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Letter from the Editor
One question we hear often at the Women's Intercultural Center is, "Why don't you open satellite locations and expand into other communities?"
It is a fair question.
Over the years, we have received many invitations and requests to establish programs in other communities. We are deeply honored by those expressions of confidence and support. They tell us that people value the work we do here and would like to see it replicated elsewhere.
Yet after more than three decades of serving our community, we have learned an important lesson: bigger is not always better.
The size of our facilities or the number of locations we operate is not our primary focus. Our strength comes from something less visible yet far more important: relationships. It comes from the trust we have built over time, the volunteers who dedicate themselves to this work, the partnerships that sustain us, and the community members who walk through our doors knowing they will be welcomed, respected, and heard.
As a volunteer-driven organization, we have chosen to focus on impact rather than expansion. Rather than spreading ourselves thin, we continually ask how we can deepen our work, strengthen our programs, increase opportunities for participants, and respond to emerging community needs.
We are committed to growth, not opposed to it. We want to reach more people, create more opportunities, and increase our impact. We simply recognize that growth can take many forms.
Sometimes growth looks like a woman earning her G.E.D. It looks like a participant learning English well enough to advocate for herself. It looks like a family finding stability during a challenging time. It looks like a new citizen proudly taking the Oath of Allegiance. It looks like a volunteer discovering that they have the power to make a difference in someone else's life.
These are the measures of success that matter most to us.
For more than thirty years, the Women's Intercultural Center does not measure its success based on how large our organization becomes, but by how effectively it serves. While we may remain small, our impact continues to grow through the lives we touch, the opportunities we create, and the community we build together.
Thank you for being part of that journey.
Mary Carter
Editor & Executive Director
Women’s Intercultural Center
Proposed El Paso Electric Rate Increase Heads to Public Hearings
New Mexicans in Southern New Mexico may soon see significant changes to their electric bills as the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) reviews a proposed rate increase from El Paso Electric.
The proposal, filed as Case No. 25-00082-UT, requests a net base-rate increase of about $70.5 million. The NMPRC will hold public hearings from December 9 through December 22, 2026.
If approved, El Paso Electric would implement the changes in two phases. The first phase, proposed to take effect on January 1, 2027, includes an average base-rate increase of 26.8 percent. Under this proposal, the residential monthly customer charge would increase from $7.00 to $14.56.
A second proposed phase is for October 1, 2027. This phase would add an additional 18.7 percent increase over the first phase and would raise the residential monthly customer charge to $19.17.
For households already working to balance the rising costs of housing, food, healthcare, and transportation, these proposed increases could have a noticeable impact on monthly budgets. Residents can learn more about the proposal, review available information, and make their voices heard through the public comment process.
How to Submit a Public Comment
The NMPRC accepts comments from members of the public regarding utility cases under consideration. Individuals wishing to participate should reference Case No. 25-00082-UT when submitting comments or testimony.
Online: Submit written testimony through the NMPRC e360 Public Portal:
By Mail:
New Mexico Public Regulation Commission
P.O. Box 1269
Santa Fe, NM 87504
By Phone or Email (Oral Comment):
Sign up by 5:00 p.m. on the business day before an NMPRC open meeting by contacting:
505-490-7910
Community input matters in regulatory decisions. Whether you support the proposal, oppose it, or just have questions about how it could affect your household, staying informed and getting involved gives your perspective a voice.
The Women's Intercultural Center encourages community members to educate themselves on issues that affect their families and to take advantage of opportunities to engage in the public process.
Medicare Advantage Changes Could Affect Thousands of New Mexicans in 2027
Significant changes are coming to Medicare Advantage coverage in New Mexico, and many seniors may need to act before the annual enrollment deadline of December 7, 2026.
Several health plans are leaving the market or reducing their Medicare Advantage offerings. As a result, thousands of New Mexicans who currently rely on these plans for their healthcare coverage may need to select a new plan for 2027.
Among the changes announced, Presbyterian Health Plan is ending four of its five Medicare Advantage plans, affecting approximately 30,000 members. Christus Health Plan will exit the New Mexico Medicare Advantage market entirely on December 31, 2026. In addition, Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico is eliminating most of its Medicare Advantage offerings, retaining only one Medicare Advantage HMO prescription drug plan, which will be available exclusively in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia counties.
Individuals whose plans are ending, doing nothing may have significant consequences. If beneficiaries do not select a new Medicare Advantage plan by December 7, they will automatically return to Original Medicare on January 1, 2027.
Original Medicare does not include prescription drug coverage, which could leave individuals responsible for medication costs unless they obtain separate coverage.
There is, however, an important consumer protection available. New Mexico residents whose Medicare Advantage plans are ending may qualify for a Medigap guaranteed-issue enrollment period. During this special window, individuals can purchase certain Medicare supplemental insurance policies without having coverage denied because of pre-existing medical conditions. The guaranteed-issue period begins 60 days before the current plan ends and continues for 63 days after the plan terminates.
If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, now is the time to review your coverage, confirm whether your current plan will continue in 2027, and explore available options. Family members are encouraged to check in with parents, grandparents, neighbors, and friends who may not be aware of these changes.
Healthcare decisions can have a lasting impact on both health and finances. Taking time now to understand your options can help ensure uninterrupted coverage and access to needed medical care in the coming year.
Creativity, Community, & Holiday Spirit Come Together in Yarn Art Class
As autumn ends and the holiday season begins to unfold, participants in our Yarn Art class have been celebrating the season in the most creative way possible.
What started as simple strands of yarn, ribbon, fabric, and beads quickly transformed into beautiful works of art. Imagination filled the classroom as participants crafted colorful harvest pumpkins adorned with beads and decorative accents, alongside delicate tassel angels complete with shimmering golden wings.
Each project reflected artistic talent and the joy of learning, creating, and sharing ideas together. Conversations flowed as easily as the yarn through skilled hands.
Transforming everyday materials into meaningful decorations that participants can proudly display in their homes or share with loved ones during the holiday season is one of the most rewarding aspects of the class. The finished pieces reflected the unique personality and creativity of each artist, making every pumpkin and angel truly one of a kind.
Our Yarn Art classes offer an opportunity to create beautiful crafts, build strong friendships, share traditions, and grow confidence with every completed project.
The creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm of our participants inspire us as we wrap up the fall season and look ahead to the holidays. The most meaningful treasures are handcrafted and from the heart.
Art Class Showcases a Variety of Inspiring Projects
One of the most rewarding moments at the Women's Intercultural Center is walking into the Art Class and seeing creativity come to life.
Every table tells a different story. Some participants are painting, others are drawing or exploring new artistic techniques. Wherever you look, there is a project taking shape and an artist bringing their ideas to life.
What makes the class so special is the variety of creations the students are developing at any given time. There is no single project or pattern that everyone follows. Instead, our art instructor encourages participants to express themselves, learn new skills, and explore their creativity in ways that are meaningful to them.
Color, conversation, and encouragement fill the room as participants share ideas, celebrate each other's progress, and offer support along the way. Whether a project is just beginning or nearing completion, every creation reflects dedication, patience, and imagination.
Art has a wonderful way of building confidence and bringing people together. Creativity has no age limit and that learning never stops. Each week, participants continue to surprise us with their talent and inspire us with their willingness to try something new.
We invite you to join us in admiring the many beautiful works of art currently taking shape in class. Every project is unique, every artist has a story to tell, and every visit to the classroom shows the incredible creativity that thrives within our WInC community.
A Quiet Act of Kindness Feeds Nearly 200 Families
Sometimes the biggest heroes are the ones who never seek recognition.
This week, the Women's Intercultural Center team picked up 197 freshly prepared meals from an incredibly special anonymous donor to distribute throughout our community. While we are unable to share the donor's identity, we can certainly share our gratitude for their extraordinary generosity and commitment to helping others.
Most people focus on waste; this donor has chosen to focus on what they could share. By ensuring that food reaches families and individuals who can benefit from it, they are helping reduce food waste while providing nourishment to our WInC community.
The impact of this kindness extends far beyond the meals themselves. Each container represents one less worry for a family, one less meal a household must stretch, and one reminder that someone cares.
What makes this gift even more meaningful is that the donor gave it without expectation of recognition. No spotlight. No publicity. Simply a desire to help others and make sure tasty food reaches those who need it.
At the Women's Intercultural Center, we have the privilege of witnessing acts of generosity every day, yet moments like this demonstrate the incredible compassion that exists within our border region. We are honored to help connect these resources with the people who can benefit from them most.
To our anonymous donor, thank you for your generosity, your thoughtfulness, and your commitment to feeding our neighbors. Your kindness has touched hundreds of lives, and although your name may remain unknown to many, those who received your gift will remember its impact.
Sometimes the most powerful gifts are given quietly, yet their impact speaks volumes.
A Special Surprise Is Waiting in the Wings
Every now and then, something comes along that is simply too exciting to keep to ourselves. At least for exceedingly long.
Recently, a special item found its way to the Women's Intercultural Center and has quietly taken its place on a shelf, waiting patiently for its moment to shine. It has already sparked plenty of curiosity and more than a few questions from those who have caught a glimpse of it.
What is it? Well, that is the secret.
For now, we are keeping our lips sealed. We cannot spill the beans just yet, but we can tell you that we are looking forward to sharing this surprise with our community soon.
Sometimes the anticipation is part of the fun. The guessing, the wondering, and the excitement of not knowing what is coming next can make the reveal even sweeter.
Until then, we will continue protecting our secret and enjoying the smiles that appear whenever someone notices our mysterious new addition. Stay tuned. The wait will not last forever, and we think it is going to be worth it!
Keep an eye on our newsletter and social media channels. A special announcement is coming soon, and we cannot wait to share it with you.
A Clear View of What Community Can Accomplish
For quite some time, one of our volunteers had to board up a window at the Women's Intercultural Center, serving as a reminder of the need for a replacement. Yet it was difficult to prioritize amid so many other community needs. Thanks to the determination of Juanita, a WInC supporter, who spearheaded a fundraiser with the help of our participants and the generosity of our border community, we were able to have the window replaced.
The food plate fundraiser helped us raise funds for improvements at the Center. Community members showed their support by purchasing plates and encouraging the effort, helping turn a simple fundraiser into a meaningful investment in our shared space.
This week, we were thrilled to see the results firsthand.
Not only were we able to replace the boarded-up window, but thanks to an incredibly generous price from Miguel of Victory Glass, we were also able to replace a second cracked window. What began as one repair quickly became two, stretching every dollar raised through the fundraiser.
Miguel's professionalism and commitment to excellent service made the entire process seamless. He visited the Center on Monday morning, provided a very reasonable estimate, ordered the glass, and returned first thing Friday morning to complete the installation. He carefully removed the old plywood, cleaned away weathered sealant that had accumulated over time, and expertly installed the new windows.
The difference was immediate. Natural light once again fills the space, and we can finally see clearly through windows that had long needed attention.
Most importantly, this accomplishment belongs to many people. It belongs to Juanita and the participants who prepared and sold the food plates. It belongs to the community members who supported the fundraiser. And it belongs to local businesses like Victory Glass that understand the importance of helping community organizations make the most of their resources.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a role in this project. Your support helped make the Center brighter, safer, and more welcoming for all who enter our doors.
A special thank you goes to Miguel and Victory Glass for their outstanding work, professionalism, and commitment to customer service. If you are ever in need of glass repair or replacement services, we highly recommend them.
Victory Glass
Residential • Commercial • Automotive Glass
575-652-1112
Together, you helped us replace our windows and strengthen the place that so many people call their community home.
More Than Help
One of the things we love most about the Women's Intercultural Center is that people often leave with more than they came for.
Recently, Gabby came to the Center looking for help with a problem she was facing. Like many who walk through our doors, she was not quite sure where to start, but she knew she needed guidance.
Together, we reviewed her situation, discussed her options, and helped her understand the next steps she could take. By the time our conversation was over, Gabby had a plan and the confidence to move forward.
Yet hat was not all she left with.
As she was preparing to go home, Gabby also received dinner plates for her family. What began as a visit for information and support became an experience that community care often extends beyond the original need.
At the Women's Intercultural Center, we believe that helping people means looking at the whole person. Sometimes that means providing information, connecting someone to resources, offering a listening ear, or helping them navigate a challenge. Other times, it means making sure a family has a meal to enjoy together at the end of the day.
Every person who walks through our doors has a unique story, and every day provides an opportunity to make someone's journey a little easier. We are grateful to be a place where people can find answers, encouragement, and sometimes even an unexpected blessing.
For Gabby, the visit began with a question. It ended with a solution, a meal for her family, and a reminder that she is part of a community that cares.
Building Confidence on the Path to Citizenship
Earning U.S. citizenship is about more than studying civics questions and preparing for an interview. It is also about developing the confidence to demonstrate what you have learned.
Recently, Bertha shared a concern with her citizenship instructor, Virginia, and Women's Intercultural Center Executive Director, Mary. After dedicating herself to learning the civics questions, she found that during practice sessions she sometimes became so nervous that she would forget answers she already knew.
It is a challenge many citizenship students face. Even when they have studied diligently and know the material, anxiety can make it difficult to recall information in the moment.
As they talked, Mary reminded her of something simple yet powerful: take a deep breath.
A few slow, deep breaths can help calm the mind, reduce tension, and improve focus. Sometimes the key is not learning more information but trusting the knowledge that is already there.
Citizenship preparation involves both academic learning and personal growth. Students are not only preparing for an interview and exam; they are building confidence in their ability to communicate, advocate for themselves, and pursue their goals.
At the Women's Intercultural Center, our citizenship classes are about more than memorizing answers. They are about creating a supportive environment where participants can practice, ask questions, overcome fears, and gain the confidence needed to succeed.
Bertha's experience reflects a lesson that extends far beyond the citizenship process. A person builds confidence one step at a time, one question at a time, and sometimes one deep breath at a time.
We are proud of Bertha's dedication and determination. With hard work, preparation, and confidence in herself, she is well on her way to reaching her goal.
Nourishing Dreams, One Meal at a Time
For many participants in our evening citizenship classes, the day begins long before they arrive at the Women's Intercultural Center.
They spend their days working hard, caring for their families, meeting responsibilities at home and on the job, and then, despite being tired, they choose to come to class in pursuit of a dream. By the time class begins, many have been awake and active for hours. Some have missed lunch. Others have not had time to prepare dinner before leaving for class.
Learning can be difficult when you are hungry.
This semester, however, our students have been receiving an unexpected blessing. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, participants in our evening citizenship classes have been leaving not only with new knowledge and greater confidence, but also with a ready-to-eat meal.
What may seem like a simple gesture has had a meaningful impact. A meal provides nourishment after a long day, eases the pressure of preparing dinner, and allows participants to focus more fully on learning and achieving their goals.
The path to citizenship requires commitment, perseverance, and sacrifice. Our students demonstrate those qualities every time they walk through our doors after a full day of work. Knowing that they can return home with a meal waiting helps lighten the burden and serves as a reminder that we are cheering them on.
At the Women's Intercultural Center, we often see how small acts of kindness can create lasting change. This generous donation is supporting dreams, encouraging persistence, and helping individuals continue moving forward on their journey toward citizenship.
We are deeply grateful to our anonymous donor for recognizing the needs of our participants and for investing in their success. Their generosity has nourished both body and spirit, making a difference in the lives of our participants throughout the semester.
Sometimes the most meaningful support comes in a simple meal shared with loved ones at the end of a long day. For our citizenship students, that support has been a reminder that they do not walk this journey alone.
Wisdom Shared, Lessons Learned
One of the things that makes the Women's Intercultural Center such a special place is that there is always someone to talk with, something new to learn, and wisdom waiting to share.
Every day, people gather at the Center for classes, activities, and programs, yet often the most meaningful learning happens in the conversations between them. Participants share stories, traditions, family recipes, life experiences, and practical tips handed down across generations.
Recently, Trini experienced one of those unexpected learning moments. During a conversation with others at the Center, she heard about a home remedy she had never encountered before: placing a cabbage leaf on an area of the body that feels pain may help provide comfort and relief.
So much knowledge exists within our WInC community. Each person carries a lifetime of experiences, and everyone benefits when those experiences.
These informal exchanges are part of what makes the Women's Intercultural Center more than just a place for programs and services. It is a place where people connect, listen, teach, and learn from one another. A simple conversation can introduce a new idea, provide encouragement, spark curiosity, or preserve traditions that might otherwise fade away.
The wisdom shared at the Center comes in many forms. Sometimes it is advice from someone who has faced similar challenges. Sometimes it is a cherished family recipe. Sometimes it is a story that inspires perseverance. And sometimes, as Trini discovered, it is a home remedy that prompts a lively discussion and a chance to learn something new.
Every day at the Women's Intercultural Center is an opportunity to connect with others, expand our knowledge, and celebrate the richness of the experiences that each person brings to our community. It is these everyday moments of learning and sharing that help make the Center feel like home.
Good Neighbors Make a Difference
Relationships build community, and we are grateful for the wonderful relationship we have with the team at BMO Bank in Anthony.
Located just down the street from the Women's Intercultural Center on Anthony Drive, BMO has been more than a place to conduct business. Their staff has consistently been welcoming, professional, and genuinely committed to serving the people who walk through their doors.
Recently, we were delighted to receive a visit from Adriana, who stopped by the Center to introduce us to the bank's newest team member, Manny. While it may seem like a simple gesture, taking the time to personally connect with local organizations speaks volumes about the values of a business and its commitment to the community it serves.
In an increasingly fast-paced world, personal relationships still matter. Knowing the people who serve your community, understanding local needs, and taking the time to build meaningful connections are qualities that help strengthen neighborhoods and make communities thrive.
We appreciate Adriana, Manny, and the entire BMO team for always treating their customers with kindness, respect, and professionalism. Their dedication to building relationships and providing excellent service has made an impression on us over the years.
The Women's Intercultural Center is proud to recognize and support businesses that invest in our community, and BMO is certainly one of them. We are grateful for their friendship, their service, and their commitment to being good neighbors.
Thank you, Adriana, Manny, and the entire BMO team for your warm welcome, your professionalism, and your continued support of our community. We look forward to many more years of partnership and friendship.
Remembering Tere López
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Teresa "Tere" López, a beloved former participant of the Women's Intercultural Center, who passed away on November 9, 2026.
Over the years, Tere became a treasured member of the WInC family. Known for her kindness, faith, and determination, she approached life's challenges with grace and perseverance. Those who knew her remember not only her warm spirit but also her commitment to creating a better future for herself and her family.
Among Tere's proudest accomplishments was achieving United States citizenship alongside her late husband, José. Like many participants who come through our doors, she embraced the citizenship journey with dedication and courage. Through hard work and persistence, she achieved a goal that represented opportunity, belonging, and a deep commitment to her adopted country.
Tere's connection to the Women's Intercultural Center extended beyond her own participation. Many members of our community also know her daughter, Letty, who generously volunteered her time and talents at the Center over the years. Through both mother and daughter, the López family became an important part of the WInC story.
Tere's quiet strength, kindness, and dedication to her family left a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of knowing her.
As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life well lived. We remember her determination, her faith, her love for her family, and her unwavering commitment to reaching her goals.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Letty, the López family, and all those who are grieving this loss. May they find comfort in cherished memories, the support of loved ones, and the knowledge that Tere's life touched many hearts.
On behalf of the Women's Intercultural Center family, we extend our heartfelt condolences. May Tere's memory continue to be a source of comfort, inspiration, and blessing to all who knew and loved her.
A Sweet Gesture for Future Citizens
Generosity exists within our border region. Small acts of kindness often have a significant impact, especially for participants who are working hard to achieve their goals.
Recently, our Spanish Citizenship class received a delicious surprise from Weirdoughs Bakery & Café. The bakery generously treated our students to donuts, adding a special touch to an evening dedicated to learning, perseverance, and the pursuit of citizenship.
The donuts were certainly a treat. The gesture showed our students that their efforts are valued and that members of the border region are cheering them on as they work toward becoming United States citizens.
The journey to citizenship requires commitment, determination, and many hours of study. Acts of encouragement along the way can make a meaningful difference, helping participants feel supported as they pursue their dreams and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the team at Weirdoughs Bakery & Café for their generosity and thoughtfulness. Their kindness helped make the class a little sweeter and created a memorable experience for everyone involved.
We are grateful for community partners who believe in education, inclusion, and opportunity. Businesses like Weirdoughs show us that building a stronger community happens one act of kindness at a time.
Thank you, Weirdoughs Bakery & Café, for supporting our students and investing in the dreams of future citizens. Your generosity brought smiles to many faces and served as a wonderful reminder of the power of community.
Celebrating Connie and Patty
There was plenty of laughter, friendship, and birthday cheer in our ESL class as participants gathered to celebrate two special members of the Women's Intercultural Center family, Connie and Patty.
While their roles at the Center may be different, both women contribute in meaningful ways that enrich our community and inspire those around them.
Connie generously shares her time as a volunteer, always willing to lend a helping hand. Her kindness, encouragement, and dedication have touched the lives of many participants, helping create the warm and welcoming environment that visitors experience when they walk through our doors.
Patty, one of our resolute ESL participants, brings enthusiasm, determination, and a positive spirit to class each week. Her commitment to learning serves as a wonderful example of the perseverance and courage that many adult learners demonstrate as they work toward their goals.
This was a celebration of friendship, community, and the connections that are formed when people come together to learn and support one another.
The Women's Intercultural Center has always been more than a place to attend classes or access services. It is a place where people build friendships, celebrate accomplishments, and encourage one another through both challenges and successes.
Connie and Patty embody that spirit through their kindness, participation, and commitment to our WInC community.
We are grateful for all they bring to the Center and for the joy they share with those around them.
Happy Birthday, Connie and Patty! May the year ahead bring you good health, happiness, meaningful friendships, and countless blessings. Thank you for being such valued members of the WInC family.
Tamales, Tradition, and Teamwork
The aroma of fresh tamales filled the Women's Intercultural Center as volunteers came together to prepare a special birthday celebration for members of our ESL class.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Juanita, who generously led the effort and shared her skills, time, and enthusiasm to make the occasion memorable. Working in the Center's commercial kitchen, Juanita guided the group through the tamale-making process, helping transform simple ingredients into a delicious meal that everyone enjoyed.
Her outstanding team of assistants were Patty, Connie, and Patsy, whose hard work and teamwork helped bring the project to life. Together, they spent time preparing, assembling, and cooking tamales that would become the centerpiece of the celebration.
The results were nothing short of amazing. The tamales were delicious and quickly became one of the highlights of the gathering. More importantly, the experience reflected the spirit that makes the Women's Intercultural Center so special. It was about sharing traditions, working together, and creating an opportunity for people to connect and celebrate.
Our commercial kitchen is often a place where learning, culture, and community come together, and this was a wonderful example of all three. Through food, participants and volunteers shared stories, laughter, and skills that have been handed down through generations.
We are deeply grateful to Juanita for leading the effort and to Patty, Connie, and Patsy for their invaluable help. Their generosity and dedication helped create a warm and joyful celebration that brought smiles to everyone in attendance.
The best community-building happens around a table filled with tasty food and good company. Thank you everyone who contributed to that effort.
