For the past year, two local organizations—the LOR Foundation and the Vida del Norte Coalition—both led by Maria Gonzalez, have been working hand-in-hand with community groups to create lifelines of opportunity for the Questa community.
On March 27, they took that mission one step further by co-hosting a community resource night at the Questa VFW, serving dinner and showcasing the people and programs dedicated to improving life in rural northern New Mexico. The evening was organized by Gonzalez, and featured 14 presenters, each sharing how their organization supports local families and individuals. With about 64 people in attendance, the event aimed to connect residents with services ranging from mental health care and substance abuse prevention to educational support and job placement.
“Why not Questa?” asked Pastor Gayle Martinez of Living Word Ministries, setting the tone for the evening. Her question underscored a growing belief: that communities like Questa deserve access to the same opportunities and resources as larger cities.
Gonzalez continues to identify resources and help for the greater community, in an effort to create a supportive ecosystem for all people living in northern Taos County but she knows that in order for people to receive support, they have to be willing to accept it.
Gonzalez wants to ensure people know the following list are resources available to residents:
Whole-Person Wellness: Resources for Mind and Body
Health and wellness took center stage as representatives from the Questa Health Center, 100% Taos Initiative, Las Cumbres Community Services, Together With Veterans, and Holy Cross Community Health Services outlined their services.
The Questa Health Center offers comprehensive care—including dental and behavioral services—and is a designated “Safe Place” for teens in crisis. Meanwhile, 100% Taos Initiative helps Taos County residents access basic needs such as food, housing, transportation, and health care.
Las Cumbres provides behavioral health therapy for youth and families, while Jason Gonzalez, a member of the Governor’s veterans advisory committee, works with Together With Veterans to bring critical mental health and transportation services to rural veterans.
Fighting Substance Abuse and Preventing Suicide
Addressing substance use and suicide prevention, Taos Alive and Together With Veterans emphasized early intervention and community-based care.
Taos Alive focuses on youth education and prevention, offering NARCAN training and distribution along with support for positive youth activities like art and sports. “We try to help young people understand what influences them and then try to connect them with positive activities they enjoy,” said Miles Bonny of Taos Alive.
Together With Veterans, tailored specifically for rural communities, focuses on suicide prevention among veterans, a population particularly at risk.
Supporting Families through Every Stage
Several organizations spoke to the needs of families—whether facing crisis, raising children, or seeking community.
Living Word Ministries offers everything from weekly children’s programs and youth leadership initiatives to grief support and free prom dresses. Las Cumbres also supports families in high-risk environments and offers resources for grandparents raising grandchildren.
Youth Heartline works with youth aged 9 to 13, creating spaces for dialogue around relationships and decision-making. “Our goal is for that group to make healthy decisions for themselves and create lifelong skills,” said Feliz Medina of Youth Heartline. The organization also provides housing support, victim advocacy, and CASA volunteers for children in the foster system.
TIWA Babies, represented by local resident Melissa Reynolds, supports new and expecting families from pregnancy through the early childhood years. “Our goal is to make sure babies and families get the best possible start in life,” said Reynolds.
Holy Cross Community Health Services discussed cancer support groups, home visiting for new parents, parenting classes, and benefit navigation assistance for programs like Medicaid and Social Security.
Education and Economic Opportunity
UNM-Taos and its HIVE business center highlighted local opportunities for education and entrepreneurship. The HIVE recently launched an eight-week business development program, “Pollinator,” which is live-streamed to the Questa Visitor Center. UNM-Taos representatives also spoke about degree pathways in education and healthcare, and the wide-ranging support services available to students.
Workforce Connections, also present at the event, provides resumé building, job placement, and a pre-apprenticeship program for youths, ages 16 to 24. The organization is currently partnered with Questa Business Bridge and offers monthly services at the Questa Visitor Center.
Building a Resilient Future
The March 27 event was just one example of the ongoing collaboration between LOR Foundation and Vida del Norte Coalition, who, over the past year, have worked to strengthen the social and economic fabric of the Questa area. By connecting residents with services, supporting youth, and fostering partnerships across sectors, these organizations are laying the groundwork for long-term resilience in the region.
For more information residents are encouraged to reach out to the respective organizations or visit the Questa Visitor Center.
