May 7, 2014
Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), as part of the greater New Mexico community, has launched a free, web-based tool to help New Mexicans access public supports. Available online at www.NewMexicoResources.org, this resource helps make the complex public benefits system more understandable and accessible. The website provides clear answers to commonly asked questions, and helps agencies and individuals determine support options for federal, state, and local benefit programs.
Public benefits are an essential tool for struggling families and provide a lifeline to help many get back on their feet, especially now during a time of budget cuts and high unemployment. At CNM, we have found that access to public benefits can enable a student to enter or remain in school - but that the process of finding help, determining eligibility, and applying for benefits is complicated, confusing, and overwhelming. This led to our involvement in the development of the website.
NewMexicoResources.org is essentially a shared, centralized file cabinet that is well-organized and routinely updated. We are working on adding new content areas to provide even more information to the residents of New Mexico. Programs currently described on the site include:
• Cash assistance
• Energy assistance
• Food programs
• Healthcare programs
• Housing and homeless programs
• Legal assistance
• Tax credits
• Childcare and preschool information
• Unemployment insurance
• Transportation services
We encourage you to take a look at this valuable information portal and use it within your agency, as well as share it with other interested individuals. Brochures are available, and materials may be requested by sending an email to Anna Sanchez at the CNM Foundation, at [email protected]. We also welcome your questions or feedback.
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NewMexicoResources.org is a website (www.newmexicoresources.org) dedicated to providing free and timely information about public benefits to residents of New Mexico. The website and its partners are not affiliated with the state, federal, or local government but strive to provide timely resources to interested consumers of public benefits and to service providers.
Central New Mexico Community College Foundation is committed to the principle that no student should be denied the opportunity for an education or vocational training due solely to a lack of financial resources. More information can be found at www.cnm.edu/depts/cnmfoundation/index.php.
The website is funded through the generous sponsorship of PNM and Wells Fargo.