United Way Northern New Mexico Executive Director Cindy Padilla. Courtesy photo

KIWANIS News:

At their Feb. 17 meeting, the Kiwanis Club of Los Alamos welcomed United Way Northern New Mexico Executive Director Cindy Padilla and Corporate and Community Engagement Director Donna Milanovich.

Padilla gave a short history of the United Way in Los Alamos and how it evolved. It all began with an organizational meeting in April, 1953 and was incorporated and held its first campaign as the Los Alamos United Fund in 1954. In 2006, the name was changed to United Way Northern New Mexico, now serving Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties.

The United Way has three programs. Grant Making through their Community Action Fund provides resources for nonprofits who are addressing the communities most critical needs.

Collective Impact connects nonprofits with businesses and community leaders. The newer Resource Hub strengthens youth-serving organizations across their service region.

Over the past 3 years, the United Way NNM has awarded over $1.2M to 30 nonprofits and hopes to continue growing and supporting the needs of their families and communities.