Economic Development Advisory Committee — Wed, Oct 7, 2026 · 8.a Santa Fe Opp Center Update; Abby Bordner, Santa Fe Area Director for United Way of North Central NM, abby.bordner@uwncnm.org, and Sesha Lee, Chief Services Officer for Goodwill Industries of New Mexico, slee@goodwillnm.org)
Presented by: Sesha Lee, Chief Mission Officer Goodwill Industries of New Mexico Date: A Place for Opportunity: The Santa Fe Opportunity Center for changing lives. United Way + OED: Building Financial Coaching in Santa Fe • 2024: Partnership launched to explore expanding financial coaching in Santa Fe • 2024–25: Mapped the local financial services ecosystem and convened community partners to identify opportunities for collaboration • 2025: United Way developed a sustainable volunteer financial coaching model tailored to the community • 2025–26: Trained community volunteers and established a platform for coach training, client support, and financial education • 2026: Financial coaching pilot launched through United Way’s nonprofit partner network • Today: 30 clients engaged with 6 active volunteer coaches, with the model continuing to grow ALICE in New Mexico Our Mission Our Vision Our Programs & Services NextSteps Reentry Services We help institution-referred persons gain skills and get jobs. Services begin pre-release and continue post-release. GoodSkills We offer comprehensive job readiness training classes such as hiring essentials and computer skills. for changing lives. Currently in Santa Fe: Looking to the Future: GoodJobs We help people find long-term employment that meets their needs, abilities, and interests. Gateway To Work We provide companies with pre-screened candidates at no cost. They decide who to hire! Senior Community Service Employment We offer work experience to help low-income seniors 55+ find employment in their community. Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration We help veterans who have lost (or who risk losing) their homes to get jobs and social services. We help stabilize housing for very low-income veterans and their families. Supportive Services for Veteran Families • Better Participant Outcomes: • Collaboration across providers and disciplines • Shared expertise and resources • Whole person support • Increased Accessibility • Improved Service Efficiency Community Partnerships: Building a Network of Support The Opportunity Center GINM’s Opportunity Center is a community resource one-stop shop. • Multiple service providers/discipline s available in one easy to access location • Enrollment in GINM’s programs is not required • Services provided are on a rotating schedule for changing lives. A Community Resource Hub Thank you. Questions? GoodwillNM.org slee@goodwillnm.org 505.881.6401 Get in touch.