Services Sites in Thoreau, New Mexico
Red is often the color of love. No wonder New Mexico is known for its red mountains. Although, members serve in rural, small towns at these New Mexico sites, they rarely feel disconnected from the world. Surrounded by mountains and Albuquerque just a few hours driving away, members can feel closer to nature, immerse themselves into their community, but can choose to spend a long weekend in the city as well.
St. Bonaventure Indian Mission School
St. Bonaventure Indian School is a Catholic school located at the southeastern edge of the Navajo Nation in Thoreau, NM. The school is one of the ministries of St. Bonaventure Indian Mission which serves the Diné of the area. The school enrolls approximately 200 students annually from pre-k to grade 8. More than 90 percent of students live at, near, or below the poverty level. St. Bonaventure Indian School is tuition-free and provides free meals and transportation. AmeriCorps members act as a teacher’s assistant at St. Bonaventure leading small group instruction during class-time, facilitating enrichment activities, and overseeing meal times. If one is interested in working towards equitable education and the beautiful possibilities of rural New Mexico, then serving here would be an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
St. Francis Catholic School
St. Francis is an independent school founded by the Franciscan Order to serve the Jicarilla Apache and Hispanic communities in Lumberton, New Mexico. It is located near the Jicarilla Apache reservation, so this site is perfect for members interested in rural community-based education and the beauties of New Mexico. The school enrolls about 100 students from kindergarten through 8th grade. AmeriCorps members here lead small group instruction during class-time, facilitate enrichment activities, and oversee meal times. This position asks for members that are passionate about promoting learning through fun, exciting, and innovating ways.