NMILC celebrates its valued volunteers for National Volunteer Week
Every year for National Volunteer Week, NMILC spotlights some of the many volunteers that help make our organization thrive. We are consistently honored and humbled by our passionate, creative, and skilled volunteers and pro bono professionals.
For 15 years, NMILC has stood alongside immigrants in New Mexico, offering free legal services, systemic advocacy, and education to our community. Despite the constant and rapidly changing landscape marked by fear and uncertainty, we are empowered by the strength and resilience of community. Acting in support of each other is a form of resistance, bringing us closer to our vision of a vibrant New Mexico where all people are treated with dignity and respect. Thank you for working with us in such a tangible and impactful way!
HELP WHERE IT’S NEEDED MOST:
Over the past few months, NMILC is experiencing significant changes that directly impact our ability to provide essential legal and social services to immigrant families and community members. While $1.5 million dollars of NMILC’s funding for our Children’s Program was cut, NMILC volunteers and supporters are finding creative ways to fundraise for NMILC within their communities. You can too! Here are some examples of ways you can support NMILC’s work:
UNM undergraduate and NMILC volunteer ran her own email-based grassroots fundraising campaign and raised over $200 for NMILC.
Local poet and long-time NMILC supporter, Michelle Otero, ran a Facebook Fundraiser in honor of her birthday, raising over $1,600!
Local artists from The Cerulean Art Salon Group are donating 10% of the proceeds from their upcoming exhibit, "Art is Freedom," to NMILC.
Attorneys at local law firms are facilitating conversations with their firm partners to sponsor NMILC’s programming.
Local businesses, such as Cutbow Coffee in Albuquerque (1208 Rio Grande Blvd NW), are placing NMILC donation boxes at their registers to encourage customers to give! Head to Cutbow and leave a donation for NMILC (in addition to a generous tip!).
NMILC volunteers are hosting house events, homemade BBQ dinner, silent discos, and Latin dance nights in support of NMILC! Let’s get creative!
How to get involved:
You can fill out a Volunteer Inquiry Form and select the option to be a fundraising volunteer!
You can contact Delaney Swink at dswink@nmilc.org to express interest or share specific ideas around fundraising for NMILC.
2025 NATIONAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION SPOTLIGHTS
Alvaro Guzman
“Once upon a time they helped me, so it’s a way to give back to you.”
Years ago, NMILC helped Alvaro through his own immigration journey. Today, he’s one of our most dedicated volunteers — interpreting for others who, like him, are navigating the system with courage and hope. This is what it means to come full circle.
Janette Durán
“I am part of the community that descended from the people who were here even before this was the United States, back when this was part of Mexico. And I feel connection to the immigrant community here. And that's part of the reason I think it's important to contribute to my time to programs like this one”
Janette brings a deep sense of history and solidarity to her volunteer work at NMILC. Her connection to the immigrant community goes beyond borders — it’s rooted in shared struggles and shared dreams. This is why she gives her time. This is why she shows up.
Jennifer Baidon Carrillo
“Right now is a very crucial time to get involved with your community, get to know the people around in your community and get back in any capacity.”
Jennifer Baidon Carrillo’s journey reminds us that every small step can lead to something powerful. From volunteer to Public Ally, she’s been a consistent force for community and immigrant justice. Your story can start just like hers — by showing up.
Lauren Pfommer Pease
“One of my favorite things about the Public Allies program is how accessible it is. There are people of all ages and backgrounds involved with this program.”
Lauryn Pfrommer Pease works on NMILC’s Detention Team, supporting immigrants who are often isolated and overlooked. Her journey as a Public Ally is fueled by her belief that community service should be open to everyone — and that lasting change happens when we include all voices.
Victoria Varela
“Not everybody has the opportunity to get the help that we offer here at NMILC and to be able to volunteer and just to be able to give back what my family never got was just an amazing opportunity and becoming a public ally here at NMILC with an organization that is so selfless and not only with the community but with us public allies, they are constantly teaching us new things and constantly working to become better not only as an organization but for the community that we serve at NMILC.”
Victoria Varela started volunteering when she was still very young — driven by a desire to give back what her family never received. Today, as a Public Ally, she continues to serve alongside an organization she calls “selfless and constantly growing.” Her story is about gratitude, growth, and the power of showing up early and often.
