


This article first appeared in the Hobbs News-Sun.
By TJ Parks
As we look back at 2024, we can’t help feeling overcome with gratitude for all that our community has accomplished. Last year the JF Maddox Foundation approved over $9.7M in grants, a significant increase of $1.2M from the previous year. While the JF Maddox Foundation may not always be the one on the front lines providing direct services, we are a testament to what’s possible when we join forces with the many outstanding organizations and initiatives in Lea County. Together, we are making real, lasting change and building a stronger, more vibrant community for all.
Arts and cultural events are key to the future of quality of life in Lea County. Last year, we invested over $560,000 in arts and cultural programming for Lea County. The foundation was honored to support cultural offerings such as the Hobbs Hispano Chamber of Commerce’s Fiestas de Septiembre and Mariachi Christmas. Other projects like the Youth Performing Arts Workshop by Community Players of Hobbs allowed students interested in theater to receive instruction in areas of play production such as set design, singing, and character development. We also partnered with the United Way of Lea County team to help provide family-friendly entertainment for the annual Hobbs August Nites event.
The impact of the availability of healthcare in Lea County is critical for our growing community. A $1.5 million grant awarded to the Southwest Foundation of Osteopathic Education and Research supported the development and implementation of a Graduate Medical Education (GME) residency program at Nor-Lea Hospital District and Covenant Health Hobbs Hospital. Along with Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, the partnership will support resources and infrastructure to match medical residency students to opportunities and help to meet our community’s healthcare needs.
Focusing on the future also means creating opportunities for people to improve their own lives. A transformational $4.5 million seed grant was awarded to the Palmer Drug Abuse Program of Lea County to begin the building process for a new facility. The funding will enable the organization to serve more people with their counseling and group meeting services.
2024 also taught us that sometimes it doesn’t take a monumental investment to make a significant difference. A $5,000 grant was awarded to Friends of the Lovington Public Library to enable summer programming. We funded $18,000 to the Boys and Girls Club to make necessary plumbing improvements. We also provided $25,000 in operating support to Teen Court of Lea County to enable services for youth. These grants are relatively small, but the impact on the people they impact can be profound.
With continued collaboration and partnerships, we know we can overcome challenges and accelerate opportunities for Lea County. We look forward to building on the momentum from last year and seeing just how much more we can accomplish together to continue driving the change that will help our community thrive for generations to come.
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TJ Parks is the CEO of the JF Maddox Foundation, a private family foundation in Lea County, New Mexico. Alongside its partners, the foundation invests in education, social services, and community development for a greater quality of life for Lea County residents.
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