Family Ties NM
Grants Awarded
Family Ties NM's "Catch Me Outside!" initiative is an outdoor adventure program aimed to increase equitable access to public lands in New Mexico for rural youth and families in Doña Ana County. The program - aided by the Outdoor Equity Fund - delivers free outdoor experiences and education, addressing transportation, equipment, and knowledge barriers, to encourage and empower these low-income families to explore independently. With activities including guided hikes, STEM learning, family camps, and conservation projects, the program projects to serve at least 300 participants via 24 events, fostering awareness, skills, and a sense of belonging in New Mexico's public spaces.
Family Ties NM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Anthony, New Mexico. Our mission is to strengthen youth, families and communities by creating opportunities that promote education, leadership, workforce readiness, healthy lifestyles and community engagement. We believe strong families build strong communities. Through innovative, family-centered programs, we remove barriers to opportunity while helping children, youth and families gain the skills, confidence and support they need to thrive. Family Ties NM partners with schools, government agencies, nonprofits, businesses and community organizations throughout southern New Mexico. Together, we deliver programs that expand access to educational enrichment, STEM learning, outdoor recreation, workforce development and family engagement. Our organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and supported through a combination of federal, state, local and private grant funding, community partnerships, donations and in-kind contributions. These diverse funding sources help us build sustainable programs that respond to local needs while maximizing community resources. Recent accomplishments include expanding youth and family programming, strengthening regional partnerships and developing innovative initiatives such as Catch Me Outside! to connect underserved youth and families with New Mexico’s public lands through outdoor recreation, environmental education, and family engagement. Family Ties NM is committed to ensuring that every child and family has equitable access to opportunities that foster confidence, leadership, lifelong learning and a strong sense of belonging within their community and New Mexico’s outdoors.