News & Stories

This month on Community Matters, we are truly honored to be joined by 97-year-old activist Dr. Opal Lee, affectionately known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," along with her granddaughter Mrs. Dione Sims. Together, these remarkable women have walked miles—both literally and figuratively—to make June 19 a federally recognized holiday in the United States. Tune in to hear Dr. Opal Lee's inspiring message of hope, resilience, and her vision for a brighter future.

The Envision Fund of the Santa Fe Community Foundation is the first and largest philanthropic entity in New Mexico dedicated to LGBTQ+ causes. To celebrate Pride Month, we look back at Envision's origin and remarkable 27-year journey serving LGBTQ+ New Mexicans. 

May 29, 2024 marked a historic moment for our community as we welcomed the renowned Dr. Opal Lee — known around the world as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth" for her role in making June 19 a federally recognized holiday — to New Mexico for the very first time.

The Santa Fe Bug and Reptile Museum is an educational organization that strives to foster a connection between people and the natural world by crafting exhibits and hands-on experiences using our collection of unusual creatures, artifacts, fossils, and more.

In this episode of Community Matters, we speak with Karen Cain, an Animal and Human Rights activist, homeless advocate, licensed mental health therapist, and the Founder and Executive Director of the Northern New Mexico Street Homeless Animal Project. “SHAP” has provided vital support to the unhoused and their animal companions for over 25 years, offering essential vet services and providing supplies like food, leashes, and blankets to over 150 human-animal families each year.

Carla Freeman's love for people and animals extended beyond her life. She bequeathed a generous legacy gift to the Santa Fe Community Foundation (SFCF), providing endowments for Animal Welfare and establishing it as a field of interest within the Foundation's community grants program. Her bequest continues to support local nonprofit organizations like A Chance of a Lifetime and the Animal Welfare Coalition of Northeastern New Mexico that focus on the care and well-being on animals, ensuring that Carla's compassion for and commitment to her community endure.