Message from CEO Jan McCray 

In early March, Esperanza Shelter was honored to welcome Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez to our support center and shelter. She had just announced the introduction of "Virginia's Law" to Eliminate the Statute of Limitations for Survivors of Sex Trafficking and Sexual Abuse. To help underscore the need for this law, she visited several local organizations, including Esperanza Shelter. You can read more about her visit and Virginia's Law on our website: Esperanza Shelter | Leger Fernández Visit

April is a month of renewal, and it isn't an accident that many important causes have awareness months in April, including Child Abuse Prevention, Sexual Assault Awareness, and Animal Cruelty Prevention. Recently I shared some thoughts about the relationship between domestic violence and other forms of abuse. I hope you'll read and share the article, linked here: Santa Fe New Mexican 

Thank you for standing with survivors and with Esperanza Shelter. Together, we continue to provide safety, hope, and healing when it matters most.

Many Thanks to Our Donors!

The generosity of our community always amazes us. Thank you to all who support the work we do at Esperanza Shelter.

We received some special gifts recently that we want to share:

A big Esperanza Shelter thank you to 100 Women Who Care of Santa Fe--we greatly appreciate your support and are honored to be the first organization you selected in 2026!

Another shout out to Monica Ruvalcaba for launching the New Mexico Women's Festival this year and selecting Esperanza Shelter as the beneficiary. We are so grateful for your support and your dedication to women in New Mexico.

And next time you visit our website, be sure to check out the great new portraits of our leadership team. Many thanks to Carolyn Wright of The Photography Studio for making us look good!

Program Highlight: Abuse Intervention Program

Did you know that Esperanza Shelter serves everyone affected by domestic violence, including those who cause harm?  With our goal of ending violence in our community, the only way to do that is to change minds and behaviors.

Our growing Abuse Intervention Program, "Paths to Peace," works with adults and adolescents who are seeking to change harmful behaviors in their relationships. Participants may be court-ordered or may choose to attend voluntarily, engaging in weekly sessions focused on accountability, healthy communication, and building safer, non-violent relationships.

We are very proud to report that the success of this program and our involvement with programs at the adult detention centers has shown an increase in voluntary calls from those seeking support for lasting change. 

To learn more about our Abuse Intervention Program, please call 505-416-8411.

Thank you for making this life-changing support possible. 

1 in 3 New Mexicans Are Impacted by Domestic Violence

This is the first of many important facts the Esperanza Shelter team shares in our community education sessions.

We offer a variety of educational presentations customized for different audiences, and our team is delighted to speak to schools, businesses and community organizations to share information about domestic violence, as well as other topics including healthy relationships, teen dating violence, elder abuse, domestic violence in the workplace, and strangulation. We also have new information cards on these topics.

To schedule a session or request literature for your group, please call us: 505-394-1061. 

We Have Openings for Counseling Appointments!

The trauma experienced by survivors of domestic violence can affect every aspect of their lives — but with the right support, healing is possible.

Esperanza Shelter offers free, confidential individual counseling for both adults and children, in English and Spanish, providing a safe space to process trauma, rebuild confidence, and begin the journey toward healing. We also offer survivor support groups for both men and women, creating opportunities for connection, shared understanding, and community. 

To learn more about counseling services for adults or children, please call 505-416-8415.

Because of your support, these critical services remain accessible to individuals and families working to create safer futures for themselves and their loved ones. Thank you for helping make healing possible.

Esperanza Shelter is proud to join the Santa Fe chapter of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) as they join communities across the country for the 4th annual walk. NAMIWalks Santa Fe: Bicentennial Alto Park. Click here for more information.