The Valencia County Rural Committee Meeting Los Lunas, NM

The Valencia County Rural Committee Meeting – Los Lunas, NM

July 25, 2013, Ribs Hickory Pit BBQ

Attendees:

·  Casey Pena, Superintendent Field Operations, BNSF

·  Marla Molzen, BNSF

·  Stephanie J. Kozemchak, United Way of Central New Mexico

·  Lawrence Esquibel, IT Director, Valencia County

·  Fernando Sisneros, Hispano Chamber of Valencia County

·  Ann Mary McLeod, UNM-VC

·  Deborah Norman, United South Broadway Corp.

Notes:

·  This is the 3rd meeting held for this committee.

·  Casey informed the group:

o  His involvement with United Way’s Board and its Build Task Force. Casey will be the intermediate between the Rural Committee and the UW Board.

o  The concern of Valencia County getting overlooked for funding.

o  United Way is focusing on getting “like” services together to give more to the community.

o  Mission:Graduate is a results-based program aiming at 60k graduate increase for all four counties.

·  Last meeting, June 27, 2013:

o  There was a discussion on the Summer Scholarship for Belen & Los Lunas – there was a problem with obtaining funding for this project to provide summer school services.

o  The Juvenile Justice Board Site Assessment Ted provides was eye-opening with very good data.

·  Group discussion:

o  The Rural Committee brings in an opportunity for United Way, businesses and non-profits in their community.

o  Wondered if United Way was just focusing on education, because there are a lot more needs. It was confirmed that United Way is still focusing on the 3 initiatives: Health, Education and Self-Sufficiency for pledges. Mission: Graduate is a 10-year program with annual goals.

o  How behavioral health plays a major role in a child’s educational success. There is an evidence-based strategy report that talks about injuries due to drugs, alcohol, domestic violence, etc. effecting all ages.

·  Grants:

o  Grant money makes a difference.

o  Need to focus on the fact that (some?) money raised in Valencia County stays in Valencia County.

o  There are a lot of good grant writers in Valencia county. Need to train others in the community.

o  They don’t want any duplication of grants, i.e., UNM, CYFD, Courts, etc.

·  Coordination in the County:

o  Center for Non-Profit Excellence has not been in Valencia county for the last several years. Would like that started again to provide updated information.

o  People don’t know what is offered.

o  There is no umbrella agency/group in place to coordinate all the efforts and players for non-profits.

o  So: lack of communication, money to hire staff and recruit volunteers.

o  Used to be a Wellness Council funded by the state(?) that coordinated efforts. They are trying to build that council up again.

·  Hispano Chamber of Los Lunas:

o  No paid staff; runs with volunteers.

o  They borrowed Belen’s executive director for 2 months to help while planning the annual Matanza.

Action Items:

  1. Ramps for the elderly – why did the donation of $20k drop to $5k? Valencia County Senior Support program.
  2. Review the presentation Ted gave to the Rural Committee in June. The grant amount for Literacy was ~65k not $98k.
  3. Provide a list of the money donated by residence in Valencia County.
  4. Provide a list of Community Funds granted to Valencia County.
  5. Verify that the window of grant application is October to December.
  6. The group would like to have access to a major directory of services (non-profits) in the Valencia County and have a one page map that shows where they are located. This document will be made available at the next meeting. A plan will be developed on how to educate the community of these services.
  7. Discuss 2-1-1 exposure to the community (listservs, chambers, UNM, media, etc.)
  8. What is SHARE, what do they offer?
  9. Check out YDI’s website, they have a program called “Graduate NM” focusing on bringing back 10k students to graduate. http://www.ydinm.org/docs/Los%20Lunas%20Resource%20Manual.pdf
  10. Develop a media plan that includes a recurring section for “non-profit profiles” which will also talk about Mission:Graduate and Cornerstones Program. Editorial + ads. Valencia News Bulletin runs 1/week. Check out their website.
  11. Provide a link to 2-1-1 services by county. Would like to share with schools, hospitals, etc.
  12. Work on scheduling presentations to chambers. Build trust and then offer full scale presentation.
  13. The 3rd Thursday of the month will not work; a new date will be established.
  14. Update first Press Release by adding information about the Attorney General Offices visit during last meeting re Home Ownership support.

Stephanie J. Kozemchak

Development Officer

United Way of Central New Mexico

W: 505 247 3671 ext 730 | F: 505 242 3576 | Cell: 505 263 6800

2340 Alamo Ave. SE, 2nd floor, Albuquerque, NM 87106

The UWCNM Community Fund, the best way to help the most people

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