As we approach the end of 2023, we are entering into resolution setting season. We spend time reflecting on the year, asking ourselves did we accomplish what we set out to do? As I think about my own personal goals, I’m also inspired to reflect on the year we’ve had at the Foundation and work toward setting new goals for myself and the work we do on behalf of the people of Lea County.
My first goal is to continue to find moments for collaboration within our community to achieve big things for the people who live here. At the Foundation, we do a lot of convening of organizations and stakeholders to solve problems and provide resources whether that be through our grants program or through leadership and capacity building. We see that through our quarterly agency meetings where all the non-profits that we work with come together to talk about what they are doing and how they can support each other. Additionally, we have a Housing Insecurity Working Group that meets monthly to talk about ways we can continue to ensure we have a variety of options for those in our community who do not have anywhere to live, or whose housing is inadequate and unsafe. We meet every other month with arts and culture stakeholders to better understand and plan arts and culture events for the community. We have the biggest impact when we can all work together to address challenges.
My second goal is to leverage our resources with that of other partners whether that be at the state or local level or private level. Recently, the State of New Mexico has launched several initiatives to help address housing insecurity and I believe Lea County is a good fit to receive some of that additional grant funding. When we combine public and private partnerships to address problems, we maximize resources and by extension impact for those who need it most.
This year, the Foundation began a long project to help revitalize Downtown Hobbs and I would like us to continue to advance this project in the coming year. This year was focused on a comprehensive analysis of the current downtown allowing us to better understand the opportunities and constraints of the project. We also had a series of focus groups with stakeholders and residents to understand what the community wants to see downtown. In the coming year, our goal is to continue developing the vision for a revitalized downtown Hobbs and develop strategies that help us implement that vision.
There are just a few short days left of 2023 and while I am always excited for a clean slate and year ahead, I am most proud of the work we’ve all accomplished together for the benefit of our friends and neighbors in Lea County. Cheers to 2024!
David Reed is the Chief Operating Officer for the JF Maddox Foundation, a family foundation focused on cultivating big-picture possibilities in Lea County, New Mexico. Through its investments, scholarship program, and leadership institute, the JF Maddox Foundation has transformed the Lea County community bringing about the changes that residents thrive on for generations.
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