9-05-2024 5:13pm

Building Futures: Empowering Youth Through Community, Skill-Building, and Lasting Impact

In a remarkable display of Alamogordo community spirit and collaboration, a groundbreaking initiative is taking root in our neighborhoods, providing at-risk youth with the skills and opportunities to build a better future.

The program, Building Futures, is more than just a learning experience; it is a transformative journey where young people actively contribute to their communities by creating public gardens and signage in both English and Spanish. Led by the local Alamogordo non-profit Community Power New Mexico in collaboration with The Counseling Center and Alamogordo City Parks and Recreation, Building Futures is more than just an educational endeavor. The dedication and hard work of the youth, supported by local leaders and organizations, are creating a ripple effect of lasting change.

The overarching lesson of this program emphasizes community interdependence as its most crucial outcome.

The success of this initiative is a testament to the power of a community coming together. Young people, many from challenging backgrounds, are stepping up to learn trades that equip them with valuable life skills, offering them a sense of purpose and belonging

Under the guidance of skilled mentors, these youth are mastering various tools—from circular saws and speed squares to drills, palm sanders, and wood burners. Through their current project—building signs to increase accessibility to free public gardens—they have learned about wood sealing and exothermic reactions and the importance of maintaining a safe working environment. This includes safely using power tools and personal protective equipment (PPE). They’ve also developed skills like processing raw materials, piloting holes, and exploring chemistry concepts like exothermic reactions in wood burning. These hands-on experiences are complemented by learning opportunities in both English and Spanish, further expanding their communication abilities.

Safety is a cornerstone of the program. With a dedicated safety officer on-site, the youth learn the technical aspects of construction, gardening, and critical safety protocols. This focus on safety ensures that every participant can work confidently and effectively, laying a foundation for future job-site management and leadership roles.

The program’s emphasis on real-world experience prepares these young individuals to become tomorrow's exceptional leaders.

This initiative was only possible with the tireless efforts of key community advocates. Belinda Bass, Director of Parks and Recreation, played a pivotal role in making this project a reality. Bass expressed excitement about the project: “The City of Alamogordo Parks & Recreation Department is thrilled about all the ways the Maryland Avenue Community Garden project is bringing the community together. It creates opportunities that might not have otherwise been available, from learning how to grow, harvest, and preserve food, to offering youth basic carpentry skills and giving seniors a chance to share their knowledge and stories with the community. We are excited to see what the future holds!"

The signs at the Maryland and 6th Street Public Gardens are just part of the ongoing transformation in Chihuahuita, a historically segregated neighborhood.

These collaborations and initiatives symbolize the positive impact that community-driven efforts can have.
Research consistently shows a direct correlation between poverty and crime rates. A report by the U.S. Department of Justice found that individuals living in low-income households had more than double the rate of violent victimization compared to those in high-income households. This data underscores the urgent need for initiatives like Building Futures, which
offer at-risk youth alternatives to crime through education and skills training.

A recent study published in Evolutionary
Human Sciences also highlights the connection between increasing poverty, income inequality, and rising homicide rates across the U.S. This study emphasizes how economic disparity fuels violence, particularly in communities already burdened by poverty.

"By providing at-risk youth with meaningful skills and opportunities, we are not only reducing crime—we are building a future where every young person has a chance to thrive. From day one, I've told the kids they have three tools that are by far the most important: their pencil, their brains, and their community. We are never alone, and everything we do impacts one another. The most important aspect of this program isn’t learning carpentry; it’s learning community interdependence and the profound impact they can have when serving those around them. They are filled with pride in that! Sure, they can put this on their résumés, but it’s not just their futures we are building—it’s all of ours. It has truly been an honor to start this
program, and I look forward to it every week." - Evan Lambert, CPNM President.
Evan Lambert is the president of Community Power New Mexico and serves on the leadership team for With Many Hands Alamogordo.

Based in Alamogordo, New Mexico, Lambert is actively involved in local politics, preparing to run for city commissioner next year

Lambert is dedicated to enhancing civic engagement and advancing community-focused initiatives through their work and advocacy.

This partnership initiative in forming, Building Futures, is a shining example of how community-driven efforts can create lasting change, one project at a time.

Kathryn Cavazos, Program Manager at The Counseling Center, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “Our clients have been partnering with With Many Hands and Community Power NM. Every Tuesday morning, they head to the community garden, where they've helped clear out sections of the garden and engaged in planting vegetables. On Thursdays, they participate in activities with Community Power NM, working on building signage for the garden. Our clients have really enjoyed these hands-on activities and are actively participating. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with both programs.”

Finally, we want to highlight the upcoming Southeast New Mexico Food & Housing Summit, organized by the grassroots group With Many Hands. This free event, set to take place in Alamogordo on September 7th, 2024, from 11 AM to 1 PM at NMSU Tays Center (2419 N Scenic Drive), aims to unite hundreds of concerned citizens over the rising costs and declining quality of food and housing. The summit will serve as a platform for advocating a pro-worker, pro-local food, and affordable housing agenda for the 2024 election.

This event culminates two years of community efforts in small towns across Southeast New Mexico, sparking initiatives like public community gardens and the innovative Rehab2Rental program. Participants will also have the chance to engage with political candidates on their plans to address the region's food and housing crisis.

For those interested in getting involved—whether as volunteers, donors, or advocates—we encourage you to visit our website at https://www.communitypowernm.org/ and donation page.

The entire community has rallied behind this program, generously donating the materials needed to make it a success. Local businesses, organizations, and individuals have come together to contribute everything from wood and tools to safety equipment, ensuring the youth have the resources they need to thrive.

This collective support reflects the deep belief in the impact of the program and its potential to create positive, lasting change.

Special thanks to our partners, including the City of Alamogordo, Home Depot, and our many volunteers. Special thanks go to Home Depot for providing much of the supplies that the youth get to keep, including tape measures, speed squares, and carpenter pencil sharpeners. These generous contributions were made possible through the support of store manager Jacob Patterson and regional manager Carrie Fuerstenberg.

Their partnership has played a crucial role in equipping the participants with the tools needed for their success.

Meet the Author
Tamia Morgan is a Community Power New Mexico (CPNM) officer and a passionate advocate for environmental justice. She is conducting scientific research for an environmental justice project based in Houston, Texas, and is preparing to present her findings at a major conference in Washington, D.C. Tamia is committed to driving community-based initiatives that empower at-risk youth, promote sustainability, and foster interdependence. In addition to her work with CPNM, she enjoys writing poetry and exploring creative ways to address social and environmental challenges.

References
Harrell, E., Langton, L., Berzofsky, M., Couzens, L., & Smiley-McDonald, H. (2014). Household Poverty and Nonfatal Violent Victimization, 2008-2012 (NCJ 248384). U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics. Link
McCool, W. C., & Codding, B. F. (2024). U.S. homicide rates increase when resources are scarce and unequally distributed. Evolutionary Human Sciences. PsyPost article summary Link