Looking back, 2025 was a busy year. Questa locals championed more than 60 projects with LOR’s support, contributing more than half a million dollars to the community. Each project made life a little better for those who call Questa home. But there’s one trend that we were especially excited to see. Time and time again, residents stepped up to support those who take care of Questa.
Back in April, LOR’s Maria Gonzalez learned of the significant challenges facing the village’s emergency medical service (EMS) team. Without significant updates in over 20 years, the team’s sleeping and living quarters were rundown, with one mattress so worn that springs were poking through. For Questa’s ambulance crews, who work long overnight shifts, getting the rest they needed to respond quickly and save lives was a problem. The solution: EMS and village leaders worked with Gonzalez to buy a new bed, blankets, pillows, stove, and living room furniture, improving the well-being of first responders—and the community.
Just a few months later, the Questa Fire and EMS Department’s new volunteer fire chief reached out to Gonzalez with a similar concern. Questa’s fire department had not had wildland firefighting gear for over 10 years, a serious issue since the department is the first line of defense against growing drought-fueled wildfires. Without the proper protective equipment, volunteers were putting their health, safety, and the futures of their families at risk. So, with support from LOR, the Questa Fire and EMS Department purchased 15 sets of helmets, flame-resistant clothing, boots, and other protective gear to fully outfit crews the next time they respond to a wildfire.
“These are the people who show up when we need them most,” Gonzalez says. “Making sure they have what they need—it’s the least we can do. The projects residents led in 2025 sent a clear message: Questa looks after the people who look after us.”
The investments in Questa’s guardians and stewards went far beyond first responders. Community projects supported veterans, local businesses, teachers, and even public works crews. After two traffic accidents near road repair sites highlighted the urgent need for better safety equipment, one village staffer used a grant from LOR to secure solar beacons, traffic barrels, warning signs, and other essential safety supplies for road work crews.
For many residents, supporting those who serve Questa just makes sense. They know that investing in these community leaders ultimately benefits everyone in Questa. That was the case when one Questa Independent School District employee approached Gonzalez about providing high-quality professional development for teachers and staff. School leaders knew hosting workshops on instructional strategies, technology, and community engagement would not only improve teacher morale, but better prepare them to serve students and families. In a very real way, caring for teachers was caring for the future of Questa.
“When you support a teacher, you’re supporting every student in their classroom. When you protect a road crew, you’re ensuring safer roads for years to come,” Gonzalez says. “It’s never just about one person—it’s about strengthening the whole fabric of Questa.”
Last year Questa’s fabric got a whole lot stronger because of the hard work and dedication of residents. Thank you! We can’t wait to see the ideas and solutions the community comes up with in 2026. As we hit the ground running, you can reach out to Gonzalez at maria@lorfoundation.org or 575-665-2001 to share your idea and set up a time to chat. From all of us here at LOR, we’re wishing you a wonderful new year.
LOR works with rural communities in the Mountain West to enhance livability and prosperity while preserving the character that makes each community unique.
