Deming nonprofits urge city support as volunteers and services strain capacity

Several Deming nonprofits told the City Council on Nov. 19 that rising demand and limited staff are stretching their capacity and asked the city for steadier support.

Margaret Fairman, speaking for Silver Linings, described the charity’s meal program (which began in an open garage) and said the group uses the Homeless Management Information System to interview clients. She said at least one meal is provided daily and asked the city and county to cover about 50% of Silver Linings’ budget so the group can operate a hotel‑style facility with a full kitchen to serve more meals.

Jan Millis of Project Communidad said her open food pantry and clothing bank now serve a shifting demographic (from primarily age 65+ to many people aged 30–40), that 25% of Luna County’s residents need services, and that volunteers have recorded roughly 168 hours. She said the group runs four part‑time positions and has stopped mobile distributions to better steward donations.

Jim Helgert of Recovery Management Center said the nonprofit currently serves about 100 clients with a staff of roughly 20 certified therapists and is aiming to open a 16‑bed substance‑use treatment facility; he said funding derives from state, federal and county sources and insurance.

Other presenters described similar strains. Monica Rodriguez of Play Sharity outlined free after‑school and makerspace activities (Wednesdays–Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.) and said operating costs are currently covered by city and county funds but volunteer capacity and parking at the site can be tight. Anadely Martinez of Juvenile Justice Continuum of Services said the program serves 34 high‑risk youth in Deming, primarily referred by schools and juvenile probation, and is outgrowing its current locations.

Crystal Kurbo of Deming Animal Guardians said volunteer efforts reached about 8,000 hours this year; the group provides spay/neuter certificates, a pet food bank and monthly adoption events but has paused intakes because of limited funding. Lynsey Davis of The Well explained that clients are allowed one visit per month by ID, that boxes are the same regardless of household size, and that emergency boxes are provided on referrals from DPS, APS and DEA.

Valerie Coulter of Luna Star Fine Arts said the organization offers year‑round arts programming at no cost now that rent for Morgan Hall is covered, while Rosela Nanez of the Chamber of Commerce said the chamber needs to hire a director to better promote local businesses. Joanna Costilla of Deming Luna Cancer Support described volunteer‑driven transportation to treatment (daily vans to Las Cruces and Silver City, weekly trips to El Paso), said fuel and hotel assistance have been suspended when funds run low, and said the program’s budget is roughly 54% salaries and 24% client services.

City Manager Aaron Sera said he would develop a funding strategy to present to council that “would benefit everyone.” Mayor Michele C. Shillito and several councilors praised the organizations’ work and expressed support for exploring financial support.

The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn by Councilor Irma Rodriguez, seconded by Councilor Julian Monjaras, which passed; the session adjourned at 1:20 p.m.