By CINDY PADILLA
Executive Director
United Way of Northern New Mexico

In a world that often leaves us questioning our worth, it is essential to remember one simple truth: You are valuable. You are loved. You are enough. These words may seem fleeting in our daily lives, but they carry a profound significance, especially in the context of our community.

United Way of Northern New Mexico (UWNNM) stands as a beacon of hope and support, driven by the belief in the transformative power of individuals like you. Through your unwavering support, we have been able to provide support to over 30 local nonprofit organizations that depend on us to continue their vital work, day in and day out. They share our mission, a mission that revolves around making every person they serve feel valuable, loved, and enough.

The Power of You in Action

Let’s delve into the impact of your generosity on some of these remarkable organizations:

• CASA First: (Court Appointed Special Advocates): Imagine children who find themselves in a world of uncertainty, navigating the complexities of a legal system they can’t control. CASA First, thanks to your support, steps in as a guiding light. They show these children that they are valuable enough to have an advocate, loved enough to have someone genuinely care, and worthy enough to hold onto hope.
• San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen: Your contributions ensure that families and individuals in our community don’t go to bed hungry. Through your support, they find sustenance and comfort in times of need.
• Inside Out: Under a bridge, in the cold, feeling alone and sick – this is a reality for some in our community. Inside Out reaches out to those battling addiction, providing them with an open heart and a path to recovery.
• El Rito Public Library: The library, with your support, brings culture, respect, and fun to children through puppet shows and engaging programs, fostering a love for learning and community.
• Lemonade Living: Adults in Los Alamos with special needs find a lifeline in Lemonade Living. With your help, they access enriching activities, therapy services, job skills training, and eventually, long-term residential living. You make this happen, and we are grateful!

September brings cooler air, clearer skies, and a sense of calm to northern New Mexico. Our children are back at school, eager to learn and reunite with their friends. Our daily routines return, and as crazy as it sounds, we begin to plan for the holiday season a few months away. September also marks the beginning of our annual fundraising campaign. It is the time we at UWNNM reach out to our community with gratitude and an appeal. We ask you to look into your homes and hearts and ponder how we can continue to uplift those in need.

So, as you reflect on the last time someone told you that you were valuable, loved, or enough, know this: the UWNNM Board, our numerous nonprofit partners, and the people we serve want you to understand that YOU are valuable. YOU are loved. YOU are enough, and YOU are deeply appreciated.

Making a Difference is Easy

Your support is vital, and there are numerous ways to contribute:

• Online Donation: Visit our secure website at UWNNM.org to make an online donation.
• Mail a Contribution: Send your tax-deductible gift (check or money order) to UWNNM at PO Box 539, Los Alamos, NM 87544.
• Employee Giving: Consider contributing through your workplace’s payroll deduction program. We can help you set this up.
• Retirement Account Distributions: Contact our office at 505.662.0800 to arrange fund transfers from your retirement account’s required minimum distribution.
• Volunteer: Give the gift of your time to one of our nonprofit organizations serving our community. Explore opportunities at www.volunteerlosalamos.org Volunteer Los Alamos] (Volunteer Los Alamos website link).

You Are Valuable. You Are Loved. You Are Enough. You Are Appreciated.

Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, or support in any way, please remember this: You are valuable. You are loved. You are enough. And you are immensely appreciated. Together, we can continue to make a profound difference in the lives of those who need it most.

With heartfelt gratitude, Cindy Padilla, Executive Director United Way of Northern New Mexico Cpadilla@unitedwaynnm.org 505.662.0800 www.unitedwaynnm.org

Come celebrate the Power Of You by joining the United Way Board of Directors at one of our upcoming Campaign Kick Off Events:

• In Los Alamos – 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19 at SALA Event Center; or
• In Española – 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27 on the Plaza at the Mision & Convento.