May 26 - Jun 1
Women’s Intercultural Center
Saif Almuhairbi
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WInC Volunteer Technology/BAE Director shares he’s efforts in making his community better.
Letter From the Executive Director hurting and helping side, I know sometimes the smallest act of comfort brings relief.
peace with a warm smile, an encouraging word, a listening heart, or an opportunity to laugh.
If you have not been helping those that are hurting to heal, it’s time for you do so. Don’t make excuses like “If I’d only known you needed my help.” or ask “Why didn’t you say something to me?” Instead knock on their door and offer a hug. Talking, crying and time helps heal and ease the pain that we may feel.
At the Women’s Intercultural Center, we help turn a woman’s valley of tears into a place of springs and pools of refreshment all through the classes we provide.
Armando was a struggling college student with dreams of becoming a doctor when he first met Gloria. He had no one to help him with his college tuition except for Gloria. She worked double shifts as a nurse to get him through medical school. She worked even harder to help him set up his practice. Then when he attained full success, he left Gloria for a younger woman.
When Armando rejected Gloria, she left the marriage in tears. Days later she wrote to him saying, “Take good care of yourself, my love, because before it was I that took care of you.”
Few people remember what life was like and who was by their side in challenging and painful situations. From personal experience on both the
Life is full of bumps, pot holes, and washed out roads. When you see someone encounter them on the road of life, help them pave the way to
Helping women to heal & succeed,
beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many of the people that have had a session at the Center have reported miraculous results.
Former Reiki Master Visits WInC We always enjoy when former volunteers return to visit the Center. This week we welcomed Katherine Jasper, Reiki Master and former Center instructor, who visited and participated with students from the Reiki II class led by her former star pupil, Conchita Candelas.
Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.
Katherine taught Conchita everything she knows and eventually made her a Reiki Master as well. As time progressed she slowly stepped aside to make a path for Conchita to begin leading the classes.
An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki Master (i.e. Conchita) and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.
What is Reiki? Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.
Its use is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught by Katherine and Conchita at the Center to women of all ages and backgrounds.
The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."
If you are interested in learning Reiki, please check the fall schedule at http://www.womensinterculturalcenter.org/latestnews/400-2013-fall-semester-class-schedule.
A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many
While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in in order to learn and use Reiki.
WOMEN
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
Girl Scouts Create a Mural for WInC!
Murals are a great way to tell stories! And the process allows
They outlined the design with pencil then painted over it with vibrant colors. As they worked on the mural each piece added to the story. Staffers, volunteers and participants enjoyed watching them work on the mural as it came together.
for self expression, creativity and the ability to educate and inspire others. Girls Scout Troop 8049 created a mural for the Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC) that shared their vision of Center combined with what the Girls Scouts are all about.
It was quite a creative process. They also had so much fun doing the project and added new members to their troop.
The mural tells both our stories in a big, beautiful way. Thanks to their work, their message is being shared each day at the Center.
Thank you Girls Scout Troop 8049 for making a positive change in the world of our participants!
After some conversations with our Executive Director on the mural, the girls sketched potential images. Originally, they thought they had a smaller section of the wall to work on. They had to expand from their original story when a bigger wall space for the mural was given to them.
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What Others Say About Us The First Day of Class
“We were awed and inspired at the breadth of opportunities you are offering the women (and men) in Anthony. You are amazing! ~ Enid Tidwell
“Volunteering at the women's intercultural center has been a very positive experience. From helping the community and learning as you go. The center has a very joyful background with many positive activities and surrounded by respectful and intelligent people.” ~ Sam Gomez
The first day of classes at the Center, the classrooms were buzzing with excitement and expectation, novelty and nerves, curiosity and uncertainty. In spite of how distracted the students seemed, they were paying attention. They wanted to find out as much as possible about the class they were taking and they were curious about their instructors - will she be interesting, easy to learn from? The first day of class sets the tone for the entire semester. This is our opportunity to stimulate excitement about the classes we offer, giving students a sense of classroom dynamics, and establishing expectations. We had a great turn out for our summer semester! Some classes had huge turnouts such as our cake decorating class led by Luzelva Muñoz. We had to move her class from our commercial kitchen to the gallery due to the overwhelming number of students that enrolled for the class.
Sharing our Expertise The Women’s Intercultural Center is nationally recognized for our work thanks to the many people that have published their experience with us in their books, the various presentations that have been made about us in various conferences across the country, awards we have received and most importantly through the reviews made by our participants, volunteers, supporters and donors through GreatNonprofits.org. It is through this national recognition that we are often approached by other individuals or organizations wanting to duplicate the work that we do or a portion of our programming. We always welcome the opportunity to share our expertise. Ruth Stovall recently had the opportunity to meet with us. She wanted us to explain how we got started and how we currently operate our organization. Ruth is moving to a small fishing village in the Yucatan. She is a quilter who had a brief discussions with the social workers in the Village about starting a women's sewing cooperative. She found our organization on the internet and since she was currently living in Las Cruces, she knew she could learn from our experience. We met with Ruth and happily shared our expertise with the main emphasis of ensuring that the women from the village be asked their input and willingness to become primary stakeholders of her vision of starting of sewing cooperative.
WOMEN
The great turn out this semester is due to the hard work and dedication of our Ilse Arrieta, Programs Coordinator and Olivia Contreras, Spanish Citizenship Class Instructor who devoted a great part of their time distributing fliers throughout Southern NM and West TX.
Are Your Having Problems? Having problems? We just want you to know that you can rely on us for anything you might need. But more important keep in mind at all times that you are very capable of dealing with any complications in your life. So do whatever you must feel whatever you must and keep in mind at all times that we are here for you. WInC Peer Support Network 4
A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
Love reading about our partners in the news: Aaron Sharrat, from La Semilla Food Center was featured in the following article:
El Paso-area farmers markets bringing shoppers closer to their food source By Maggie Asfahani Hajj \ Special to the Times Posted: 05/29/2013 12:11:53 AM MDT For El Pasoans keen to take part in the ever-expanding movement toward buying and eating locally produced foods, area farmers markets provide a visible reminder that not all good things come from the local grocery store. And come next month, they'll have even more choices with the expansion of the Downtown Artist Market to include regional food producers.
Ardovino's Desert Crossing Farmers Market, now in its 12th year, attracts vendors from all over the region to a 35-acre property in Sunland Park. From late May to October, visitors can enjoy an early brunch at the restaurant, or choose coffee and pastries from one of the 45 regional food and produce vendors who sell their wares.
In addition to fresh produce, the market is looking to provide other foodstuffs as well. "We will also be working with the public health department to ensure that we will be able to get people who make jams and jellies and preserves and home-baked breads out into the market, because there are some Texas cottage laws that prevent people from selling," Mu単oz said.
"When we started 12 years ago, we started with the intent to not only grow the market, but to grow the farmers that were coming to the market," Ardovino said. "We do live in an arid desert, so I want to promote it in a sustainable way. You have to be real smart about how you plant and what you plant."
people who will produce local and sustainable food in the region. The downtown market is looking for growers, backyard gardeners and food vendors from within 100 miles of downtown.
"We really need to grow a new generation of farmers," he said. "In New Mexico, the average "It's absolutely the biggest opening season age of farmers is around 60. So part of our we've got, in terms of farmers and artisans," "Farmers markets play a concrete role both in challenge is kind of transforming what said owner Robert Ardovino. "In terms of terms of raising awareness and education agriculture looks like. What's happened around rebuilding those connections and those vegetables and fruits, we kind of have to wait nationwide is kind of moving toward smallerto see what comes in. It's still early in the relationships, and in getting to know who's scale kind of more intensified forms of growing season, but we have all sorts of foodstuffs and that in certain ways are more sustainable both producing the food, whether it's farmers or backyard gardeners," said Aaron Sharratt of La food products from homemade granola to from an environmental perspective, but (also) Semilla Food Center, a nonprofit organization homemade cookies and breads. There's all sorts economically." of homemade cakes. We have homemade that runs community gardens and youth salsas, many different varieties. There's beef, programs in the Paso del Norte and Southern The growing number of farmers markets can be there's lamb, there's eggs. It's a pretty diverse New Mexico regions. a valuable tool for communities trying to help food market." their residents access fresh, healthy foods. Beginning June 8, the Downtown Artist Market Although similar markets around the country will include a farmers market coordinated by have been enjoying a resurgence in popularity While farmers markets are often seen as the city's Museum and Cultural Affairs catering to a more upscale demographic bedue to increased awareness of how food is department with the help of La Semilla. The cause prices sometimes exceed retail, Sharratt farmers market, which is funded in part through produced and distributed, there is still some said it is important to remember that more of a grant from the USDA, will be the only year- work that needs to be done to promote smallscale growers and ensure the long-term success that money goes directly to the grower. And to round farmers market in El Paso. increase access to fresh produce for lowerof such projects, Ardovino said. income shoppers, La Semilla is looking into "That means we are going to have to do some accepting SNAP, or food stamp, benefits at the interesting things in terms of what products we "We've allowed for developers to buy cheap downtown market. Many farmers markets can offer in the fall," said Rebecca. farmland and essentially initiate sprawl, and at across the country have begun to accept food that point there's very little agriland left, and stamps at their markets, including the New Mu単oz, Artist Market coordinator. "We are what is left just becomes bigger and bigger York City Greenmarkets and most of the hoping to leverage backyard farmers and corporate farms," he said. "They plant farmers markets in Austin and San Antonio, as gardeners to fulfill certain needs as we move monocrops; they put 100 acres of pecans; they well those in Sante Fe and Albuquerque, into a less productive harvest time in the put a hundred acres of corn; they put a hundred according to the U.S. Department of region." acres of cotton. Agriculture website.
Sharratt agreed about the need to cultivate the 5
"It's really about learning about local food and the relationship of food and the city, and what can be done in terms of a policy perspective to support increased access," he said. "It's an educational tool, an economic development tool, a community building tool."
Congratulations to Olga Hernandez, WInC Volunteer, for becoming a grandmother!
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My efforts to make my community better By Saif Almuhairbi, WInC Volunteer Technology/BAE Director serving that food and meeting all the amazing people that were in there it changed my life. I never heard so many people being thankful and I heard amazing stories about each of these individuals. Some of these individuals just had Saif with BAE Participant from Sienna College based in Loudonville, NY some hard times in life and it was organizations like the I was born in an amazing city down by Salvation Army that was trying to help the border in El Paso, TX. In my opinion them this is a great city and one that I would recover. This is when I realized that not want to raise my kids in. However, no only was volunteering important but that matter how great your city may be, there it was so much fun as well. From then are always people or organizations on I began volunteering with the needing help around the corner. Salvation Army, City of El Paso, City of Growing up I was always taught the Sunland Park, National Hispanic importance of volunteering and giving Environmental Youth Council, Coronado back to the community. But to be honest High School, National & Global Youth when I was young I never saw myself Service Day, City of Anthony, and getting into volunteer work. I always currently I am devoting a lot of my time thought my parents were just giving me to the Women’s Intercultural Center. something else to do to ensure I kept out of trouble. Fast forward and here I I have been told various times that I am am 23 years old, going to school at the crazy going to school, working, and still University of Phoenix, working at the finding time to volunteer but I have United Parcel Service (UPS), and still found one of my true passions over at using my extra time to volunteer for the Women’s Intercultural Center. Their various organizations and helping mission is to provide a place for women others. to learn and work together to develop their Social, Spiritual, Economic, and I still remember the first time I began Political Potential. This is still their volunteering with my family at the mission but it has grown into just more Salvation Army. We went to help serve than women and they are also helping Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless. I individuals unleash their potential and remembered being so upset that I had break down any barriers these to give up my Thanksgiving to serve individuals believe is in the way towards food to others, so I had a pretty bad their success. They are showing that no attitude about it. Although when I began 7
matter what that they can overcome. The Center has also provided me the great opportunity of revamping a program to teach individuals from across the country about Border & Immigration Issues known as the Border Awareness Experience (BAE). Human rights is a huge issue that is all over the world and with the growing amount of immigration debates going on across the country it was an issue I wanted to teach about. The BAE program allows me the opportunity to teach and show how border life and immigration issues affect everyone nationally rather than just the border communities. There are many viewpoints across the nation about immigration which is why I aim to provide an opportunity for students to learn both sides of the issue. The biggest problem I am looking to solve is to ensure that individuals across the country learn and question all of the information they hear from both sides of an issue rather than just choosing one without the appropriate knowledge and influence from the media and other entities. I am helping the immigrant community at a national level by raising awareness and understanding of border issues that impact us nationally and promoting a cross-cultural dialogue. It has been my dream to do something like this for years and I love it. This program provides a tacit understanding of the issues so participants can form their own opinions about U.S. and Mexican policies in relationship to the present day globalization process. The in-depth experience takes participants beyond the sound bytes of the nightly news. The personal face of immigration and border life is a face that impacts the participants and one they can learn from. This program prepares participants to take actions on immigration issues presented in one's local community.
Make Change Happen with
WInC
If you want to learn how to make a difference in your life, the life of your family & in your community, WInC can prepare YOU. WInC’s signature program uses a 3 pronged programming approach to EDUCATE, EMPOWER & ENGAGE YOU. Programming includes alternative education & personal development, economic self -sufficiency, consciousness raising for change and a strong peer support network. Add tools & resources individualized to help YOU overcome barriers & challenges. All it takes is just one class & YOU will be convinced that at WInC YOU can achieve nothing less than success!
WOMEN
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A place where learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.
dates to remember For additional information please contact us at 575-882-5556 or the contact number listed next to the event announcement.
June
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Come and celebrate Fathers Day. There will be a potluck at 12 p.m. Share with us your favorite dish and have fun.
Housing Forum: Come learn about the preliminary findings from Dona Ana County’s Fair Housing Study, and offer your perspectives, commentary, and experiences with fair housing in the County. Starts at 6pm
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It is through the generosity of our donors that we are able to make a difference in the lives of the women that walk through our doors. Thank you for believing in us and helping us be catalyst for change in the lives of others. We are so grateful for your support!
For more information contact Jessica Gardener jessicaga@donaanacounty.org
Special thanks go out to:
July Reading Camp for elementary through high school students. One hour of tutoring in building reading comprehension to help get students ahead before the school year starts. Based on grade level, the camp runs from 1 to 4pm. The Reading Camps is being given in collaboration with our partners Andele Tutors.
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Independence Day. In observance of the holiday, WInC will be closed.
Sr. Judith P. Healy for her recent financial donation that was given in honor of one of our founders and former Executive Director, Sr. Kathleen Erickson!
Omar Burciaga, a graduate of our Small Business Development Academy, who continually keeps paying it forward to the Center through his generous donations.
The many donors who have so generously given anonymously either through financial or item donations.
And also the many volunteers that make our operations possible. Thank you for generously donating your time and expertise to us and our participants.
To find out how you can help us continue our mission of providing a place for women to learn and work together to develop their social, spiritual, economic and political potential please visit our webpage at http:// www.womensinterculturalcenter.org/donate or call at 575882-5556.
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.
Thank you for your support!
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Women’s Intercultural Center WHERE IT STARTS 303 Lincoln Street / PO Box 2411 Anthony, NM 88021 575-882-5556 Fax: 1-866-285-7245 www.womensinterculturalcenter.org
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