Things are crazy—we get it. It’s the holiday season. You’ve got to feed and occupy your family. People are traveling. Kids are getting out of school. And now it gets dark before 5 p.m. Not to mention all the work that’s piling up as the year comes to a close. Whew. This time of year is magical, but it can be alot.
That’s why we’re taking a step back. And we hope you do, too. December is for family and fun, festivity, and warmth. But it’s also a time for reflection. It’s a chance to look back on 11 months that feel both recent and like a distant memory. So, what has your 2024 been like? What have been the triumphs and tribulations?
In our view, it’s been a remarkable 2024, thanks to you. Over the last year, Questa locals have led more than 40 community projects, strengthening Questa with more than $330,000 in support from the LOR Foundation. If there’s one thing 2024 showed us, it’s that people across the Questa community are hungry to lead projects that make life better for their families, friends, and neighbors.
And you can see it in the numbers. Since Maria Gonzalez joined LOR as the Questa community officer a little over two years ago, Questa locals have championed more than 75 projects, with more than $550,000 in support from LOR.
“Questa is special because of the dedicated, caring, and thoughtful people who call our community home,” Gonzalez says. “Over the last year, local champions have continued to be the driving force behind the projects LOR has supported, and you can see their impact all over the community.”
Around town, it’s not hard to find community-led projects from the last year that are making a difference for residents. Attended a basketball or volleyball game? Two school staffers reached out to Gonzalez with the idea to purchase a digital scorer’s table with LOR’s support. Now, the scoreboard is helping local businesses advertise to residents, while the Questa Independent School District is using the proceeds to support its athletic programs. Visited the C. A. Cisneros Youth and Family Center? One Village of Questa employee approached Gonzalez with a vision to revitalize the center. With repairs, new furniture, and updated equipment, the center is becoming a growing hub for local youth and community activities. Gotten your hands dirty at the Questa Creative Council’s Ceramic Café workshops? Council members wanted to offer pottery classes to even more residents, so they reached out to LOR for help. With new supplies, the Creative Council is growing the Ceramic Café program so even more Questa locals can pursue the creative arts.
“This year has been an overwhelming success,” Gonzalez says. “Questa locals have come up with dozens of projects that are already benefiting our community, including solutions that will help residents for years to come.”
The LOR office will be closed from December 21 through January 6 so that Gonzalez and the LOR team can enjoy the holidays and reset before what we expect will be the busiest year yet. But don’t worry, there’s still time if you have an idea for a community solution! Reach out to Gonzalez at maria@lorfoundation.org or (575) 665-2001 to set up a time to talk and learn how LOR can help you bring your idea to life.
From Gonzalez and all of us at LOR, we wish you a warm and joyful holiday season!
LOR works with rural communities in the Mountain West to enhance livability and prosperity while preserving the character that makes each community unique.
