
Community Matters: New Mexico Legal Aid
Sonya Bellafant, New Mexico Legal Aid
Wednesday, October 16, 2024

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On this episode of Community Matters, we’re joined by Sonya Bellafant, Executive Director of New Mexico Legal Aid, a nationally acclaimed civil legal aid organization that advocates for, defends, and gives voice to low-income New Mexicans. New Mexico Legal Aid is the recipient of 2024's Quiet Inspiration Piñon Award. New Mexico Legal Aid is committed to helping poor people in their struggle to access food, shelter, security, and to preserve their unique cultural heritages.
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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: Human Rights Alliance
On this episode of Community Matters, we celebrate the Human Rights Alliance, recipient of the Santa Fe Community Foundation’s 2026 Courageous Innovation Piñon Award. Host Sandra Session-Robertson speaks with Executive Director Kevin Bowen about HRA’s growing year-round work to support LGBTQ+ communities and how all of us can help foster a more inclusive and connected northern New Mexico.
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.