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Letter from the Editor

What makes the WInC community truly special is the way we show up for one another. Here, you find women you instantly connect with; women who walk beside you, encourage you, and help guide you through the very challenges they themselves have overcome.

Our bond extends far beyond the walls of the Center. We check in on each other, send messages of support, follow each other’s journeys online, and spend time together in ways that build a genuine network of friendship, care, and trust. We show up when someone is struggling, when a family member is sick, and we celebrate every milestone, no matter how small.

This deep sisterhood is what keeps us strong, resilient, and moving forward together. Thank you for being the heartbeat of this community.

Mary Carter
Editor & Executive Director
Women’s Intercultural Center

 

A Community in Prayer

At WInC, our days are held together by the people who give of themselves so generously. We are a fully volunteer‑run organization, with no paid staff, just a family of volunteers who show up with love, commitment, and a deep sense of belonging. And sometimes that love looks like Patsy walking through the door simply because she missed being here with all of us.

That is who she is in this community. So, when the day her eye surgery arrived, we wanted to surround her with the same care she pours into others. Across our chats, prayers, and quiet moments, everyone carried the same hope: that her procedure would go smoothly and her healing would be gentle.

Later that afternoon, relief washed over all of us when her message came through: “Surgery went well! God is Good! Thank you all for prayers!!”

Her right eye has now been successfully treated, and she is resting as she prepares for the next step, her left eye surgery on Monday.

Thank you to everyone who lifted her up this week. Please keep those prayers and good thoughts coming as she heads into Monday’s procedure. Our community is stronger when we hold one another close.

 

A Day of Fresh Surprises

Today, we want to send a heartfelt shoutout to the wonderful team at La Semilla Food Center for bringing a double dose of community care to the Center.

The morning began with a joyful surprise: fresh veggie boxes delivered right to our door. Our haircutting and art students were delighted as they opened the boxes to find crisp greens and beautiful New Mexico Grown shiitake and lion’s mane mushrooms, a culinary treat that sparked excitement and big smiles across the room.

And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any brighter, La Semilla returned in the afternoon with fresh watermelons for our visitors. Several families headed home with a sweet, refreshing gift to share around their tables.

It is amazing how powerful community can be. When neighbors show up for one another, even in simple ways, it creates ripples of care throughout the Borderland.

Thank you, La Semilla Food Center, for your generosity, your partnership, and for bringing such a bright spot to our week.

 

Do Years of Gaming Actually Pay Off?

At WInC, our volunteers proved that the answer was a joyful, wholehearted YES, all those years of gaming really did prepare them for real life.

Every time they met with our donation partners, their puzzle‑solving instincts kicked in. Loading the van, organizing storage, stacking fresh supplies…suddenly every pickup became a real‑world round of Tetris. Boxes, crates, and bags found their perfect place thanks to quick thinking, teamwork, and a little bit of gamer magic.

And it didn’t stop there. After the van was packed, the real challenge began making sure every donation fit neatly into our limited storage space. You could see the gears turning as our volunteers stepped back, tilting their heads, shifting one box to the left, sliding another to the right, celebrating small victories when everything finally clicked into place. It was equal parts strategy, laughter, and pure determination.

Who would’ve guessed that clearing lines on a screen would turn our volunteers into logistics pros for the community they love? Yet here they are; transforming every delivery into a moment of creativity, collaboration, and care. Their skill, patience, and heart keep this place running, one perfectly stacked donation at a time.

We’re grateful to every volunteer who shows up ready to solve the puzzle of the day. You make the work lighter, the moments brighter, and the Center stronger.

 

Getting Ready for Creighton

Excitement is filling the air at WInC as we prepare to welcome our Creighton University cohort this weekend. Our volunteers are hard at work behind the scenes, getting ready for them to participate in our Border Awareness Program and making sure they feel right at home from the moment they arrive.

A big part of that preparation includes meeting with our wonderful chef, Patty, to plan a full week of meals inspired by our vibrant Borderland cuisine. Every dish is being thoughtfully crafted to honor allergy needs and ensure each visitor feels cared for and welcomed.

The anticipation has already sparked beautiful responses from our community. Judith, one of our beloved former volunteers, shared her joy: “I love it when the young people come to visit… I hope to be there and share a day with them. Please include one more dish so we can share a meal together.”

Their words capture exactly what makes these visits so meaningful, the chance to connect, to learn from one another, and to share the warmth of our community with students who travel all the way to Anthony to experience it.

We truly cannot wait for them to arrive.

 

Inside Our Art Class

At WInC, our days are always filled with vibrant energy yet there is something truly magical about stepping into our art classes. The moment you walk in, you can feel creativity humming in the air.

Recently, we stopped by to see what our artists were working on, and we were completely blown away. Every canvas was alive with color, texture, and emotion. With each brushstroke, participants poured their hearts into their work, transforming blank surfaces into stunning pieces that stopped us in our tracks.

What makes these moments even more special is hearing our artists talk about wanting to improve, even as we stand there, amazed by the beauty they’ve already created. So many women walk through our doors convinced they can’t paint or draw, and then—BAM! —their talent shines through in ways that surprise even them.

Each piece tells its own story, reflecting courage, imagination, and the warm creative spirit of our community. We are endlessly inspired by our artists and grateful for the gifts they share with us every week.

 

Vacation Mode? Not for Our Maintenance Volunteer!

Vacation mode? Not for our incredible maintenance volunteer this past week, not even for a minute.

While most people spend their week off catching up on rest, he chose to spend his right here at WInC, tackling repairs, sprucing up the grounds, and making sure every corner of the building was ready for what’s ahead. From tightening fixtures to clearing pathways, he poured his time and energy into the Center with the same care he brings all year long.

And his timing couldn’t have been more meaningful. As we gear up to celebrate our 33rd birthday next month, his hard work is helping us shine a little brighter. Even more, he wanted to make sure everything was in perfect shape for our visitors from Creighton University, who will be joining us soon for the Border Awareness Experience Program.

Our volunteers are the true MVPs of WInC. They keep our programs running, the lights on, and our building standing strong. We are endlessly grateful for Eddie’s dedication, generosity, and heart.

 

A Warm Bowl of Comfort with ICAN

There’s truly nothing that compares to a warm, homemade meal especially when you make it together.

During our recent ICAN class, participants rolled up their sleeves and cooked a comforting pot of creamy broccoli cheddar soup. The gallery was filled with laughter, learning, and that unmistakable feeling of shared purpose. There’s something special about gathering around a table to explore healthy, budget‑friendly recipes that nourish both body and spirit. Time and time again, these classes demonstrate that cooking becomes even more meaningful when it’s shared with friends.

Whether you’re hoping to pick up practical kitchen tips, prepare something wholesome for your family, or simply enjoy good food and good company, there’s always a seat waiting for you at our table. If you’re ready to sharpen your culinary skills and join in the fun, come to our next ICAN class, we can’t wait to cook with you.

 

Investing in the Future of WInC

For decades, WInC has been sustained by the generosity, commitment, and heart of our community. Every class, every program, and every day of operations is carried forward by a full team of volunteers who give their time and talent without expectation. As Executive Director, Mary Carter, has been honored to serve alongside them, offering her leadership without compensation because she believes deeply in this work and in the women we serve.

Yet to protect the future of the Center, we must plan responsibly. We cannot assume that future leaders will be able to volunteer their time in the same way. Long‑term stability requires long‑term investment.

That is why we are growing our Permanent Endowment Fund, held at the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. This fund is our path toward a secure future, a future where the Center can sustain professional staffing, maintain operations, and continue serving families in the Borderland for generations to come.

An endowment creates a reliable financial foundation. Gifts to this fund are invested, and the earnings will eventually support the Center year after year. This means our programs, classes, and community spaces will remain strong even as leadership changes or economic conditions shift. Your donation today helps ensure that WInC will always be here as a place of learning, connection, and empowerment for the women and families of our region.

If you believe in the mission of the Women’s Intercultural Center, we invite you to help build a legacy that lasts. Every gift, no matter the size, strengthens our future. You can donate by visiting the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico and designating your gift to the Women’s Intercultural Center Endowment.

You can make your gift directly online here: Community Foundation of Southern NM – WInC Endowment Donation. Sharing this message with friends, family, and local partners also makes a meaningful difference.

Thank you for standing with us, for believing in this work, and for investing in the long‑term future of the Women’s Intercultural Center. Together, we can ensure that this home for community, learning, and empowerment remains strong for decades to come.

 

A Refreshing Treat

WInC’s snack tree is always a favorite gathering spot yet this past week, it received an extra‑special boost of kindness.

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Agustin, one of our wonderful WInC participants, for generously donating a supply of delicious fruit juices. His thoughtful gift added a sweet, refreshing treat for everyone to enjoy during their classes and visits, and it brought so many smiles this week.

Gestures like this make our Center feel so much like home. We are endlessly grateful to community members like Agustin, who keep our snack tree, and our spirits, full of joy.

 

A Wave of Hope

Sixteen journeys. Sixteen groups are stepping into service. Sixteen waves of hope moving across the country.

This weekend, Creighton University in Omaha launched something extraordinary. Sixteen SCSJ service‑immersion groups packed their bags, gathered their courage, and set out across the United States to learn, serve, and stand in solidarity with communities from coast to coast. Each group carries a mission rooted in compassion, justice, and deep human connection and together, they form a movement of young leaders ready to make a real impact.

Here in Anthony, New Mexico, our hearts are especially full as we welcome 11 incredible students traveling to join our family at the Women’s Intercultural Center. Their journey is an invitation to listen, to learn, and to experience the Borderland through the eyes of the women and families who call it home.

We’re sending a huge wave of prayers, blessings, and good energy to every single SCSJ group departing this weekend. May their travels be safe, their hearts stay open, and their experiences transform them in ways they will carry for a lifetime.

Here’s to a week of learning, connection, and shared purpose. The journey begins now and we’re ready.

 

Help Gen Cross the Finish Line!

Balancing cross‑country practice, softball games, and busy shifts at Rollin’ Smoke and McDonald’s would be a heavy load for most teenagers. Yet for Gadsden High School senior Genesis Pedroza, it’s simply the rhythm of a determined young woman building the future she envisions.

After years of asking, Gen finally earned her parents’ blessing to study abroad in Japan with one condition: she must fund the opportunity herself.

And she’s doing everything she can to make it happen.

Gen has been accepted into CIEE’s highly regarded academy in Kyoto for a semester abroad. She has already secured an impressive $3,000 scholarship from the Academy and a $1,000 sponsorship from the Aprendamos Foundation. These awards speak to her hard work and potential, but a tuition gap remains. Now, this hardworking Anthony‑area senior is turning to the community she loves for support to help her take those final steps toward her dream.

A third‑year online student living near Berino, Gen has built a strong work ethic and a clear sense of purpose. She plans to study international relations in college, viewing this semester in Japan as an essential foundation for a future career in global diplomacy. While abroad, she will study Japanese language, participate in leadership projects, and immerse herself in cultural learning that will shape her academic and professional path.

But Gen’s dream is bigger than herself. She hopes her journey sends a powerful message to other youth in our region: “I want to show students in the Anthony community and surrounding communities that studying abroad is an option and that it really is possible.”

This is where we, her community, can make a life‑changing difference.

To close the remaining tuition gap and allow her to focus fully on her studies, Gen has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise the $13K she needs. Every donation, every share, and every word of encouragement helps her move one step closer to boarding that plane to Kyoto. Your support helps her and shows young people across the Borderland that their dreams are worth fighting for.

If you believe in uplifting local youth, in expanding opportunities, and in helping a determined young woman take her place in the world, we invite you to support Gen’s journey.

You can donate here: Help Genesis Study International Relations Sharing her story with friends, family, and local partners also makes a meaningful difference.

Let’s rally behind one of our own. Together, we can help Gen turn her dream into a reality and inspire countless others to believe that they can, too.

 

Finding Help When You’re Far From Home

Life has a way of turning us in directions we never planned, and sometimes the road shifts so suddenly that we find ourselves standing in a place we never expected. Recently, our community had the privilege of walking alongside Jennifer, who arrived at WInC seeking help after becoming stranded here in Anthony, far from her home in Kansas City, Missouri.

When you’re miles away from everything familiar and an unexpected crisis hit, the world can feel impossibly large. Every one of us, at some point, faces a chapter we didn’t choose, a setback, a heavy burden, or a season where life feels completely out of our hands. And in those moments, what we need most is a safe place to land and someone willing to say, “You’re not alone.”

That is the heart of WInC. Our doors are open not only for classes, celebrations, and community gatherings, but also as a refuge when someone needs support, stability, and kindness. We were grateful that Jennifer found her way to us, and honored to offer her a listening ear, practical assistance, and a steady presence as she navigated her next steps.

To anyone facing an unexpected detour or a difficult patch far from home: kindness still exists in every corner of the world. And here in Anthony, we are proud to be a community that steps up, reaches out, and helps people find their footing again.

One helping hand at a time, that’s how we keep each other going.

 

A Sweet Surprise

Our doors are always open for whatever our community members need and sometimes, a simple errand turns into a moment of pure joy and connection.

This past week, Oscar and his dad stopped by the Center to have his biometrics appointment sheet filled out. Yet before they headed back out, they left with more than just completed paperwork, they walked away with a surprise watermelon gift, offered with the same generosity that fills our halls every day.

This is the true beauty of WInC. Whether someone comes in for a class, an appointment, or simply to ask a question, you never quite know what the day will bring. Often, you’ll find yourself greeted with kindness, a warm smile, or even a thoughtful gift from our donors, small reminders of the compassion that flows through our community.

This why WInC is a place where every day needs are met with extraordinary care, and where people leave feeling just a little more supported than when they arrived.

 

Full Circle and Full of Encouragement

There is nothing quite like the joy of seeing someone who once walked through our doors return to uplift those walking the path today. Recently, we were honored by a surprise visit from Carmen, a former Citizenship Class participant whose journey continues to inspire everyone who meets her.

Carmen arrived with a beautiful gift: thoughtful, handwritten cards filled with encouragement for our current fall semester Citizenship Class participants in the English class. Each card carried a simple but powerful message, “YOU CAN DO THIS.” For students who are studying hard, balancing family responsibilities, and dreaming of the day they become naturalized citizens, her words encourage them that achieving their goal is within reach.

During her visit, Carmen shared wonderful news. She had applied for her new U.S. passports, both the card and the booklet, and was amazed at how quickly they arrived. What she expected to take six weeks showed up at her doorstep in just two. Her excitement was contagious, and her pride was unmistakable.

Before heading out, Carmen paused at our legacy wall, smiling as she saw her own photo displayed among the many success stories that shape WInC’s history. She is part of our legacy wall and is also featured on the cover of our English Citizenship Binders, that show our new students that real people from their own community have walked this road and succeeded.

This is the true beauty of WInC: those who have come before us return with open hearts, uplifting the next generation of dreamers. Carmen’s visit was a gift. She shows how powerful encouragement can be and how deeply our community supports one another.

Thank you, Carmen, for sharing your success, your kindness, and your unwavering belief in others. You continue to inspire us all.