Communities In Schools of New Mexico
Helping students reach graduation and college through dedicated school-based support
The work of Communities In Schools of New Mexico (CISNM) began in 1997, when retired educators Bill and Georgia Carson answered an appeal from a local elementary school principal. Working closely with members of the United Church of Santa Fe, the Carsons formed the nonprofit Salazar Partnership to provide resources and support to two high poverty elementary schools in Santa Fe. CISNM is dedicated to surrounding students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. By placing site coordinators directly on school campuses, CISNM provides critical services to students facing significant barriers to academic success and empowers them to stay in school and achieve in life.
In 2012, the Salazar Partnership became an affiliate of Communities In Schools, Inc. For more than 40 years, Communities In Schools has been helping students to succeed in school, graduate and go on to a brighter future.
Communities In Schools of New Mexico’s 18 Student Success Facilitators serve approximately 5,500+ students and families through 14 Title One (high poverty) schools in New Mexico. Additionally, Communities In Schools of New Mexico provides free school and community suicide prevention trainings across New Mexico.
The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program empowers school staff, students and community members with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent suicides. Our trauma informed, culture centered trainings focus on connection, information and resources that promote understanding of youth mental health issues, emphasizing community assets, early detection and effective intervention. Trainings are provided for school staff, youth and community members.
Since Spring 2024, CISNM has facilitated Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention trainings in rural, tribal, and urban communities around the state through a personalized approach to meeting the distinct needs of each school/organization.
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The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited its nonprofit grantees to submit stories related to its May topic of Education.
The Art of Generosity: Forest Stewards Guild
The Art of Generosity — our editorial series with Table Magazine — shines light on the people and organizations strengthening communities across New Mexico. The latest feature spotlights Forest Stewards Guild, a Santa Fe-founded nonprofit celebrating 30 years of promoting responsible forest management across the United States.
New Mexico Acequia Association
Youth education and outreach are central to the work of the New Mexico Acequia Association. Through these programs, young people engage with their local acequias and build the skills to become future community leaders.
River Source
River Source supports people advancing watershed stewardship to create significant community engagement and long-lasting impacts for intergenerational learning and ecological restoration. We provide science and policy education and the building of watershed and climate resilience in New Mexico. Our goal is to be weavers, bringing together elders, youth, and land managers to spark action for caring for our water, forests, and land and leveraging the full potential of people working together.
