ACCESS NM strengthens families and communities by building protective factors that reduce the impacts of trauma and adverse childhood experiences, driving meaningful improvements across the social determinants of health. Through an integrated approach combining arts, community, culture, education, sports, science, and wraparound support services, we equip children, adults, and families with the emotional, physical, and intellectual tools needed to heal and thrive. By connecting individuals and families to healthcare, employment, food security, legal services, utilities, and other essential resources, ACCESS NM addresses the root conditions that shape long-term well-being — empowering communities to build resilience, expand opportunity, and create a stronger, more equitable future together.
Mission
ACCESS develops transformational leaders by equipping children and families in under-served, immigrant, and Latino communities with the holistic, creative, physical, and academic opportunities they need to overcome barriers, celebrate their culture, and build a stronger future for themselves and their communities.
Our work prioritizes: thriving children, working families, and equitable communities. We work with children and young adults to ensure they have equitable, high-quality experiences, including leadership development. Our programs attract and involve parents or caregivers, encouraging engagement with education, social support, health, and income supports in a safe environment, which creates more stable families.
We are working to create a vibrant South Valley,
free from structural inequities.
ACCESS was founded by Fernando Ortega in 2013 to develop the interests and leadership skills of underserved children from Albuquerque’s South Valley by connecting them to mentors, educators and professionals.