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Women’s Intercultural Center Oct. 26-31, 2014

TWERK

YOURSELF FIT Introducing a new way to stay

fit with Veronica Villa

Blanca’s Surprise

Birthday Party

Crowdrise Giving Tower

Holiday Challenge

Condolences

Community

News

Common Kindness

Slumber Party

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There is a realm of problems that women are afflicted with which require special kinds of tools and resources. For years they carry

excess baggage on their shoulders filled with tragic stains that muddied their lives and introduced them to misery. At WInC we see what fills that ex-cess baggage…a deep sense of unworthiness, feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, inferiority, an inner nagging that says “I’m not good enough,” sensitivity to everything, and fear. These are the most common things we see that stem from personal experiences of… being beaten by an alcoholic father, being kidnapped and raped as a young woman, being abused as a child by your next door neighbor that happens to be your mother’s lover, not being believed and called a liar for trying to tell your parents of the horrific thing that has happened…and so much more. Such scars are buried in pain for so long that they can cause inexplicable hurt and rage. The scars deeply affect the concepts, feelings, and relationships of the women we serve. They affect the way they look at life, at others and at themselves. We work with them through our classes, workshops, trainings, one-on-one, and through the tools and resources we provide to overcome their past and transform their lives in order for them to thrive. Often times many of the women that come through our doors come to us as a last resort. They have been

given a pat or oversimplified answer, which drive them into deeper despair, depression and disillusionment. On a daily basis we deal with every imaginable problem and some which are almost unimaginable. As one of our volunteers said, “It almost seems like WInC is the Google version for the communities it serves,” after having been assigned to our reception area and interacting with everyone that came in through our doors or called on the phone. We deal with difficult situations every day. Deep connections and friendships are forged here. It is here that they find a safe place to share what ails them and the transformation begins. A couple of months ago someone asked me when did I find out I was empowered? I proudly exclaimed “At birth!” This individual had looked at me as a victim without knowing me, just by casting judgment on the color of my skin and my racial features. No one is treated or labeled a victim at WInC. They are viewed as individuals that have FINISHED STRONG in spite of their barriers and challenges whose potential is untapped because of what they’ve gone through. David Seamands in his book Healing for Damaged Emotions wrote, “Heredity, environment, all the things experienced in childhood, from parents, teachers, playmates, all of life’s handicaps—all of these things are on one side of the loom, and they pass the shuttle to you. And you pass the shuttle back through the loom.” This is what weaves the tapestry of our lives. Everyone is responsible for their own actions. We teach WInC participants that the POWER to CHANGE and the

POWER to CHOOSE is within them. There are no victims here. Alejandra lived with anger and hatred and felt like a victim for many years because she couldn’t forgive the fact that she did not fight back when her neighbor sexually assaulted her many times as a child. We reminded her of her ability to finish strong in spite of the abuse and worked with her to attain self-compassion to learn to forgive herself for something she could not control. Today Alejandra has finally made peace with herself and her mother for not believing her of the abuse and allowing this individual free passage into their home. We’re working on assisting her on finding a permanent job as she’s currently a substitute cook. Her new target goal…to work full-time and start saving for her retirement. We transform lives…will YOU join us in our efforts? We cannot do this without YOU! Please donate to our cause, support our featured ways to help us located at the bottom of our homepage and/or take one or more of our simple everyday tasks that don’t cost you a cent.

Together we can make a world of difference!

Letter From the E.D.

A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

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There is a young woman at the Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC) who believes that “Twerking” is one of the best ways to get fit. Having seen her 30 minute workout class I can honestly tell you that if you took the class you would get back in shape.

Some of her dance routines are similar to the moves that have been taught in our Zumba classes. “Twerking” isn’t the most traditional form of dance or exercise, but it does have benefits.

Veronica says that “Twerking” works your cardio, legs, hips and waist which help in the toning of your muscles.

Brenda, WInC participant, says that in addition to its fitness benefits, it is tons of fun. She said that the times she has come to the class she’s walked away feeling confident and full of laughter. She also feels a workout after burn that she knows is working throughout her body even though her workout has been completed.

Magali Almaraz, WInC Programs Coordinator and class participant believes that “Twerking” is absolutely fascinating. She said, “The muscle control needed to perfect the art is incredible.”

WInC Executive Director, Mary Carter, said “I love how Veronica (WInC

Participant and Volunteer) came up with the idea to teach the class as a form of exercising and having fun while earning a supplemental income to become economically self-sufficient!”

The Twerk Yourself Fit Class is from Monday through Friday from 8:30-9am. Class fee is $2/class.

For additional information on fitness classes provided at WInC, please call us at 575-882-5556.

TWERKING: A new way to stay fit

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

Blanca Garcia, Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC) morning Zumba instructor, celebrated her birthday on November 6 with her students. The students threw a surprise birthday party for her after class. The students find Blanca to be an amazing and a

wonderful instructor who is always smiling and gives them cheerfulness and energy during the Center’s Zumba Class. The WInC staff, volunteers and her students wished her a happy birthday.

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

For more information on the campaign and to volunteer to lead a fundraising team please visit:

https://www.crowdrise.com/womensinterculturalholiday/fundraiser/WInCStrongWomen or call us at 575-882-5556.

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We're super excited to let you know that we're part of the CrowdRise Giving Tower Holiday Challenge. The Holiday Challenge is a friendly fundraising competition launched by craigconnects, Fred and Joanne Wilson and MacAndrews & Forbes. To give back, they will be donating $250,000 to charitable organizations this holiday season. The organization that raises the most during the Challenge will receive a $100,000 donation to their cause. Second place will win $50,000, third $25,000, fourth $10,000 and fifth place will re-ceive a $5000 donation to their cause. We're out to raise as much money as possible for our cause so we can win the $100,000 grand prize donation. We think we can win and to do so, we definitely need your help. We're looking for our amazing supporters to go one step further than just donating and to actually fundraise for our campaign. Imagine the impact we can have if each of our supporters got their friends and family to donate to our cause. And, it's super easy to do, all you have to do is Go Here https://www.crowdrise.com/womensinterculturalholiday/fundraiser/WInCStrongWomen and click 'Fundraise for This Campaign.' In seconds, you'll have your own fundraiser that you can share with everyone you know. If for some reason you can't fundraise for our campaign, when the Challenge launches on No-vember 25th, please Click Here https://www.crowdrise.com/womensinterculturalholiday/fundraiser/WInCStrongWomen and give whatever you can. Every donation makes a difference, no matter how small and everything is appreciated. Please email CrowdRise at HolidayChallenge@CrowdRise.com if you have any questions at all and they'll help solve everything. Thanks so, so much for your support. The Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC)

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

Mothers are faithful companions and confidants even in the most difficult times. Mothers dedicate their lives to caring and providing for their children both physically and emotionally. They always seem to know how to help them to overcome problems and thrive in spite of them. A mother's love is irreplaceable, which makes losing her to death an incredibly painful experience.

We extend our condolences to Louie Alfaro, Karate Instructor of the Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC), on the loss of his mother. Please join us in prayer for him and his family to gain strength to endure their loss.

Our Deepest Condolences

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“Save Money & Help WInC”

in 3 simple steps

1. Select the Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC)

2. Print and Redeem Grocery Coupons for BIG savings

3. CommonKindness provides funds to WInC—at no cost to you

Register today to “Save Money & Help WInC”

NEWSNEWSNEWS

POISON GAS EXPOSURE IN IRAQ: The Pentagon has set up a toll-free national telephone hotline (1-800-497-6261) for service members and veterans to report potential exposures and seek medical evaluation for poison gas exposure in Iraq.

HEALTHCARE ENROLLMENT: The healthcare open enrollment period starts Nov. 15th through Feb.15, 2015. Explore health insurance options & sign up for a plan at https://www.healthcare.gov/.

NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH: Accord-ing to the CDC, more than 29 million Americans have diabetes. Since November is National Diabetes Month, it is a perfect time to familiarize yourself with the ABCs of diabetes management at http://ndep.nih.gov/partners-community-organization/national-diabetes-month/2014.aspx.

Policy Committee Meeting Set for the Southern NM – El Paso Joint Land Use Study to be held on November 18. Visit details the following website for details: http://snmepjlus.cmail1.com/t/ViewEmail/r/D0D7FB89C72FBCDA2540E-F23F30FEDED/3541B6F9C08400028BD4C707EBCCB890. Your input is important!

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

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SLUMBER PARTY

Magali Almaraz, Program Coordina-tor of the Women’s Intercultural Cen-ter (WInC), decided to reward the girls from the volleyball team she coaches with a slumber party at the end of the season. A slumber party for many is a right of passage as they’ve never stayed away from home before. This particular slumber party was no exception. And unlike any other slumber party it was being held at the WInC’s original center building where all our guests from out of town stay. Magali recreated a classic pre-teen slumber party with all the essential

ingredients for the girls to have epic night. 1. They watched movies on Netflix. 2. They stayed up late. They did

facials and painted their nails. 3. They had plenty of yummy

snacks and drinks that lasted them through the night.

4. They talked about girl stuff. 5. They had a pillow fight. 6. And they played card games. 7. They played outside. 8. Choreographed song-and-dance

numbers. 9. And sang. They all had so much fun hanging out with each other.

Breanna Almaraz said, “I really en-joyed the slumber party because I got to spend it with my friends.” She exclaimed, “The pillow fight was awesome!” All the girls really enjoyed the facials and how it made their skins soft. This is something that Magali learned from our Go Green Save Green class led by Fabiola Rodriguez. “I enjoyed dancing and just having fun with the girls.” said Breanna with a smile.

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A place where WOMEN learn and work together to develop their SOCIAL, SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, and POLITICAL POTENTIAL.

Brenda, Participant of the Women’s Intercultural Center (WInC) says, “The classes (at WInC) have helped me a lot. I’ve also met so many people. I strongly recom-mend the Center for others to come and take advantage of the many classes, workshops and trainings they of-fer.”

Everything that we are able to provide is thanks to the generosity and kindness of our donors and supporters. THANK YOU FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Special thanks to the following:

1. Irene Sonora and the Sonora Insurance group for generous clothing donations to our Thrift Store.

2. Thank you Lisa (former WInC Intern) for your item donation! The dresser and TV that you brought were immediately given to a young single mother that is lacking furniture in her home. Her expression "Beautiful! Thanks so much!" The twin size bed was immediately placed in our Blue Room for the Border Awareness Experience students that come annually and the rest of the items you donated where placed in our Thrift Store.

3. And our anonymous donors that drop off item donations at the Center.

To find out other ways to support our cause please visit http://www.womensinterculturalcenter.org/donate or call us at 575-882-5556. THANK YOU!

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Interested in teaching a class, scheduling a workshop, presentation or training at WInC? We are always searching for Volunteer Instructors to teach in their areas of expertise. For more info, contact Ilse Arrieta, Program Coordinator at 575-882-5556 or via email at iarrieta@qwestoffice.net.

dates to remember For additional information please contact us at 575-882-5556 or the contact number listed next to the event announcement.

Mondays: Remapping Our Home from 4-5pm. This workshop is designed for

children 8 years old and up and will allow them to discover the beauty the City of Anthony offers them. They will gain leadership skills as each child will be placed in a leadership role – they will decide where the areas they wish to explore. The children will recreate a new map surrounding the Women’s Intercultural Center based on what they see.

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Thursdays, through December 4th: Medicare Advantage Plan Review from 10:30am to 4pm. Open enrollment is here

again, Irene Sonora and her team will be available to meet and discuss your specific needs. Please bring any and all booklets you have received in the mail regarding 2015 benefit changes.

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Mondays: Stained Glass and Mosaic Workshops from 10:00am-12:00pm given by

stained glass and mosaic artist Ana Luisa Arias. Discover the fun of stained glass & mosaic with workshops for beginners, intermediate or advanced students. No experience is needed. Most materials provided, but you can also bring personal items to incorporate into mosaic and stained glass project! Learn to cut glass & mosaic and explore design elements and even create a beautiful mirror or picture frames to take home! Make a beautiful cross using bits of glass to create your own unique design! Holidays are around the corner and you can learn how to make a very special gift made with your own hands for that loved one! The first project will be Christmas ornaments and crafts!! You will learn how to do every technique used to make ornaments and we will continue with new and different ideas!! Workshop fee is $20/workshop or $60 for all four workshops. The fee includes basic materials and access to ba-sic tools. For more info or to register call Magali Almaraz at 575-882-5556.

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Thanksgiving Day Potluck Celebration starting at 12pm. Come relax, go with the flow, enjoy the company of your peers as well as their favorite dishes and most importantly

let’s gather together to give thanks for the many blessings we have all received.

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Friday: Breanna’s Birthday Celebration, Dance and Toy Drive from 6-12pm. Come celebrate this young lady’s birthday

and help her make her wish come true by brining a toy for her to distribute to children spending Christmas at local hospitals in El Paso and Las Cruces. Help her bring a smile to a sick child. If you are unable to attend, the Women’s Intercultural Center will be accepting toy donations in Breanna’s behalf. For more information contact Magali Almaraz at 575-882-5556.

December

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Women’s Intercultural Center WHERE IT STARTS

303 Lincoln Street / PO Box 2411 Anthony, NM 88021

575-882-5556 Fax: 1-866-285-7245

www.womensinterculturalcenter.org