New Mexico Winter News
“You Could be Part of the Fascinating Change that So Many are Eager to Share”
Meet Trista Benally, our recent intern and newest team member!
Growing up in Vanderwagen, New Mexico, as a family we were limited compared to what most families are used to today. My parents were seemingly over-protective of each of us and this led to having a tight-knit family. We spent most of our time either at church or at home; most of my memories include being with family or attending Vacation Bible School. At 10 years old, my job was to find children all around my neighborhood and bring them to church. There were new visitors every year so I learned how to interact with new people at a young age. I was the youngest of the family and for me this was hard growing up because everyone around me was older and I felt like I had to grow up fast and learn quickly.
Interning for just months with ATD has brought me back to learning like I did when I was young. At Story Garden, the interactions with other children their own age teaches them to be respectful to one another. It also helps them to be open with one another, creating friendships. If I wasn’t brought up the way I was, I wouldn’t know how to interact with others or even to use tools for my own survival today. I’m glad I grew up like I did; I grew up good.
I had a happy childhood and I just want all the children to have a good childhood like I did and maybe an even better one. Just for them to be happy and to cherish every moment of their lives as they grow older.
So if there are any of you out there that care for the children in your neighborhood or anywhere in the world, come and join our team, to help us create memories with children and their families. You could be a part of the fascinating change that so many are eager to share.
To learn more about ATD Fourth World’s volunteering and internship opportunities, reach out to newmexico@4thworldmovement.org or (505) 488-3624.
Story Garden at 10 years: a new docu film!
If you visited the Gallup Flea Market within the past ten years, more than likely you have seen ATD Fourth World's Story Garden. Story Garden in Gallup, New Mexico has impacted thousands of people within the Southwest by emphasizing the power of creativity, learning, and having a sense of belonging where every person is valued.
On September 17th, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of Story Garden in the Gallup Flea Market.
This meaningful celebration included the viewing of a film featuring Story Garden participants from over the years, directed by ATD Fourth World's partner and friend Krystal Curley, a Diné (Navajo) filmmaker and Executive Director of Indigenous Lifeways.
COMING TOGETHER FOR GAMERCO NEIGHBORHOOD CELEBRATION
In June, Gamerco Story Garden invited parents to make good memories for children with workshops and a picnic. Material, cultural and human resources came together to make the Gamerco trailer park inhabitants proud of having their first neighborhood celebration!
For these two festive days, the Gallup Public Library lent canopies and sent two library staff members to bring us summer stories and a placemat workshop. Children also learned about poetry with Haiku. A Story Garden grandmother spent a whole morning making fry bread for the potluck picnic, and local business donated sandbags to hold equipment and a neighbor kept them safe on site.
Building community takes time and intention for the long-term. Thank you for any contributions you may have to help us prepare future celebrations with families and friends of Story Garden!
