The LOR Foundation has been supporting Questa community projects for a little over two years, so it seems like a fair opportunity for a quick quiz.
First question: In how many areas does LOR fund community projects? If you know the answer, can you name all of the fields? In their community assistance, LOR funds projects across eight areas, or “elements:” the economy, education, engagement, environment, health, housing, transportation, and water. We know that sounds broad—that’s because it is! But what you might not know is that Questa locals are coming up with unique and overlooked solutions across these eight areas with LOR’s support.
Let’s take water. When you think of local challenges and solutions, you might think of Questa’s historic acequias, irrigation, or outdoor recreation. But one Questa Independent School District staff member and coach had a different idea. With no water fountains outside Questa Junior/Senior High School, he realized students were at risk of dehydration and overheating, especially when they would forget to bring their own water bottles. He went to LOR Questa Community Officer Maria Gonzalez with a simple fix: portable hydration stations. With LOR’s support, the school’s two new water stations will be available for sports and other outdoor events beginning later this spring.
“I love seeing the creative problem solving of our project champions,” Gonzalez says. “When we say we fund ‘water’ or ‘transportation’ projects, we’re not just looking for big or straightforward solutions—though we do support those. We want residents’ unique perspectives and ideas for what the Questa community needs.”
LOR supports creative problem solving across all eight elements. For example, Gonzalez frequently hears from residents about transportation challenges in Questa. In some cases, LOR has helped community groups purchase a vehicle or expand telehealth so Questa residents don’t have to travel as far for care. But earlier this year one staff member with the Village of Questa reached out to Gonzalez with a different kind of transportation solution. Over the years, speeding has been a serious problem on Cabresto Road, leading to tragic consequences. The staffer shared that after community discussion and collaboration, the village was prepared to erect speeding signs to make the road safer for residents. With LOR’s funding, the village is now buying and installing four solar-powered radar signs that will encourage drivers to slow down, saving lives.
“We don’t have predetermined solutions in mind,” Gonzalez says. “The real power comes from listening to the community and funding locally led projects. Whether it’s water stations or road signs, the best ideas come from the people who live here and understand Questa.”
One area where Gonzalez is hoping to see new and innovative ideas is education. Over the last two years, LOR has funded a number of education projects, from smart boards and leadership workshops to an outdoor classroom and equipment for after-school programs. Do you have a unique or overlooked idea that could strengthen local learning for kids or adults? Gonzalez is ready to help you
bring your idea to life. Connect with her at maria@lorfoundation.org or (575) 665-2001 and be Questa’s next problem solver!
LOR works with rural communities in the Mountain West to enhance livability and prosperity while preserving the character that makes each community unique.
