If you’ve lived in northern Taos County for any length of time, you know how much people rely on their local churches. For generations, the religious community has been the backbone of our communities. So when we talk about keeping our kids away from drugs and alcohol, Vida del Norte knows we can’t do it without the help of our local faith groups who are right there on the front lines, looking out for our youth.
Leading the charge for this sector is Pastor Gayle Martinez from Living Word Ministries (LWM). As our faith sector lead, Pastor Gayle helps bridge the gap between our coalition’s resources and the families who need them most. The great thing about our local churches is that they’ve known many of these kids since they were babies. To Pastor Gayle and other faith leaders, a teenager isn’t just a number on a spreadsheet—they are someone’s grandkid, a neighbor, and the future of our town.
“Every community needs places to find hope and belonging,” Pastor Gayle says, explaining why this connection matters so much. “Organizations like Vida del Norte play a vital role in helping families impacted by substance use, and we are grateful to stand alongside them. One truth unites us: we are all broken in some way. Whether our struggles involve addiction or trauma, everyone carries wounds.”
By opening up their doors and talking honestly about stuff like mental health and addiction, LWM faith leaders are helping protect kids before they get into trouble. Pastor Gayle believes the church is uniquely built for this, providing what she calls “touch points”—like worship, youth groups, and service—where people are seen and valued. “Our mission is rooted in Jesus Christ, who came ‘to heal the brokenhearted’ and ‘set the oppressed free,’” she says.
Real Support When It Matters Most
The New Thirst Christ-Centered Recovery Program, which meets every week over at Living Word Ministries, is a perfect example. It’s a place where people can go for real, judgment-free help. It shows that faith and practical, life-saving support can really work together to change lives.
But it’s not just about recovery programs. Just being involved in a church gives a kid a sense of purpose. When a teenager helps out with a church activity, joins a youth group, or helps an elder in the parish, they feel like they belong somewhere. Having those positive friends and older mentors around makes a huge difference in keeping kids from turning to drugs or alcohol out of boredom or stress.
“We believe recovery is strengthened when organizations, families, and churches work together,” Pastor Gayle concludes. “Living Word Ministries is honored to partner with Vida del Norte to create places where people discover hope, experience healing, and find purpose.”
Get Involved
Churches are also great at getting the word out. When a pastor mentions Vida del Norte’s workshops, vaping education, trouble with addiction, or Narcan training, it helps take away the shame. It shows families that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s just the right thing to do.
More voices are needed to help protect our youth. If you are a pastor, church member, youth leader, or just someone who cares about our community, the Vida Coalition needs you. Join Pastor Gayle and the rest of the team at the next Vida del Norte monthly coalition meeting, or reach out to us to see how your congregation can get involved.
Contact Maria Gonzalez @maria.gonzalez@vidadelnorte.com or (575) 779-2260 for more informaiton or to enroll.
