Programs

The Women’s Intercultural Center utilizes a programming structure that interweaves leadership development within a three (3) pronged programming approach: Education & Personal Development, Economic Self-Sufficiency, and Consciousness-Raising for Change. Additionally, the Center works with local, state, regional, and national organizations and agencies to provide special services, training, and workshops that help meet the individual needs of our participants and the needs of the communities of Southern NM and West TX. Each approach reinforces and complements the other to educate, empower and engage women, a process we call WINGS (Women Interweaving Needs and Goals for Success). 

ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Mission

To provide an alternative, non-intimidating, non-traditional learning settings for women who have limited access to; had bad experiences with formal education; and /or whose life circumstances prevented them from entering fully into society, the workforce, or traditional schools.

Program Description

The program employs a holistic approach and utilizes some principles of Popular Education for social change as taught by Brazilian educator, Paulo Freire.

Through our educational programs, the Women’s Intercultural Center serves as a springboard for women to unlock their potential to subsequently consider higher education and/or starting/advancing a career field through classes such as GED - High School Equivalency, English as a Second Language (ESL) all levels include group sessions and individual tutoring, and U.S. Citizenship Preparation.

Other Classes Offered Per Semester: A broad range of courses are incorporated into the Center’s semester schedules in the spring, summer, and fall. Course offerings vary throughout the year depending on availability and demand. Classes include but are not limited to: basic computer skills, financial literacy, health and fitness, job hunt readiness, nutritional cooking, parenting, public speaking, values and life, visual arts and crafts, and special skills classes.

Special Workshops/Sessions: These workshops/sessions are provided on Fridays and tend to vary.  Example topics include but are not limited to: managing grief, domestic violence, organic gardening, diabetes, weight control, tai chi, spiritual days of reflection, and much more.

CONSCIOUSNESS-RAISING FOR CHANGE

Mission

To provide opportunities for women to arrive at the truth in order for them to determine means of action and organizing to eventually create change within their respective communities.

Program Description

The program provides the means for women to make an analysis of social, environmental, immigration, and economic justice as well as any other situation(s) for them to in turn organize others, leading to an action phase.  The program awakens women to start thinking and acting.  Issues are presented through both sides of the coin in order for women to make the appropriate decisions for their families and respective communities.

It is through this program that women realize that their current understandings of the world and their place in it have been limited by existing social structures. Most importantly, women learn to find their voice and realize their potential to affect societal change.

Outreach is done through workshops, forums, guest speakers, and cultural events scheduled throughout the year to address issues impacting communities at the local, state, regional, and federal levels.  Topics include but are not limited to: immigration, environment, drugs and youth, the impact of global economics on border communities, and much more. Skits and “street” theater, field trips, participation in community events, and other types of interactive experiences are often utilized.

ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY (ESS)

Mission

To foster the entrepreneurial spirit of women through the development of diverse and creative opportunities that promote an exchange of knowledge and skills that will enable women to produce and market quality goods and services through consulting, micro-enterprises, and/or small business creation.

Program Description

The program provides a spectrum of opportunities for women to achieve economic self-sufficiency by tapping into their existing talents and building employment and marketable skills to eventually secure a job or consider consulting, micro-enterprise/small business possibilities.  The Center also assists in the marketing and selling of products handcrafted by its program participants. Economic Development Projects are developed based on the needs of the participants.

MEETING THE NEEDS OF SOUTHERN NM & WEST TX

The Women's Intercultural Center also launches initiatives based on the needs of the respective communities we serve.  Often times serving as the incubator for the program/project then transferring it over to the appropriate entity to manage.  Current program(s)/services under this category include:  

• Emergency Food Pantry: We collect and distribute canned food donations to individuals and families to ensure that no one goes hungry in  Southern NM and West TX.  The Emergency Food Pantry is open Monday through Wednesday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. A valid photo ID with an address is required.

• Free Little Library: Provides 24/7 access to free books, DVDs, CDs, food, holiday items, and more.  The Free Little Library is located to the right of the front entrance of the Women's Intercultural Center.  

• Perishable Food Distribution: In partnership with KFC and the Anthony Youth Farm we distribute chicken, vegetables, and other items donated to the Center.

• Personal Assistance: The Women's Intercultural Center also assists individuals with a variety of issues based on their needs.

• Thrift Store: The store provides people the opportunity to recycle clothing, office equipment, furniture, electronics, small applications, housewares, books, and more for our usage, to fundraise, and donate to individuals in need. The store is open Monday through Wednesday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm by appointment ONLY.  To make an appointment please call us at 575-882-5556.