April Newsletter

April is Community College Month, and at Santa Fe Community College (SFCC), we have much to celebrate. Ranked 4th among community colleges nationwide and 1st in New Mexico, SFCC continues to be recognized for the care and commitment poured into every student’s academic journey. We are proud to celebrate the people and programs that make SFCC special.

This month, we are highlighting the inspiring story of SFCC student Jackie Rodriguez, who has found vital support through SFCC parent programs. We are also proud to share the article from the Santa Fe New Mexican spotlighting SFCC student Leslye Melchor de Cardona. In addition, we are sharing our recent volunteer day at Bienvenidos Outreach Inc., where our team and board members came together to give back to the local community.

Be sure to check out our full lineup of events happening this month in celebration of Community College Month. Plus, we are partnering with FreeWill one final time. Do not miss this last opportunity to create your estate plan at no cost.

Jackie’s Road to Protecting Children in NM with Support from SFCCF

Jackie Rodriguez is a 1st generation college student at SFCC, she is studying criminal justice, and is mother to a 3 year old daughter named Maya. Jackie is a dedicated mother and knows the importance of keeping her child, and children in New Mexico safe, she plans to work in crimes against children with her studies in criminal justice.

SFCC has several programs in place to support student parents that Jackie takes part in, like the Student Parent Alliance. These programs have helped keep her accountable, give her a community, and teach her leadership skills. SFCC provides support through their young parent programming and educational resources. The only missing piece that Jackie needed was financial support, which Santa Fe Community College Foundation (SFCCF) was happy to provide.

SFCCF has supported Jackie through scholarships and the Student Emergency Fund. Jackie says, “the scholarships have been extremely helpful to navigate the expenses of going back to school and everyday necessities. I have used the Student Emergency Fund twice since being a student, which is super helpful when hard times come about and you just need a little bit of help.”

Jackie spoke at an event with SFCC about the impact that the Foundation has had on her everyday life. She felt “so thankful to meet those who donate to this foundation and help with scholarships to get us through school. I’m a single mom, so whenever I get a scholarship it’s like a lifeline for us to be able to continue moving forward. I can focus on education and I can focus on my family.”

Jackie has worked extremely hard during her time as a student at SFCC. In the future, she plans to transfer to a 4 year university after earning her associate degree and pursue a bachelor’s degree. Thank you, Jackie, for all of your leadership and hard work.

Volunteer Day at Bienvenidos Outreach Inc.

Last month we had the opportunity to spend a day volunteering at Bienvenidos Outreach Inc., a local food pantry and support center for those who need a helping hand. We were joined by four SFCC board members and spent our day working in various areas of the organization. Some of us were in the Clothing Closet where we sorted through clothing that had been recently donated. We sifted through each article of clothing to ensure it was clean, free of damage, and ready to be worn. 

Others spent time assembling peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the day’s food distribution. Sandwich after sandwich, our team felt the care and love that goes into planning food drives. This simple item offers more than nourishment, it brings a sense of comfort, playfulness, and joy. For many, it serves as a reminder that they are seen, valued, and deserving of care even during challenging times. 

Supporting our community is essential. The heart of our work is to always support the community and lift up those who need it. Working in partnership with Bienvenidos Outreach was a powerful reminder of how important the work of helping others is. Santa Fe Community College Foundation and Bienvenidos Outreach have different audiences, but we both are working towards the same mission, to help the community and share resources to those who need them.

Bienvenidos Outreach Inc. offers more than food, their newest initiatives include a sponsorship opportunity for the Pet Pantry that supports the four legged animals and the Gardens-For-All Project which encourages food security and self-reliance through growing produce.

If you would like to volunteer, donate, or if someone you know needs support visit https://bienvenidosfoodpantry.org/

Renew your commitment to all you love—including our students at SFCC

This season, we’re reaffirming our commitment to SFCC students by continuing our efforts to making education accessible. Consider making your will to find a renewed sense of purpose, recording decisions that support the people, communities, and causes closest to your heart.

By creating your free will with our partner, FreeWill, you can protect your loved ones, plan for your assets, and help us continue to support our students through a planned gift—all in just 20 minutes.

A Lifeline in a Time of Need: Mayors Guaranteed Income Pilot Program

Leslye Melchor de Cardona, a student pursuing a credential in early childhood education, exemplifies strength and perseverance. While navigating pregnancy, a breast cancer diagnosis, and college coursework, she stayed focused on her educational journey.

Through the Mayors Guaranteed Income pilot program, a partnership between SFCC, the City of Santa Fe, and the Santa Fe Community Foundation, Leslye received direct financial support during a critical time. The assistance helped cover essentials like groceries, bills, and other living expenses.

Her story was recently featured in the Santa Fe New Mexican. Her journey underscores the power of community investment and the impact of programs that put students first.

Upcoming Events

In celebration of Community College Month, there are many exciting happenings around campus. Click below to view the full list of events hosted by SFCC!

Thank you for believing in our students. Your support helps the Santa Fe Community College Foundation connect students with the resources they need to succeed. With your support, students are receiving food from the SFCC Campus Cupboard, emergency aid during hard times, and scholarships that open new doors. Your generosity makes a real difference.

Kelly A. Marquez, MBA
Executive Director
kelly.marquez@sfcc.edu