Home » Community
Category Archives: Community
LANB, Thanks a Million!!
Los Alamos National Bank (LANB) and the United Way of Northern New Mexico (UWNNM) have been partners for many years.
That partnership reached a significant milestone in 2014 when LANB and its employees invested more than $1 million into their local community.
United Way of Northern New Mexico would like to acknowledge this important contribution and say THANK YOU for the generous support.
“Los Alamos National Bank has been, and continues to be part of the platform, not only for United Way of Northern New Mexico, but for each of the communities they serve. We are lucky to have their philanthropic culture here in our Northern New Mexico communities,” UWNNM Executive Director Kristy Ortega said.
Over the years LANB support has arrived in various forms and LANB employees are always key contributors through their employee giving campaign. LANB employee fundraising events on behalf of UWNNM have ranged from the Speakeasy Soiree in 2012, to casual days and bake sales. LANB employees are dedicated to creating better lives for the communities in Northern New Mexico.
In the last decade alone, LANB employees raised more than a quarter of a million dollars in support of the UWNNM Community Action Fund. In addition, LANB has committed a dollar for dollar corporate match, assuring their money is making a difference at a local level.
LANB is a 2015 Cornerstone Sponsor of UWNNM. Its $50,000 commitment helps ensure that the organization can continue to conduct daily operations efficiently, focusing its efforts on important community work.
“Los Alamos National Bank recognizes the importance of a strong, healthy community. We’re committed to ensuring local children and families have access to the resources that help them achieve their goals,” LANB CEO John Gulas said. “Our culture at LANB is philanthropic, and both the company and our employees have demonstrated generous support for the United Way, an organization that promotes education, financial stability and health. Over the years LANB’s history of charitable giving to the United Way of Northern New Mexico has been significant. Last year we reached an important milestone and surpassed the $1 million dollar mark, highlighting our core intention: to create a better way for the families and children in our community.”
It is partnerships like this that promote strong communities. United Way of Northern New Mexico would like to thank Los Alamos National Bank and its employees for their steadfast commitment and friendship over the years.
United Way says Thank You!
It would not be possible to touch so many lives in our community with out the support of many individuals and organizations. Thank you all who have been involved with United Way in 2014; you are a reason our community is a fantastic place to live.
On Thursday, March 5th, United Way of Northern New Mexico hosted Recognition Night, an annual festivity that helps us say thank you to many United Way supporters. This year’s festivities took place at the newly created UnQuarked Wine Room. The room was filled to capacity with donors, community partners, and business organizations. 
Last year, United Way began giving out three awards for community members and organizations who are doing a stellar job at providing for the common good. The Service Above and Beyond Award is given to an individual who works in a nonprofit and has shown a tenacity and passion, that goes beyond their job description, to make our community better. The Volunteer of the Year Award goes to an individual who may seem like they are working for an organization but indeed are volunteering their time, talents, and passion for a mission. The Philanthropist of the Year goes to an individual or business who has selflessly gave time and money to make the world of difference in our community.
Ellen Ben_Naim accepts the 2014 Service Above and Beyond award from Kristy Ortega
In 2014, Ellen Ben-Naim, Juvenile Justice Advisory Board Co-Coordinator, partnered with United Way of Northern New Mexico to bring a peer to peer mentoring program to Los Alamos High School. In that effort we saw Ellen’s commitment to the youth in our community. Throughout the year we saw Ellen at numerous meetings and events advocating and working to make our community even better for our youth. Her passion and commitment gave us the opportunity to show her thanks for her “Service Above and Beyond.”
Stephen Boerigter and Kristy Ortega present Morrie Pongratz with Volunteer of the Year Award.
In 2014, and, well many years prior, Morrie Pongratz has given his everything to the community. From Key Club Sponsor to United Way Youth Team Coordinator and his distinguished distinction as “The Voice of the Toppers,” Morrie is more than earned Volunteer of the Year for 2014. Morrie’s selflessness is truly inspiring and our community is fortunate beyond words to have a treasure like Morrie in it.
Ann Hayes and Pat Soran awarded Philanthropist of the Year Award
“We feel we have lived a very gifted life and need to ‘pay it forward’. Our children are all on their own, with their own families, and we now have the time and energy to devote to those causes that we feel help our neighbors and community.” This is the type of personalities Ann Hayes and Pat Soran have. We have had the joy to work with Ann and Pat in 2014 as they volunteered their time to advocate for United Way as the Campaign Chairs. Pat co-founded the Los Alamos Lunch Buddies Board Program (now part of Big Brothers/Big Sisters). From 1997 to 2005 he coordinated efforts to rebuild all of Los Alamos Tot Lots. Pat served on the Board of Directors and Chair of Crisis Center of Northern New Mexico for 12 years. He is a 20 year member of Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos. Ann is the President of local Foundation which served children of northern New Mexico and is a member of Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos. Ann Hayes and Pat Soran have been selflessly giving back to the region for many years and are the 2014 Philanthropist of the Year.
Suzan Roybal and Mona Romero of San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen waiting for festivities to begin.
Kurt Steinhaus accepts thank you on behalf of LANL/LANS
John Gulas accepts thank you on behalf of Los Alamos National Bank
Liddy Martinez accepts Thank You on behalf of SOC.
David Sutton accepts Thank You on behalf of KRSN
David Paddu accepts Thank you on behalf of the LA Monitor.
Nonprofits join United Way to Close out Fundraising Campaign
In the photo from left to right.
Diane Martinez of YMCA, Ellen Morris-Bond of Self Help (2-1-1), Jeremy Smith of YMCA, Paula Gurule of La Clinica del Pueblo de Rio Arriba, Suzan Royal of San Martin de Porres, Kristy Ortega of United Way of NNM, Mona Romero of San Martin de Porres, Susan Mack of Family Strengths Network, Maria Wolfe of National Dance Institute of New Mexico, Carrie Fanning of Family Strengths Network, Stephanie Fresquez of Amigos de Valle.
“The equipment and appliances purchased with Grants received from UNWNNM has made the SMDP Soup Kitchen’s outreach to the poor and needy of our area more effective and efficient. We are ever so grateful!”Suzan Roybal, San Martin de Porres Soup Kitchen–“At Self Help,Inc. our programs thrive because of funding and support from United Way of Northern New Mexico. The 2-1-1 Information and Referral Project, sponsored by United Way, has been a great asset our region.”Ellen Morris-Bond, Self Help, Inc. and 2-1-1–“Funding from United Way of Northern New Mexico has made it possible for NDI New Mexico to reach almost 460 children in grades K and 3through 8 teaching them to work hard, do their best, never give up and be healthy! Children are participating in joyful, vigorous exercise and developing skills that will help them succeed throughout their lives, in school and in life.”As one graduate of the program recently wrote and told us: “I could never have asked for a better experience than when I was dancing with NDI. Every instructor helped, pushed and motivated me to become a strong, healthy, courageous and happy individual. And I would like to thank all of you for always being there for me.”Barbara J. Kastner, NDI New Mexico at The Dance Barns
A United Way Kickoff Unlike Any You have Seen Before
Coming off a productive first half of the year, United Way of Northern New Mexico is kicked off this year’s Community Campaign with a bang! An off season that saw the start up of a peer to peer mentoring program at Los Alamos High School, a STEM to Read program, and a learning trail shows how United Way of Northern New Mexico is doing more in your communities because of your support. United Way is continuing this momentum with a kick–off celebration unlike any they had done in the past for the community. Los Alamos National Bank, The Blue Window, The Craig Martin Experience, along with Pajarito Brewpub all joined in to give this celebration more of an event-feel. It was a beautiful evening, thanks to all of you who joined us.
“We had such a successful first half of the year, we wanted to celebrate with the community that made it possible through contributions to the Community Action Fund. Community support has allowed us to leverage donations to build collaborations and programs that are starting to fill needs that we have learned about while working with the experts and professionals in the field.” says Kristy Ortega, United Way of NNM Executive Director. “We know that this new approach United Way is taking is making our community able to overcome challenges because of the synergy that our local nonprofits are creating. We want this to be a celebration of all local nonprofits, because when nonprofits are strong, your community is strong.”
A couple who are known for their charitable work, Pat Soran and Ann Hayes, have graciously agreed to advocate to support this year’s United Way Community Impact Initiative. “Our children are all on their own, with their families, and we now have the time and energy to devote to those causes that we feel help our community.” says Pat Soran. “We feel we have lived a very gifted life and need to ‘pay it forward.’ If you have done well, be sure to do good.”
“It is fitting that Pat and Ann are chairing this year’s fundraising efforts. They exemplify the giving culture that all people should bring into their homes.” United Way of NNM Marketing Assistant, Jeremy Varela says. “They have inspired us (United Way) to start providing families with tips and information about raising children who are charitable and help others.” He continues, “My favorite part is making it something the family does together.”
United Way of Northern New Mexico annually fundraises from September through December. A big portion of our community support comes from pledge forms that are mailed in the beginning of September. Traditionally we would fundraise solely to pass the funds to other local nonprofits. While we continue to do this, we are now working in the community, on boards, with experts, and with nonprofits to strategically funding meet the current needs of the communities. This past grant cycle nonprofits asked for a combined $1,098,644 to do their programs. You will see the thermometer out in front of the post office in Los Alamos.
Visit the Community Action Fund page to see how we are working in the community. Call 505.662.0800 for information about our activities, how to support community impact efforts, or to learn more about raising charitable children.
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Stephen Boerigter
This yum moment brought to you by Blue Window Bistro
United Way Supports
LANB is such a generous organization. They are a reason Northern New Mexico is a great place to live. Thank you! Cathe McClard presents check to Kristy Ortega
Stage eye view
The Craig Martin Experience was incredible. Thanks for entertaining us
Picture Perfect end to an incredible evening.
Born Learning Trail created to promote early childhood learning and family fun!
Learning happens everywhere a child goes, but parents, grandparents and caregivers may not always know how to support that learning. That won’t be the case at Urban Park, right here in Los Alamos! When Mom and Dad, Aunt Amy and Grandpa take their favorite young child to Urban Park now, they’ll be able to play fun games together that will help the child come to school ready to succeed. That’s because UWNNM, Los Alamos County, Metzger’s Do It Best and the YMCA YES Corp, along with some community volunteers will came together to create an outdoor interactive early learning Trail at Urban Park to help parents, grandparents and caregivers turn excursions into fun learning moments. The Born Learning Trail is a series of learning activities that any adult can play with young children. It is sponsored by UWNNM Community Action Fund Donors, Los Alamos County Parks, Recreation and Open Space Division and Metzger’s Do It Best.
Based on the latest early childhood research and approved by national early learning experts through United Way of America, the Born Learning Trail is designed to help adults interact with children to boost language and literacy development and to help caregivers understand how to best support early learning in outdoor everyday moments. There are 10 signs on the Born Learning Trail, each including activities such as “Look, Learn and Laugh” and “Hop, Toss, Shake and Wiggle” Watch! Stop! Learn! Play! encourages the caregiver to follow the child’s lead, while building the child’s curiosity and confidence.
Volunteer’s include United Way of Northern New Mexico Staff, Board, and Youth Team along with volunteers from the Los Alamos Family YMCA YES Corps
Classes from Little Forest Playschool and kids from Family Strengths Network are the initial testers of the trail. We hope that many folks in our community can come out and enjoy it for years to
come!
Youth Development Sparks Local Collaboration, Inspires Leadership
From left to right: Jeremy Varela, United Way, Bernadette Lauritzen, LAMS/40 Developmental Assets, Kristy Ortega, United Way, Joanne Gilispie, LAPS Foundation, Ellen Ben-Naim, JJAB, Jonathan Lathrop, LAHS, Robyn Collom, LAHS, Carter Payne, LAHS, Sylvan Argo, YMCA Teen Center.
“Fun!” “Colorful!” “Interesting!” This is what Los Alamos High School students are saying about a new program premiering the 2014-2015 school year. The selecting of this program started its journey when United Way of Northern New Mexico’s Youth Team was interested in reinvesting the money they raised to help current and future students. Through numerous meetings and conversations with people in the community United Way was directed to The Boomerang Project by Dr. Marvel Harrison. This lead to the convening of organizations interested in providing peer to peer support services for our students. The Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, LAPS Foundation, YMCA Teen Center, LAHS, LAMS, and United Way of Northern New Mexico came together to begin implementation of Link Crews and WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) Crews in Los Alamos High School and Middle School. At the high school level, this peer to peer mentorship program partners incoming freshmen with two upper classman to not only welcome them to the school, but to help them succeed through their tenure at LAHS. At the middle school, incoming seventh graders will be welcomed and mentored by eight graders. The training these crews receive will be invaluable as they grow up to be adults. “I’m incredibly excited for our incoming freshman.” said Carter Payne, Assistant Principle at Los Alamos High School. “I maybe even more excited for the leadership experience the students are getting and their chance to leave a lasting culture at our school.”
In May of 2014, Robyn Collom (LAHS), Bernadette Lauritzen (LAMS), and Jonathan Lathrop (LAHS), attended a training to lay the foundation of the program in Los Alamos. “The best professional development training I’ve ever attended.” says Jonathan Lathrop, who has taught for 17 years “I am absolutely enthused and so confident that this will enhance the positive culture at LAHS.”
A variety of students were approached about being the initial Link Crews and WEB Crews leaders. 60 students from the high school and 47 students from the middle school signed up within a couple of weeks of learning about the program. The students were given a glimpse of what they will be a part of when they had their initial meetings the last week of school. “Before the meeting started, some students were quiet, stern, and keeping to themselves.” said Jeremy Varela, from United Way “By the end of the meeting they were all smiling and giggling with the friends they just made.” In the Fall of 2014, incoming freshmen and 7th graders were treated to an orientation unlike any ever seen in Los Alamos. Varela continues, “What better way to kick off a new school year than making new friends?”
“The program aligns with the 40 Developmental Assets and that is one of the reasons it will be successful.” said Bernadette Lauritzen, LAMS Prevention Specialist “Students helping students succeed has the ability to change the culture in schools.”
The YMCA Teen Center has offered the space given the program the ability to do activities and meetings year-round.
“Over the past 11 years of teaching, this program was life changing.” says Robyn Collom, “I am thrilled to use the tools I learned, share the enthusiasm and energy this program has sparked in me. It is exciting to build on the positive momentum the high school is already on.”
Visit www.BoomerangProject.com for more information about the program. Contact United Way of Northern New Mexico if you have questions specific to the program in Los Alamos 505.662.0800
Philanthropy Series – Bennett’s Fine Jewelry & UPEX
Tina Martinez and Alison Bennett of UPEX and Bennett’s Fine Jewelry.
“We care about the people in our community and surrounding areas.” Is why the Bennett Family gives back to our community. Self Help, Kiwanis, United Way of Northern New Mexico, American Cancer Society, and the VFW is just a small list of organizations Upex and Bennett’s Fine Jewelry contribute to. As with all local businesses, they are approached for donations throughout the year. “It isn’t always easy to pick and choose but we do try and give what we can, when we can. We keep a list of organization and charities that have approached us for a donation and select from this list for the donations from our special events.”
What special events you might ask? One of their annual special events is the holiday gem stone cake. They donate cake and the gem stones that are placed on every slice of cake. Customers purchase the gem cake slice and all proceeds are donated to a local organization or charity. As icing on the cake, Bennett’s matches the proceeds from the gem stone cake.
UPEX has donated printing, posters and fliers, and gift cards for future purchases.
Remember UPEX for shipping, packaging, photos, and cards. Bennett’s offers a fine selection of local artisan pieces, fine jewelry, Indian jewelry, pottery, various gift items, watch battery replacement and full service jewelry repair including watches and custom work. Small Business Saturday is November 30th.
United Way of Northern New Mexico sees generosity throughout the community. We feel it is important to talk about some of the great things people do to give back to our community. Please enjoy these stories about philanthropy in our community.
Not the Thermometer You’re Used to Seeing
Have you seen the United Way thermometer in front of the post office in Los Alamos? No, have you really seen the thermometer board? There are some new features on this year’s board. The “talk bubble” will convey positive messages and updates throughout the campaign. The “chalk board” on the reverse side lets passers-by answer comments/questions of the week. Next time you’re in Downtown Los Alamos stop by and check out the new thermometer board.
Dinner Over Diamond 2013
Investing in Community Campaign
WOW! What a huge turnout we had! Members of Los Alamos and Rio Arriba county came in at full force to help us celebrate this year’s Investing In Community Campaign! I was truly humbled to see over 70 people in one room all their because they care about their friends, neighbors and their community. Investors and non-profits from throughout Northern New Mexico were able to network throughout the event and identify how an investment in UWNNM Community Action fund can touch the lives of so many right here in our own backyards. A special treat was LANL’s Terry Wallace, who will lead the I Give Because campaign set to kick off on October 15. A huge thanks to our sponsors and those who made the event possible including Los Alamos National Bank, Tasty Creations by Jarda and Pajarito Brew Pub. And one more special thanks to the UWNNM Staff, Jeremy Varela, marketing assistant and Marie Marroquin, Finance Manager for being the backbone of our organization.
~Kristy Ortega
United Way of Northern New Mexico 