Week in Review Digital Magazine Dec. 9-15, 2012

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DeC 9-15 Women’s Intercultural Center

End of Semester Celebration: Riding high on the wave of positiveness & accomplishment

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

I am inspired by Carter, the father of my children, in his fourth stage of lung, colon and stomach cancer. Even the doctors are amazed at how well he is doing. His secret? Laughter. “My sense of humor helps me find a lighter side of things, even on

tough days,” he told me. It made me think...what do we need to survive life’s heartaches? Heaps of healing humor. Healing humor reduces stress, elevates moods, boosts the immune system and fosters relaxation. It helps us overlook the ugly, tolerate the unpleasant, cope with surprises, and smile through the unbearable. Humor is a shock absorber, minimizing the pain troubles can bring. Today people tend to be serious about everything. Some go through life with their finger on the panic button, crossing bridges before they get to them, certain trouble is around the corner. One of our partners was already worrying about having a sell out show and not having enough space for everyone to fit in when the show hasn’t even been performed yet. What did I tell him? “Let’s cross that bridge when we get to it. For now let’s stick to our original planning for it has plenty of wiggle room and flexibility.” The prescription for those suffering from humor deficiency; an injection of laughter.

People with positive outlooks laugh often to relieve themselves of life’s tears. A good belly laugh stirs the blood, expands the chest, and clears the cobwebs from the brain. At WInC we know that laughter is a gift we need to survive. If you’ve been missing it, come to WInC and you will get it back! In every corner of the Center you can hear laughter. From class to class, from person to person, laughter is all around us. Being at WInC is like having created a We Who Laugh, Last kit. There’s a bunch of smiley faces and bright colors, every where you turn it’s filled with shared funny stories, jokes, cartoons, humorous situations, hilarious stories from the web, and all kinds of amusing stuff. Every social gathering is a scheduled laughter-noon with friends and family. Have a friend who’s laughter-impaired? Bring her/him to share in our We Who Laugh, Last kit at the Center. After all, laughter makes life the merriest of go-rounds and at WInC we have heaps of healing humor that helps all of us survive life’s heartaches.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS

Tony Martinez Chair

Eldelisa Nava Vice –Chair

Petra Devora Treasurer

Joanne Vullo Secretary

MEMBERS Victor Acosta

Grace Jacquez-Chase

303 Lincoln St * Po Box 2411

Anthony, NM 88021 575-882-5556

Fax: 866-285-7245 www.womensintrculturalcenter.org

Letter From the Executive Director

Congratulations to Nancy Arreola, WInC Participant and Volunteer, on the birth of her baby girl! We enjoyed ooing & aaaing during Brealynn Ashley Arreola’s first visit to the Center.

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Thank you Alanna Morin, Povy and John Bigbee, Stephanie Townsend Allala, Pllc, Anthony Youth Farm and the Boys Scout Troop led by Blanca Dominguez for your recent donation to WInC. Your support makes our work possible in so many ways. This week we had a couple down on their luck needing winter clothing and food. While one of our volunteers bagged the available food items in our pantry, the couple eagerly searched through the racks of the Thrift Store for clothes that would keep them warm this winter. Throughout their time searching, they kept thanking us and blessing us for helping them in their time of need. And as Mary was putting their clothes in the bags, the man saw a bottle of pink nail polish. He brought it to the counter and with the last 50 cents in his pocket he handed it to Mary and said, “I really want her to have this for Christmas.” Mary told him “It’s only 25 cents.” as she handed a quarter back to him. He quickly responded, “Oh no, please keep it. It’s the least I can do for everything you’ve given us today.” And as they grabbed the bags to leave, they continued to utter “Thank yous” and “Blessings” to us for having helped them. It is because of donors like Alanna Morin, Povy and John Bigbee, Stephanie Townsend Allala, Pllc, Anthony Youth Farm and the Boys Scout Troop led by Blanca Dominguez that we are able to help beyond our membership base like that young couple and like Lourdes.

Lourdes had come for assistance over a year ago in trying to located an uncle that was being held in a detention facility. She had no idea where he was and she was desperately trying to send him money. As the conversation progressed, Lourdes admitted that the man was not really her uncle but her ex-husband. She had divorced him about a year ago but she still loved him and wanted to help him in his time of need and felt a little embarrassed about it. As the WInC staffer worked with her in locating her ex-husband and securing the information for her to be able to assist him, they chatted. She slowly began to open up and talked about how she and her ex-husband had met. She shared the reasons behind the divorce. Our staffer listened to her and began asking her questions to help Lourdes process her situation and the involvement she wanted to have in helping her ex-husband. The whole ordeal from the divorce to what was going on now had her depressed and completely stressed from the worry she was carrying for her ex-husband. At WInC we believe that a solution to any problem that ails us can be solved for the solution is within us. Our staffer stood by that belief as she assisted Lourdes who thanked her for her help as she left the Center. This week she walked through our doors, approached our staffer and asked, “Do you remember me?” Our staffer looked at her and could barely recognize her. She looked 20 years younger, stress free and at peace. The staffer looking straight at her said, “Of course I do!” Lourdes then grabbed her and led her to a corner of the room. She shared how well she was doing and thanked the staffer for helping her process the right solution for the issues that were afflicting her. “It took a long time for me to realize that having any relationship with my ex-husband was toxic to my life. It was painful to let him go because I loved him so much but I knew he didn’t love me. He kept calling me and calling me only because he needed my help. Even after he was deported he continued to call me. It got to a point that I couldn’t handle the calls anymore. I made up my mind and I changed my number. Since then, I have been at peace and I found happiness in being on my own.” She shared how her son was very happy that she had regained her life and how thankful she was for having his support and unconditional love. As she turned to leave the Center, with a smile on her face she said “Thank you for helping me take control of my life.” In return, we THANK our DONORS for we would not be able to provide this type of individualized assistance without their generosity. THANK YOU for helping us be a catalyst for change in the lives women, their families and communities.

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

It's Human Rights Day, a day to recognize selfless leaders, projects and organizations who work tirelessly to establish unity. I encourage you to check out our human rights series, short films that highlight human rights leaders from all over the world. Learn about forgiveness in Rwanda, the World Food Programmein Darfur, leadership in China and support for women immigrants (http://explore.org/#!/videos/player/women-chasing-dreams) here in the United States, and more. What issues do you think are most important to address? Share with us [email protected]. Never stop learning, Charlie / explore.org

WInC Featured in Explore Website for Human Rights Day

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Recycling

We earn money for our operations by collecting empty inkjets, laser toners, laptops, i-pods & cell phones!

By bringing in electronics from home, family, and friends; YOU are helping to save the environment and helping us continue our mission

of educating, empowering & engaging women!

Women’s Intercultural Center

303 Lincoln Street / PO Box 2411 Anthony, NM 88021

575-882-5556

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Capoeira Angola is an ancient martial art of African origin, it is one of the many cultural weapons used to break the chains of enslavement in Brazil. Played close to the ground, Capoeira Angola combines fluid, dance-like movements with kicks, head butts, tripping sweeps and the appearance of playfulness or vulnerability. Music is played on traditional instruments to accompany the players, to teach the rhythmic heart of the art, and also to mask its power. In the eyes of the

enslavers it appeared to be a joking and playful acrobatic dance, but eventually its power was realized and Capoeira was outlawed. Death was the penalty paid by those caught playing Capoeira during the slavery era. For almost 400 years Capoeira Angola was taught and practiced in secret, and only in the 1930's did this African martial art become legal to teach and practice. Jacob Marquez, a young man that

has studied Capoeira Angola both in College and in Brazil, will be teaching a class on it for our 2013 Spring Semester. Jacob hopes to preserve and continue the long tradition of this African martial art, teaching Capoeira Angola as a path of self knowledge and mastery. The class is open to all age groups. Enrollment, class fee, dates and times will be announced in our 2013 Spring Semester Schedule.

A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

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Voting Ends December 20, 2012

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The LCDF Healthy Start Program held its annual participant review at WInC. The program meets once a month at the Center to provide program participants the tools they need to help their babies grow, develop, and form loving and healthy relationships for bright and exciting futures. About LCDF Healthy Start Program: The mission of the LCDF Healthy Start Program is to mobilize communities to create and sustain an integrated and seamless system of care with access to a broad range of services and support for pregnant women (including teens and adoptive parents) and parenting families with babies of ages zero through three. The program offers many FREE services that support families (including

teens) to develop and practice new skills that help their infants and toddlers become healthy, happy and secure individuals. Services begin with an "assessment" that guides the family to identify the area(s) in their lives in need of support. For example, this may be your first pregnancy and you may want to know what to expect during the next nine months; nutrition, weight gain and management, fetal development, advantages/disadvantages to breastfeeding, labor and delivery, stress management, etc. A care coordinator will meet with you in the comfort of your home, in one of their offices most accessible to you, or another location that best meet your needs to complete the assessment and assist you in developing your service plan. Following are some of the service

options that one of their friendly care coordinators will help you to select from to get you started: 1. Assessment, Risk Screenings and

Referrals 2. Health Education Services 3. Early Childhood Services 4. Other Family Support Services For more information contact them at 575-524-0767, via email at [email protected] or log on to their website at http://www.lcdfhealthystart.org.

Featured Partner: LCDF Healthy Start Program

A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

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Arts & Crafts Class

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Note from a Donor Thank you so much for your ongoing support of the Sisterhood of Hope. Our numbers are slowly growing! I am in awe of all that you do for the women and families at the Women's Intercultural Center. You are one of God's special angels. I wish you many blessings for Christmas and in the coming year. ~Alanna Morin, WInC Donor and Supporter from Maine

Our deepest sympathy goes out to

Santa Fe Zubia and her family In this time of the loss of her father.

Santa Fe, just know that you are not alone And if you need us, we are here.

Our Love and Condolences

Learn Basic American Sign Language American Sign Language (ASL) is an experience, and arguably the most beautiful language in the world. It is also the third most widely spoken language in the United States (after English and Spanish, respectively). If for no other reason than to be prepared and helpful in an emergency situation, everyone who is able should learn at least basic American Sign Language. There are also benefits like being able to go on to study and become an interpreter for a school or a religious organization. All of this, however, starts with knowing ASL basics.

Magali Almaraz will be teaching an ASL basics class during our 2013 Spring Semester. Magali has a real passion for American Sign Language that she is willing to share with you. The class is open to all age groups. Enrollment, class fee, date and time will be announced in our 2013 Spring Semester Schedule which will be released by next week.

A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

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It’s always interesting to stand at the entrance of the Center’s gallery and see the place fill up during the End of Semester Celebration. Seeing first hand the accomplishments reached by the participants is truly an amazing experience. The products they produce, the conversations sharing what they learned, the voice that is found within – you can see first hand the efforts they made to reach this level of accomplishment. As we walk around the room greeting everyone at each table we see huge smiles on their faces. They tell us how much they have enjoyed their classes and how much they love coming here. “It’s a great way to spend your day,” a new participant tells us, her smile growing wider. “How did you feel about this semester?” She doesn’t hesitate. “Fantastic. There was such a great energy in the classes I was in. This was the first time I’ve been here. I’ll definitely be coming back.” Overlooking the gallery we can see the participants almost glowing with huge visible smiles, and laughter everywhere. Grecia Rios, WInC Intern, emceed our celebration. Ilse Arrieta, Programs Coordinator and Olivia Contreras, orchestrated a surprise birthday celebration for Mary Carter, our Executive Director. Even more fun was had with Arturo singing a mix of birthday songs for Mary. His voice echoed throughout the gallery, with his hands acting as a signal to the crowd for when the tempo would pick up or slow down. Arturo’s singing was fluid and pulsing directly aiming for the emotional centers of our brain. Laughter levels rose as we raffled off gifts. Those who found themselves unlucky, screamed out “We’re lucky in love!” Cameras where flashing everywhere, this being a celebration that had to be documented. While initially each table was a collection of individuals with their own distinct conversations, Grecia got everyone locked into one collective body. And that’s when we realized something truly great about her that we hadn’t realized before: she wasn’t just hosting the party and controlling the vibes, she was conducting the crowd. At this celebration, the crowd was so integrated...the environment, the flow and direction of the experience. The End of Semester Celebration was something special. By the end of the celebration, everyone left riding high on the wave of positiveness and accomplishment.

Riding high on the wave of positiveness and accomplishment

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Services Alternative Education & Personal Development Provide 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. Check our website for class schedule information. Border Awareness Experience The BAE is an educational immersion that takes place on the Southwestern U.S./Mexican Border. This region is a microcosm for global concern, and a place where critical issues intersect in tangible ways -- economics, human rights, ecology, migration, labor, militarization of the border, health and more. BAE participants have the opportunity to engage in discussions with local residents and professionals, receive presentations from topic experts, and meet with local grassroots organizations involved in the issues. Participants stay overnight with local host families (optional) -- a highlight of the overall experience. The program educates the participants on the complexities of border life and its implications at the national level. The BAE is intentionally designed to be a challenging educational experience centered on questioning and reflection on the presented material(s) and experienced realities. This Center initiative is much more than simply a border tour. It is an initiative to present BAE participants with a tacit understanding of the issues so they can form their own opinions about U.S. and Mexican policies in relationship to the present day globalization process. This in-depth experience takes participants beyond the sound bytes of the nightly news. The immersion also provides a taste of the rich culture that is alive on both sides of the border. The personal face of immigration and border life is a face that impacts the participants and one they can learn from. This program prepares participants to take actions on the issues presented in one's local community. Consciousness Raising for Change 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. Check our website for workshops, trainings or special events. Economic Self-Sufficiency 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.

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 Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. For additional information contact our receptionist at 575-882-5556. Honeycomb 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 to donate to the community based on their needs. The store is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm. For more information on the store or to make a donation call 575-882-5556. Karate Classes Karate classes for children 6 years old & up every Saturday from 11am to 12pm. Class fee is $25/month. To enroll in the class please contact: Louie Alfaro from the Westside Dojo at 915-319-4096. Reiki Clinic A participant led initiative. The Clinic provides Reiki treatments at a cost of $25. Reiki is an alternative healing method which improves recovery from illness, release of addictions, heals trauma, rehab after injury or surgery, immune disorders, insomnia, fatigue, anxiety, stress, depression and grieving. To set up an appointment call 575-882-5556. Syringe Exchange Program A collaborative effort with the New Mexico Department of Health to reduce the spread of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C that are transmitted through blood, often by the reuse of needles and/or syringes. The program staff also provide health information; referrals to social, human, mental health, and substance abuse treatment services. The program is strictly confidential and there is no enrollment fee. They are at the Center the 4th Thursday of the month from 1 pm to 4 pm. For additional information contact Merced Jasso at 575-528-5095. Unseen Beauty Workshops The workshops promote the use of Used Items to make something New, Modern and Beautiful. The classes are held every Tuesday at 4:30 to 6The class serves as a place of discovery and learning and a place to give back to the community. Zumba Classes A micro-enterprise led by Annette Bravo. Party your way into shape. Zumba is an exhilarating, effective, easy to follow, Latin inspired, calorie burning dance fitness party that can move you toward joy and health. Classes are from Monday-Friday from 9-10am and Monday-Thursday from 6-7pm.

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Upcoming Events For additional information please contact us at 575-882-5556 or the contact number listed next to the event announcement.

Christmas Celebration Join us in celebrating the spirit of the season. Bring your favorite dish to share with your peers. When: Thursday, Dec. 20 from 11am to 1:30pm Contact: Receptionist

place of discovery and learning and a place to give back to the community. The class is designed for young girls 11 and up. Workshop Fee: is $2 or 2 non-perishable food items or a donation to the Center’s Honeycomb Thrift Store. Vocational Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation Services aimed to help individu-als with disabilities obtain and retain employment are pro-vided from 8:30am to 5pm by the New Mexico Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) every Wednesday. To schedule an appointment, please contact Ramona Contreras at (575) 524-6135 or via email at [email protected].

Interested in teaching a class, scheduling a workshop, presentation or training at WInC? We are currently working our Winter Semester and are recruiting Volunteer Instructors to teach in their areas of expertise. We have a special need for a haircutting instructor. Contact Ilse Arrieta, Program Coordinator at 575-882-5556 or via email at [email protected].

Christmas Play "Charlie Brown" The play is being performed by The Potter House When: Saturday, December 22 from 7-8pm Contact: The Potter House at 915-204-1121

Trauma Healing Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) The workshop will focus on building a sense of security & trust, dealing with memories of loss & reconnect with the community & rebuilding trust. When: Saturday, Sunday & Monday, Jan. 19-21 Contact: Vickie Aldrich at 575-541-9093 or via email at [email protected]

2013 Spring Semester Registration All students must register for the 2013 Spring Semester Class. Class schedules will be available in print and online starting Wednesday, January 3, 2013. When: January 3-11, 2013 from 9am to 3pm Contact: Ilse Arrieta at 575-882-5556 Fee: $5

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Women’s Intercultural Center WHERE IT STARTS

303 Lincoln Street / PO Box 2411 Anthony, NM 88021

575-882-5556 www.womensinterculturalcenter.org