For Immediate Release
Monday, August 11th, 2025
Media Contact:
Destiny Logan
destiny@singlespacestrategies.com
$1.5 Million in Violence Intervention Funding Heading to New Mexico Organizations for Violence Prevention Initiatives
Albuquerque, NM – The New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (NMCSAP) applauds the first award of grants from The Violence Intervention Program Fund, created by the New Mexico State Legislature and the NM Department of Health to support community need for violence intervention. Sexual assault and community based programs are taking action to create meaningful and positive change. Programs across the state applied to the new fund and received awards ranging from $30,000 to $200,000 on August 1st, 2025. $1.5 million in one-time funding was awarded.
The grants will enable partner organizations to provide critical resources to implement violence prevention programs, examples include:
- Keshet Dance Company, Albuquerque – to integrate violence prevention into arts education programs, and using evidence-based practices to foster social connectedness through arts curricula.
- Arise Sexual Assault Services, Portales – to implement the Green Dot Community Program, an evidence-based bystander intervention initiative proven to reduce power-based violence.
- Tewa Women United, Española – to collaborate with Pojoaque Valley School District, to expand the A’Gin Body Sovereignty and Healthy Sexuality program.
- Chavez County CASA Program, Roswell – to facilitate the delivery of sexual violence prevention to school-aged children through CASAkids’ Youth and Youth Adult Programming in Roswell Independent School District schools.
“We are incredibly proud of the network of organizations who work tirelessly each day to create positive change for the communities they serve.” said Alexandria Taylor, Executive Director of NMCSAP. “This investment is more than just a grant; it’s a commitment to investing in communities throughout NM to implement a public health approach to preventing violence. These grants are a demonstration of our belief that the most effective solutions exist within communities and supported communities are safer communities. We are grateful to the NM State Legislature, NM Department of Health and everyone who makes this work possible.”
Youth focused efforts include the work of Unlock Civics New Mexico who empower youth most impacted by incarceration, poverty, and trauma to become civic leaders through project-based learning, peer mentorship, and advocacy for systemic change.
“This funding fortifies our shared work with young people and system-impacted community members, honoring the strengths we already hold while advancing new strategies rooted in care, dignity, and connection. Guided by the truth that our liberation is bound together, we are weaving networks of safety and belonging that resist disposability and affirm life. Together, we are building the conditions for safer, more connected communities, not only for today, but as an inheritance of justice and possibility for generations to come.” said Justin Allen Program Director Unlock Civics NM, Millions for Prisoners NM.
Partner programs highlight a diversity of needs across communities including culturally relevant initiatives. Partners like Casa Fortaleza conduct community-driven prevention presentations and educational workshops in Spanish-speaking communities.
“Sexual violence is an expansive issue that impacts individuals and entire communities. We focus on proactive solutions rooted in prevention—educating communities, challenging harmful norms, and fostering a culture of respect and consent,” said Marian J. Méndez-Cera, Director of Education & Community Engagement, Casa Fortaleza. “As a trauma-informed agency, we provide strength-based, community-driven, linguistically specific services that honor survivors’ dignity and draw from the values, traditions, and collective strength of the communities we serve. This funding allows us to expand vital services and strengthen healing networks that support survivors beyond crisis into restoration and empowerment.”
The existence of this fund highlights the importance of investing in evidence-based, community-led solutions to violence. NMCSAP remains committed to working alongside partner organizations and the New Mexico State Department of Health Office of Injury Prevention to continue this vital work and ensure a safer future for all the residents of New Mexico.
Full List of Awardees:
– Affirming Heart Victim Services
– Arise Sexual Assault Services
– Casa Fortaleza
– Casa Kids (Chaves County CASA Program)
– Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women
– Communities Against Violence
– Girls Inc. of Santa Fe
– Keshet Dance Company
– Resolve
– Sexual Assault Services of Northwest New Mexico
– Silver Regional Sexual Assault Services
– Solace Sexual Assault Services
– Tender Love Community Center
– Tewa Women United
– Tha Sweet Life
– Unlock Civics New Mexico
– Valencia Shelter Services
– Women in Leadership
The New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline is available for anyone to call to talk about their experience. This story discusses sexual violence. For anyone in need of support, please call, text or chat the New Mexico Sexual Assault Helpline at 844-667-2457 or nmsahelp.org. The Helpline is available 24/7 and is 100% confidential and free.
###
The New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that serves as a comprehensive clearinghouse, providing a variety of resources to assist in preventing and responding to sexual assault. Survivors, service providers, the media, non-profit and governmental organizations and the general public find our resources current, relevant, and helpful.
NMCSAP_PressRelease_ViolenceInterventionFunding0825