One year. One turning point.
What happens when nonprofits stop working in silos, youth are invited to lead, and a community commits to alignment over fragmentation? This past year, Collective Impact found its footing—and its voice—sparking collaboration, elevating young leaders, and turning hard conversations into real momentum. Read how a year of listening, unity, and bold action is reshaping what’s possible for Northern New Mexico—and what’s coming next.

2025 Impact. 2026 Momentum.
From strengthening local nonprofits and empowering youth leaders to launching a new Regional Resource Hub, United Way Northern New Mexico is building real momentum across our region. Thanks to generous partners, dedicated volunteers, and community-driven giving, local solutions are creating lasting change for families in Los Alamos and Río Arriba counties. Dive into the newsletter to see how collective action is shaping what’s next—and how you can be part of it.

Local generosity is turning into real impact across Northern New Mexico. United Way Northern New Mexico has awarded more than $300,000 in Community Action Fund grants to 23 nonprofits serving Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties—supporting everything from food access and youth programs to arts, education, and essential services. See how community-powered giving is strengthening nonprofits, meeting growing needs, and shaping a healthier future for our region.

As the snow begins to dust the peaks of Northern New Mexico, our community comes together in a beautiful tradition of generosity, compassion, and hope. Discover how over 100 volunteers and a mighty spirit of giving filled 300 holiday food bags—and put turkey dinners and smiles on the tables of families across Los Alamos and Española. Read how this became connection, kindness, and shared strength.

When Don Cobb first saw the sunrise over the canyons of Los Alamos, he knew he had found his home. That moment of awe sparked a lifetime of connection, service, and generosity that continues to ripple through Northern New Mexico today.

From leading United Way Northern New Mexico to creating scholarships for teachers and bringing literacy programs to rural libraries, Don has turned gratitude into lasting impact. His story is a testament to how one person’s commitment can transform an entire community.

☀️ Read more about how Don’s legacy of kindness and curiosity continues to inspire others to give back—and how one sunrise began it all.

Once a child in the welfare system, Veronica found strength and stability through her CASA advocate — someone who never stopped showing up. Years later, she returned to CASA First Judicial District to pay that kindness forward, mentoring children navigating the same challenges she once faced. Her story now comes full circle — from advocate to policymaker — shaping how New Mexico supports its most vulnerable youth.

Backed by United Way of Northern New Mexico and partners like Enterprise Bank & Trust, Veronica’s journey reminds us that true change starts with people who care enough to stay.

✨ Read more about how lived experience, compassion, and community partnerships are transforming child welfare across Northern New Mexico.

United Way of Northern New Mexico has been awarded a $25,000 Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico to strengthen its Collective Impact program. The funding will expand youth leadership opportunities, boost financial literacy, and build nonprofit capacity to tackle challenges like food insecurity, substance abuse, and mental health.

“This is more than a grant—it’s an investment in the future of Northern New Mexico,” says UWNNM Executive Director Cindy Padilla.

Read how this partnership will empower youth, support families, and strengthen nonprofits across Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties.

United Way Northern New Mexico has opened its grant portal for 2026 funding requests! Nonprofits serving Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties are invited to apply for awards ranging from $5K–$25K to support programs in youth mentorship, behavioral health, food and housing, and senior transportation. Applications are open now through September 30, 2025 at unitedwaynnm.org/grants.

United Way Northern New Mexico has been awarded a $122,000+ grant to lead a bold new initiative as the official Regional Resource Hub for the Northern New Mexico Youth Fund! This means more resources, stronger collaboration, and bigger impact for youth-serving nonprofits across the region.

From tailored technical assistance to shared learning and capacity-building, UWNNM is stepping up to unite 19 organizations working to create brighter futures for young adults—including opportunity youth, Native youth, and young parents.

Andrea Lucero is now amplifying community connection as United Way Northern New Mexico’s new Community Impact Director. With deep roots in the region and a passion for youth and nonprofit collaboration, she’s bringing fresh energy to Collective Impact.

🌟 Want to see how she’s turning a casita into a hub of hope and empowerment? Read the full story.

From funding million-dollars for education to inspiring a culture of giving at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Joanna Gillespie’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, purpose, and a little bit of boldness.

Her story is filled with heart, humor, and moments that changed communities—and lives—forever.

Read how Joanna became a beloved force for good across Northern New Mexico.

In the town of Dixon, the Embudo Valley Library Afterschool Program is more than just a place to do homework—it’s a launchpad for creativity, connection, and confidence. In part two of the story, the Embudo Valley Tutoring Association (EVTA) joins the library to bring math games, cultural storytelling, jewelry-making, and more to local students—all while building lasting relationships and life skills.

Meet the dedicated mentors behind the magic, and see how this vibrant program is helping kids grow academically and personally, one joyful afternoon at a time.

What happens when mindfulness, homework help, outdoor adventures, and creativity all come together under one roof? At the Embudo Valley Library Afterschool Program, learning feels like discovery—and every afternoon is filled with curiosity, connection, and joy.

From crafting slime to hiking in the hills, students are finding more than academic support—they’re finding a community.

Read on to see how this beloved program, supported by United Way of Northern New Mexico, is shaping bright futures—one adventure at a time.

Imagine a child snowshoeing for the first time, spotting birds up close, or discovering the magic of a butterfly's life cycle—all while learning science, math, and environmental stewardship. Thanks to a partnership between PEEC and United Way of Northern New Mexico, these experiences are now more accessible for hundreds of students across the region.

Discover how hands-on outdoor learning is transforming education and opening doors to STEAM for more students.

When Safiyyah first moved to Los Alamos, she wasn’t sure where to turn. The small-town atmosphere was new to her, and without family or friends nearby, the days felt isolating—especially as a parent of a curious toddler. She longed for a safe, welcoming space where her little one could play freely and she could connect with other parents. Then she found..

TechSource, Inc. and United Way Northern New Mexico are teaming up to drive meaningful change in Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties. Through this powerful partnership, they’re strengthening local nonprofits, tackling critical community challenges, and creating lasting impact.

With TechSource Vice President Curtis Christensen now serving on the UWNNM Board, read more about how this collaboration is growing stronger.

As we step into 2025, it’s a time for reflection—a moment to honor the past, embrace the present, and welcome the future with open hearts. It’s easy to get caught up in looking back, whether with joy or sorrow, or to focus ahead with worry or anticipation. But time moves fast—so fast that..

Los Alamos and Rio Arriba Counties, December 23, 2024 – United Way Northern New Mexico (UWNNM) is pleased to announce that 24 nonprofit organizations in Rio Arriba and Los Alamos Counties will receive $462,000 for 2025 from donations

Meet Sam, Jeremy, and Angel—three resilient siblings from Northern New Mexico who, with the help of CASA First’s Abrigo Advocate program, have turned their challenges into triumphs. Raised by their great-grandparents, the family faced financial and emotional struggles, but CASA First stepped in with practical support like braces, mentorship, and transformative workshops. Read more about how this family is thriving with newfound hope and strength, proving that no one has to face life’s challenges alone.

Since 1954, LANL and United Way of Northern New Mexico have worked hand-in-hand to strengthen our community. Together, they’ve supported nonprofits addressing critical needs, from food and housing to mentorship and financial stability, changing lives across Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties.

Thanks to the generosity of LANL employees and Triad’s matching program, this trusted partnership continues to create powerful, lasting change.