Support the Santa Fe Mountain Center
Contributions to our Annual Fund are of the utmost priority to our organization's wellbeing.
We have made great strides and our future is bright. One of our greatest needs is funding for day-to-day operations to fill the gap not covered by government and foundation funding. Please take a moment to learn about us by watching our short video, reading our profile below, or exploring the website. We sincerely hope you will consider supporting us in our fundraising goals — your donation is vital for our efforts to build positive futures for vulnerable youth and adults in New Mexico.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to promoting personal discovery and social change among youth, families, and groups through the use of creative learning experiences in wilderness, community, and cultural environments.
Who We Are
For 30 years, the Santa Fe Mountain Center (SFMC) has helped underserved New Mexico youth, adults, and communities realize their potential and break through limitations once believed impossible to overcome. The breadth and depth of our services reflect our commitment to diversity and social justice. We have continually expanded our curriculum to address the pressing social needs of our communities.
We have served over 35,000 individuals since 1979 and are the only nationally accredited therapeutic adventure program in New Mexico.
Outcomes
SFMC's experiential programs build resiliency by connecting participants with strengths they already have and guides them to a new level of realization. Adventure-based activities engage participants in a manner that integrates mind, body and spirit laying a foundation for lasting change. Environmental awareness and leadership skills for creating sustainable, caring community are cultivated.
The integrity of our model is maintained by effective management and through research and evaluation.
Our core building blocks are:
- Positive Values — Caring for others, equality and social justice, integrity, honesty, respect, responsibility, self control.
- Social Competence — Decision making, interpersonal skills, team work, cultural competency, sense of community, resistance skills, peaceful conflict resolution.
- Positive Identity — Sense of purpose, self confidence, self esteem, positive view of the future.
Our innovative programming is producing significant, measurable results and is receiving national attention with requests for replication in other states.
Who We Serve
In fiscal year 2007 we provided multiple day programming for over 2000 participants.
3.8% were 5th and 6th graders participating in the "Anti-Bullying Initiative," a program designed to support healthy peer relationships and create more caring and safe school communities for all students. Initial evaluations are showing significant positive results.
60% were youth 10-18 years of age identified as "at risk" or already involved in the Children, Youth and Family system. The Therapeutic Adventure Program brought experiences of personal and collaborative success in challenging natural environments resulting in increased self worth.
8.5% were Native youth engaged in the "Emergence" program, a youth leadership initiative which integrates experiential education, environmental awareness, and community mobilization with traditional beliefs and values. The result is energized youth with tools to address community challenges.
4.2% participated in the NM GSA Network that focuses on positive identity, resiliency skills, community/social support, and empowerment of and for LGBTQA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning and Straight Allied) youth. It is one of the only programs in New Mexico addressing this group which is at high risk for drug abuse and suicide.
4.1% were trauma survivors, primarily victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. The "Courage to Risk" program assisted them in recovering from the past, healing, and realizing the positive possibilities life holds.
9.2% were gay men in a pioneering HIV prevention program, "Adventure Out," that utilizes experiential education and wilderness adventure for significant personal empowerment with a focus on healthy decision making and community building.
1% were individuals that participated in the "Positive Adventures" program designed to encourage people living with HIV/AIDS to maintain a positive outlook, continue living fulfilling lives, and engage in community.
9.2% were addicts that received food, health education and treatment information, as well as training in harm reduction practices to prevent the spread of Hepatitis C and HIV.
Our programming demands increase annually, however, the needs in our state are greater than we are currently able to address. Many groups are on a waiting list for future participation.
Our Current Funding
Private Programming
The Santa Fe Center for Leadership Development at SFMC specializes in addressing all aspects of leadership, with individuals and teams. The work we do with individuals, groups and organizations creates, deepens and integrates profound change, helping individuals grow both personally and professionally. Proceeds are used to support our mission.