A Dose of Hope | October 2025

Greetings!

Another year, another alumni reunion! What a beautiful day we had with blue skies and puffy clouds drifting overhead as we gathered together for a block party. It was wonderful to see over 100 adults and children!

At this amazing event, there was a strong feeling of community and joy. Parents reconnected with other families as they shared lunch and stories. Children laughed and played in the bounce house, splashed in the water table, and had their faces painted. Giggles the clown provided entertainment and a magic show. Many local organizations and volunteer groups provided science and art activities. This street event provided an engaging time for all.

The Saranam alumni reunion brought back many happy memories of community as they recalled their time spent at this place of refuge and new beginnings. We asked alumni how was Saranam a new beginning for you? One alum mother shared,

"Saranam changed my live for the better. Thanks to you, I now am almost done with my degree. I am thriving and no longer struggling. I may be a single mom but now I have the skills to cope. Thank you!"

2025 NM Housing Summit

Last month, Executive Director, Tracy Weaver attended the 2025 NM Housing Summit here in Albuquerque. She was a panelist for the "From Concept to Community: Housing Innovation Panel". Here are a few comments from Tracy after her participation.

"It was great to be on the panel with other Housing Innovation Grant awardees sharing about our very different housing projects. Because of this funding, we are able to complete our new campus with no debt on the build. I heard about similar challenges of delays in construction and processes but really was happy to also hear similar gratitude and focus on the goals of serving people in our communities."

Target Circle voting is now OPEN!

We are honored and excited to announce that we have been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign sponsored and funded by Target.

You have the chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us!

Here's how: Now through December 31 vote for us through the Target Circle program to help determine how Target’s donation will be divvied up. Find out more about Target Circle here.

We’re asking our supporters to help us make the most of this incredible opportunity. Every vote counts to help us receive a portion of the available Target funds as we continue our mission to end family homelessness and poverty.

Also, there is no limit to the number of times you can vote. Please keep voting for Saranam through the end of the year!

Coming Up! A Unique Way to Give

Saranam is a one of five local organizations invited to participate in the Light the World Giving Machine from December 12, 2025 - January 1, 2026. This is a new and unique way to give! The Giving Machine is a vending machine that invites people to donate funds towards preselected tangible items to help those in need. The machine will be available for visitors at Cottonwood Mall. Stay tuned for more details!

With Gratitude

We'd like to say Thank You to all the volunteers, companies, and organizations who helped make our annual alumni reunion a success!

Albuquerque Involved
Albuquerque Museum Foundation
Create U 505
Costco
Jason's Deli
Explora!
Raisin' Cane's
Sandia National Laboratories
Sunward
New Mexico United
Sunward
Yes Organic Boutique and Spa

The Heart of the Home

A Donor's Journey

Over the years, everyone we’ve met at Saranam was introduced to the organization differently. We spoke with Betty Wilson, a volunteer and donor, who first heard about Saranam through her home church. Every donor brings their talents, experiences, and ways to support our mission and vision.

Read about Betty's journey

Community Corner

2025 PNM Day of Giving

Last month, an excited group from PNM volunteered one sunny morning at the FTA Campus. We are thankful for team lead, Tony Apodaca, who helped organize this group of PNM employees. He chose Saranam for their office's annual day of giving because of his positive experiences volunteering here and how much he loves the mission.

If you have a group that would like to volunteer, contact Sunny Holmes, Community Engagement Coordinator at sholmes@saranamabq.org.

Listen for the Dinner Bell

Thank you to High Desert United Methodist Church in Rio Rancho who brought meal kits to some of our second-year families at Saranam last month.

Each meal kit included all of the ingredients for a kid-approved, budget-friendly dinner for the household. We hope there were enough for some yummy leftovers!

Next Volunteer Training!

Wanting to work directly with our families? The first step is to join us for our volunteer training. We cover the basics of trauma informed care, the ins and outs of the Saranam program, and your role as a volunteer. The next training session is:

Saturday, October 25, 9:00-12:30

at FTA Campus

For more information or to sign up contact Sunny Holmes at sholmes@saranamabq.org.

Winter and Holiday Corner

Spreading Cheer!

Are you looking for ways to spread holiday cheer this year? Contact Sunny if you are interested in setting up a holiday gift drive with your organization. Email Sunny at sholmes@saranamabq.org.