Rio Arriba Adult Literacy Program
Helping community members transform their lives through enhanced literacy
At the Rio Arriba Adult Literacy Program (RAALP), we empower adults with literacy skills through one-on-one and small group tutoring in Basic Literacy and English as a Second Language (ESL). Our personalized approach helps learners achieve meaningful goals that transform their lives.
Maria, a 75-year-old RAALP student since 2016, achieved her lifelong dream this year by becoming a U.S. citizen and voting for the first time as an American. Paired with her dedicated tutor since 2018, Maria has worked diligently, meeting twice a week (except during COVID) to build her English proficiency and prepare for the citizenship exam. Together, they set and achieved small, meaningful goals over the years, steadily building Maria’s confidence and skills. Her perseverance paid off, culminating in this remarkable accomplishment that has deeply inspired her peers and community. Maria describes her tutor as “the best tutor ever” and is now excited to help other students whose goal is citizenship.
RAALP also expanded its impact this year by offering small group tutoring at Darrin’s Place, a local rehabilitation center, and increasing our reach to serve more learners.
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The Santa Fe Community Foundation invited its nonprofit grantees to submit stories related to our August topic of Education.
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.
Pegasus Legal Services for Children
Hear from Pegasus — a recent Santa Fe Baby Fund grant recipient and New Mexico’s only nonprofit law firm dedicated exclusively to children’s civil legal needs — about the importance of kinship guardianship in keeping local children safe and families together.
Santa Fe Indigenous Center
The Santa Fe Indigenous Center is a Native-led nonprofit serving Indigenous families across Santa Fe County. Through biweekly food drives, cultural events, community programs, emergency financial assistance, and a robust network of referral resources, SFIC supports the diverse needs of the local Indigenous community. Each year, the organization hosts its signature event — the Honoring Native Nations Powwow on Indigenous Peoples’ Day — bringing dancers, drummers, Tribal Dignitaries, artists, and community members together to celebrate Indigenous culture, joy, and resilience. This year’s powwow was a vibrant success, and SFIC looks forward to continuing this tradition in 2026.
