Girls Inc. of Santa Fe
Girls Inc. of Santa Fe
Girls Inc. of Santa Fe’s mission is to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Every girl we reach creates a ripple effect that can last a lifetime.
Girls like Lena.
Lena was a really good student at the start of sixth grade. She was first to raise her hand to share knowledge and was helpful to other students.
After learning about engineers at one of Girls Inc. of Santa Fe’s in-school programs, Lena aspires to go to college to become an electrical engineer.
However, over the last year, Lena has become more quiet and anxious. Her grades are still good, but she is not joyous anymore. On occasion she will be irritable, but it is not enough to get into trouble.
Often, trauma is seen as something that presents itself in an obvious manner and is an acute situation. Trauma and toxic stress are complicated and look different in everyone. Sometimes we might not even realize what we’re seeing in a young person is related to trauma.
Turns out, Lena is acting this way because she is terribly stressed by the mounting pressures of school and her dad’s battle with a long-term illness.
Our team is trained in trauma-informed care and trained to recognize it when they see it.
A school facilitator for Girls Inc. of Santa recognizes Lena’s change in behavior as a sign of trauma and asks her if she wants to talk. Lena says yes.
The 23 school-based programs we partner with are showing us the essential need for social-emotional support and guidance. Schools and families overwhelmed with helping kids process the trauma and isolation from these past two years. We are working with them, doing everything we can to serve as many girls in the community as possible.
When we show up for girls when they are young and provide them with a pro-girl, girls only environment, we are able to set them up for future success!
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The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited its community partners to submit stories related to its October topic of New Mexico Women & Girls.
La Clínica del Pueblo de Río Arriba
La Clínica del Pueblo de Río Arriba has been a trusted healthcare provider in northern New Mexico for more than 50 years, ensuring families in rural and remote communities can access quality, culturally responsive care close to home. Serving as a primary source of care for infants, toddlers, and caregivers in Rio Arriba County, the clinic recently launched La Clínica Baby Essentials — a new “baby bank” offering essential supplies, parenting education, and infant health screenings.
The Food Depot
Families need more than groceries to stay healthy and stable. That is why The Food Depot also operates Diaper Depot, providing diapers, wipes, and resources to hundreds of families each month. This wraparound program supports household well-being and helps families stay on a stronger path toward food security.
McCurdy Ministries
Local nonprofit McCurdy Ministries shares their story, including the early childhood programs that support young children and families in the Española Valley, offering care, education, and essential resources during critical early years.
