COMMUNITY

United Way of Otero County changes name to Thrive in Southern New Mexico

Daily News Report
Daily News

ALAMOGORDO — United Way of Otero County, the leading fundraiser for local nonprofits in Otero and Lincoln counties announced the re-branding of their organization to Thrive in Southern New Mexico, according to an UWOC press release.

According to the release, with the purpose of refocusing their efforts on local issues, and continuing their mission of creating lasting change by harnessing collective compassion and resources, they will continue to partner with local nonprofits and businesses.

With numerous individuals and families just scraping by, Thrive in Southern New Mexico believes that they were meant to do more, UWOC spokeswoman Michelle Brideaux wrote in the release.

In the release Executive Director Linda Elliott stated part of the name change was to focus more on local needs.

“Since I started with the UWOC in 2012, I have worked with many organizations that are committed to meeting the needs of this community," Elliott stated in the release. "Unfortunately, these organizations are faced with federal and state funding cuts every year. With even more focus on local needs, Thrive in Southern New Mexico will continue to fundraise for these organizations, allowing them to focus on what they do best.”

The United Way of Otero County, now Thrive, has been a part of the community for over 51 years and has raised millions of dollars through the generous support of local individuals and businesses, Brideaux wrote. The organization started out as the Community Chest, later transitioned to the United Fund and then became the United Way of Otero County, which allowed them to take advantage of the benefits of being a part of a larger branded organization.

Brideaux stated that as the United Way Worldwide continues to grow and change, the small local United Way has come to find that the larger United Way Worldwide’s long-term goals do not align with the local United Way’s community goals. The UWOC board made the decision to refocus specifically on the needs of Otero and Lincoln counties and move forward with an organization name change.

UWOC President of the Board of Directors Angelica Marquez stated the organization will continue to raise funds and collaborate with partner agencies.

“I have been with United Way of Otero County since 2011, and as Thrive in Southern New Mexico we will continue to raise funds and collaborate with our partner agencies as they work to improve lives in Otero and Lincoln counties," Marquez stated in the release. "The move from United Way Worldwide will allow Thrive in Southern New Mexico to better provide funding to local organizations, ensuring present and future growth to help meet the increasing needs of Otero County and Lincoln County.”

The emphasis of this organization has always been to support local non-profits in their missions to help children, families and seniors to grow and thrive in their community, and to partner with them in their missions, according to the release.

Brideaux wrote that the separation from the United Way Worldwide will allow Thrive in Southern New Mexico to focus on those needs even more and as they continue to collaborate with local businesses, ensuring all monies raised here to stay here.

President of First National Bank Steve Muell stated First National Bank is looking forward to providing support and assistance to the community.

"For over five decades, First National Bank and its associates have been proud supporters of the community service efforts of the UWOC and its predecessor," Muell stated in the release.  "We are looking forward to continuing that tradition as we work with Thrive in Southern New Mexico to provide support and assistance to our local communities and those that live here.”

UWOC is excited to move forward with the change to Thrive in Southern New Mexico and the opportunities it will bring for this organization, the local community, and the people of Otero and Lincoln Counties, Brideaux wrote.

She wrote that the positive changes are for the better.

“We know that when we work together to help each other we can and will accomplish so much more. We can create a community that is thriving in all aspects of life," Brideaux wrote.