Building Futures Through Knowledge, Skills, and Community
How local partners turned a season at the Pathfinder Casita into lessons our youth will carry for life
“I wish this was something I knew when I was younger.”
Most of us have said some version of that. About money. About cars. About how to take care of ourselves when life gets stressful.
This season, a group of young people at United Way of Northern New Mexico’s Pathfinder Casita got to learn those things now instead of later. Over three workshops, they sat down alongside members of our own staff team with local partners who came ready to teach.
It started with tea
On May 29, certified herbalistas Jessica Lujan of Colibrí Corazón and Paloma Cruz led “Tea Time for the Soul,” a Healing with Herbs Workshop built around plants many New Mexico families already know: Manzanilla, Rosa de Castilla, and Yerba Buena, along with butterfly pea flower and hibiscus. They taught youth how plant-based traditions and earth-centered practices can support emotional well-being.
For one participant, it was a long time coming. “I have always wanted to know more about herbs and how I can help my mind using natural teas,” they said. Another called the workshop “healing and so much fun.”
The afternoon closed with tea and a community plática, and with a request we heard loud and clear: “I hope that we can have another workshop like this, we need healthier ways to help us deal with stress.”
Then came the flat tire
On June 17, the lessons moved under the hood. With support from Rio Arriba County and Los Alamos County, youth spent the day in Ready, Set, Roll: Auto Basics 101. They learned how to check and change oil, keep tires at the right pressure, change a tire, name common tools, jump-start a car, and check essential fluids.
Ryah Romero, a Student Intern, was thinking about the day she might be on her own. “This will help me in the future if I ever need help and no one is around to help me change my tire.”
Anjolene Lucero left with a new way of looking at maintenance, and a new skill. “Checking your oil is important, like making sure gas is in your car. I know how to jump-start a car now.”
Talking about money
On July 15, Zia Credit Union and Guadalupe Credit Union brought Pathways to Prosperity: Financial Literacy 101 to the Casita. Through interactive activities, youth worked through budgeting, saving, credit, fraud awareness, and how to make informed financial decisions.
Analicia Lucero listed what she learned almost in one breath: “I learned how to manage my money, the difference between a credit union and a bank, how to protect myself from fraud, and how to budget and save.”
Daisy Arevalo-Rodriguez, who served as our Collective Impact Coordinator, was looking further ahead: “I learned how to invest in my future and how practical advice can save me in the future.” focused on the basics: “I learned about my credit score and how I should budget my money.” ~Maxisimo
A place to learn
Every one of these workshops happened at the Pathfinder Casita, and Mountain Center helped make that space ready. Its sponsorship brought appliances, art supplies, and kitchen resources to the Casita, helping it grow into a place where young people can create, cook, connect, and build life skills alongside their peers.
Thank you!
None of this happens without partners who give their time, knowledge, and resources. Our thanks go to Jessica Lujan, Paloma Cruz, Colibrí Corazón, Rio Arriba County, Los Alamos County, Zia Credit Union, Guadalupe Credit Union, and Mountain Center.
Because of you, a few more young people in Northern New Mexico won’t have to wish they had known sooner.