and their families. We hone the skills and abilities of our participants as well as their resourcefulness and recycling efforts to create opportunities for them to become economically self-sufficient. It also allows us to help our local economy by promoting economic growth, employment creation and poverty alleviation. Current micro-enterprise in the works is Occasions Catering. We are also currently honing the skills of our participants in our cake decorating class. Suki has been identified as a superstar in cake decorating by her peers that they have placed personal orders with her…a future micro-enterprise in the making. Additional micro-enterprise opportunities are being nurtured with our other classes (i.e. Arts & Craft & Oil Painting).
saved you are matched $4.00. Maximum amount matched is a $1,000 of your personal savings. A qualifying participant must attend 10 week (20 hours) Financial Literacy training.
Our Zumba instructors have been an extremely successful group in creating microenterprises as well as launching themselves as private health consultants contracted by such entities as EP Fitness and La Fe Clinic.
For additional information contact Dr. Rodolfo Acosta-Perez at 575-5278799 ext. 136 or visit him at CAA located at 3880 Foothills Road, Ste. A in Las Cruces.
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
Congressman Steve Pearce hold a roundtable meeting in Anthony Enjoyed the open discussion and openness of Congressman Pearce in this intimate venue provided by David and Teresa Fisher. The u-shaped bar at the Sombra Antigua Vineyard provided the perfect feel of one on one in depth conversations. We discussed topics in the area of education, minimum wage, immigration reform, and border security. Many of Anthony’s local community leaders were present and provided great insight and ideas for him to take back to Washington. At WInC, we look forward to working closely with the Congressman as we did with his predecessor Teague. And will encourage our participants to follow up with his staff in reference to federal issues they may be able to assist them with.
Featuring Chefs:
Omar Burciaga & Omar Carranza THE
SPOT Special Sunday Brunch First & Third Sunday of the Month & Holidays
Tickets must be purchased in advance $14.99 per person
Starting Sunday, March 3, 2013 @ 10:30am & 12:30pm Women’s Intercultural Center * 303 15 Lincoln Street, Anthony, NM 88032 575-882-5556 * www.womensinterculturalcenter.org
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
April
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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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!
March May
The Spot: Special Sunday Brunch. Enjoy a delectable meal while supporting WInC. Only 100 tickets will be sold for two seatings at 10:30am and 12:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Center for $14.99/per person.
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Mujeres Unidas en Arte Exhibit: More details about the Art Exhibit will follow.
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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!
May 6 through Friday, May 24: Summer Semester Registration starts. Class schedule will be available at the Center and online.
Mothers Day Potluck Celebration at 12 p.m. Bring out your favorite dish and share with your family and friends as we celebrate the most important woman in your life: Your Mother!
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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.
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Monday, Memorial Day. In observance of the holiday WInC will be closed.
Start of Summer Semester Classes. Review the calendar for dates and times of the classes being offered.
Interested in teaching a class, scheduling a workshop, presentation or training at WInC? We are always searching for Volunteer Instructors to teach in their areas of expertise. We currently have a special need for a haircutting instructor. For more info, contact Ilse Arrieta, Program Coordinator at 575-882-5556 or via email at iarrieta@qwestoffice.net. 16
Women’s Intercultural Center WHERE IT STARTS 303 Lincoln Street / PO Box 2411 Anthony, NM 88021 575-882-5556 www.womensinterculturalcenter.org 17