Community Matters: Collins Lake Ranch
Steve Smaby, Collins Lake Ranch
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Listen here
In this episode of Community Matters, Sandra Session-Robertson speaks with Steve Smaby, founder of Collins Lake Ranch. Located in the rural mountain community of Mora County, the 300-acre Ranch uses the power of nature to create meaningful opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities and provide outdoor education programs for local youth.
Steve Smaby grew up in Northern Michigan and worked his way south with jobs in the energy business. After vacationing in New Mexico, he chose Mora as the place to make his permanent home. In 2013, he started the Collins Lake Autism Center at the Ranch and shortly thereafter decided to move here full time. He is actively involved with many local community organizations, but he spends the bulk of his time volunteering at the Autism Center. He is passionate about the environment and loves to find creative ways to help address the many challenges facing this small, rural community.
_____
About Community Matters
Our monthly radio show invites subject experts and community leaders to talk about the challenges and inequities our region faces and possible solutions that could contribute to its growth. Hosted by Santa Fe Community Foundation staff, Community Matters airs on the third Wednesday of every month at 6:00 PM on KSFR (101.1 FM). Listen to past episodes here.
Community Matters: Education, Youth & Lifelong Learning
Learning doesn't stop when we leave the classroom. On this episode of Community Matters, host Sandra Session-Robertson sits down with Dave Warren of the El Rito Public Library to explore how rural libraries support lifelong learning, preserve northern New Mexico's cultural heritage, and serve as vital community hubs. Together, they discuss the importance of investing in these trusted institutions and the role they play in expanding educational opportunities for people of all ages.
Community Matters: Arts, Culture & Our Creative Safety Net
What role do artists play in building a thriving community? On this episode of Community Matters, host Christopher Goett sits down with Raashan Ahmad of Vital Spaces to discuss the importance of supporting New Mexico's creative community. Together, they explore how affordable creative spaces, community partnerships, and programs like Unhoused Art are helping artists thrive, and why a vibrant arts and culture ecosystem is an essential part of our community's safety net.
Community Matters: Equity & Belonging
What does equity look like in practice? On this episode, Dr. Corrine Sanchez, Executive Director of Tewa Women United, reflects on her 30 years of experience in Indigenous justice, healing, and advocacy and shares how equity can show up inside our organizations, communities, and lives.
