Thrive in Southern New Mexico

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https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/D3KXoVu Mrs. Kirk’s.

Instead, we support local nonprofits who do through fundraising, collaboration, and capacity building. Our History

“If a citizen becomes aware of a human need that is not being met, he discusses the situation with his neighbors. Suddenly, a committee comes into existence and a new community function is established. It is like watching a miracle.” Alexis de Tocqueville

Community Chest 1955-1960
T

he Community Chest began in 1955 by leading initiatives and supporting local nonprofits that benefit people in need in Otero County, by providing grants to organizations to help provide vital financial resources to carry out their work. United Fund 1960-1970
With the beginning successes of the Community Chest within Otero County, the name changed to the United Fund in 1960, continuing to provide financial resources to help local nonprofit agencies and their programs. United Way 1970-2017
In 1970, the United Fund partnered with United Way Worldwide, changing the name to United Way of Otero County. By doing this, it allowed the organization to take advantage of the benefits of being a part of a larger branded organization as it was recognized across the world. Helen Kirk
A long-time resident of Alamogordo, Mrs. Helen Kirk is remembered for her role as Executive Director for the United Way of Otero County, which she held from 1965 through 1986. Kirk’s ability to enlist and inspire volunteers for the organization, is where the prestigious “Helen Kirk Award” was born. Kirk was recognized, at her retirement in 1986, with the creation of this award, which is given yearly to the volunteer whose contribution of time and energy is considered most reflective of Mrs.

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟓 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🎉We want to recognize and thank 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 for her incredible 𝟓 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐬 ...
06/16/2026

𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝟓 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 🎉

We want to recognize and thank 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 for her incredible 𝟓 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄’𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫!

While much of her work happens behind the scenes, Julie plays a vital role in helping THRIVE fulfill its mission. From managing the details that keep our organization running smoothly to working closely with our workplace campaigns, she helps ensure that critical funding reaches the nonprofits serving communities across Otero and Lincoln Counties.

Her dedication, organization, and commitment to making a difference have helped strengthen countless community partnerships and support the important work of our partner agencies.

Julie, thank you for all that you do. Your hard work often happens out of the spotlight, but its impact is felt throughout our entire community. Here's to five amazing years and many more to come! ✨

𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 📢In observance of Juneteenth, THRIVE in Southern New Mexico will be closed on Friday, June 19. We ...
06/15/2026

𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 📢

In observance of Juneteenth, THRIVE in Southern New Mexico will be closed on Friday, June 19. We will resume normal business hours Monday, June 22.

We wish everyone a meaningful and reflective Juneteenth.

𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 🌟Each Monday, we spotlight individuals in our community who are making a meaningful difference through lea...
06/15/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 🌟

Each Monday, we spotlight individuals in our community who are making a meaningful difference through leadership, service, and a passion for helping others thrive.

Our 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 feature this week is 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐡.

Born and raised in Alamogordo, Heather comes from a family with deep roots in the local performing arts community. With grandparents who helped found Alamogordo Music Theater in the 1950s, and a lifetime spent immersed in music, theater, and performance, Heather has always had a passion for the arts.

For more than 20 years, she has served the community as an educator, helping young people learn, grow, and succeed. In 2018, Heather and her friend Teresa Ham founded Children's Music Theater of Alamogordo with a vision to provide local children opportunities to explore creativity, build confidence, and experience the magic of the performing arts.

Today, CMToA is much more than a theater program. Under Heather’s leadership, it has become a place where young people develop leadership skills, learn teamwork, gain confidence, and discover talents both on stage and behind the scenes.

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝:
"Our community always shows up when given the opportunity to support something meaningful for children"

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞:
"Never underestimate the power of creativity, mentorship, and giving young people a place to belong."

A self-proclaimed lifelong “Drama Queen,” Heather continues to use her passion for theater to inspire the next generation and strengthen the cultural fabric of our community.

Thank you, Heather, for your dedication to Alamogordo’s youth and for creating a space where children can dream big, grow confidently, and shine brightly. 🎭

𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊. 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐔𝐏. 𝐖𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐈𝐆. 🧹🎶Want a chance to see Bart Crow live at our Summer Benefit Concert?Join 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐜𝐃𝐨...
06/09/2026

𝐆𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊. 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐔𝐏. 𝐖𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐈𝐆. 🧹🎶

Want a chance to see Bart Crow live at our Summer Benefit Concert?

Join 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐜𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐝'𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝟓 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧-𝐔𝐩 on the morning of the concert! As a thank you to volunteers, 𝙨𝙝𝙚'𝙨 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 4 𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙬.

It's a simple way to make a difference, connect with your community, and potentially enjoy an unforgettable night of live music.

Let's come together to keep Alamogordo beautiful - then celebrate together at the concert!

𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 ↴
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dmntnXGXLVGOlntuu601lymm_iiOLK43/view

𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 ✨This week, we're proud to highlight 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐳, a dedicated community leader and longtime supporter...
06/08/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 ✨

This week, we're proud to highlight 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐳, a dedicated community leader and longtime supporter of Southern New Mexico.

Born and raised in Alamogordo, Angelica has deep roots in our community. Her father served in the Air Force and chose Alamogordo as the place to call home. For more than 17 years, she has been a valued member of Southwest Heritage Bank, building relationships and serving others with excellence. When she's not working, Angelica enjoys spending time with her husband and family, as well as taking walks with her beloved pup.

One of the 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 that has shaped her journey is simple but powerful: "Always be on assignment. Strive for excellence. Never stop learning."

Angelica has faithfully served as a Thrive Board Member since 2011 and remains actively involved in her church community at Mountain View Church. Through initiatives such as their annual Thanksgiving meal, she helps provide support, connection, and care to community members throughout the year.

𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞, 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟑:𝟓, reflects the faith that guides her life: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

Thank you, Angelica, for your years of leadership, service, and commitment to making Alamogordo a stronger community. Your example continues to inspire those around you. 🌳

Thrive staff had the pleasure of attending the 49th Wing Change of Command Ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base this morn...
06/04/2026

Thrive staff had the pleasure of attending the 49th Wing Change of Command Ceremony at Holloman Air Force Base this morning.

We extend our sincere thanks to Col. John T. Ethridge for his leadership and service, and we warmly welcome Col. Michael S. Mullin as he assumes command of the 49th Wing. We also wish Chief Master Sgt. William Ford all the best and thank him for his dedicated service!

We are so grateful for the opportunity to help support military members, veterans, and the families who make a difference in our community.

Welcome, Col. Mullin, and thank you to Team Holloman for your continued service to Southern New Mexico! 🇺🇸

𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 ✓Today is your opportunity to make your voice heard! Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, so be sure to ca...
06/02/2026

𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐚𝐲 ✓

Today is your opportunity to make your voice heard! Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, so be sure to cast your ballot before the polls close.

You can vote at any of the following Voting Convenience Centers:

• 𝐎𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬
401 Fairgrounds Rd., Alamogordo, NM

• 𝐓𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫
2400 N. Scenic Dr., Alamogordo, NM

• 𝐒𝐠𝐭. 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫
800 E. 1st St., Alamogordo, NM

• 𝐓𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐚 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦
609 St. Francis Dr., Tularosa, NM

• 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥
1101 James Canyon Hwy., Cloudcroft, NM

• 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐨 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫
108 Central, Mescalero, NM

𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 🌟Each Monday, we’ll be spotlighting individuals in our community who are making a meaningful difference ac...
06/01/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 🌟

Each Monday, we’ll be spotlighting individuals in our community who are making a meaningful difference across Southern New Mexico through leadership, service, and heart.

This week’s 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 spotlight is 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐊𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐨.

Born in Honolulu and raised in a family dedicated to service, Chief Kunihiro moved to Alamogordo in 1992 and has remained committed to serving the community ever since. After earning his Criminal Justice degree from New Mexico State University, he joined the Alamogordo Police Department in 2006 and worked his way through multiple leadership roles before becoming Chief of Police in 2023.

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐊𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐨’𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝:
“Work hard but value your time off as much as your time on the pitch job. Maintaining physical and mental well-being matters.”

𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬:
“Commit to lifelong learning, be a dependable team player, and choose selflessness over selfishness.”

𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞:
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, plans to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” — Jeremiah 29:11-12

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐊𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐨, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐮𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲.

Address

1601 10th Street
Alamogordo, NM
88310

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+1 575-437-8400

Website

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