FAQ or Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where does the name, “Where
the Water Cuts Through” come
from, and what does it mean?
A. The name of our organization
is the English translation of a phrase from the Native
American tewa language. It
refers to the geographical (and aboriginal) origins of our
founders, a revered site within the valley of the Rio Grande
River in Northern New Mexico.
Q. Why was “Where the Water
Cuts Through” established;
what is its mission and what are its priorities?
A. Our founders, all Native Americans, could not disregard
what they saw as an increasing social, economic and cultural
deterioration in so many families and communities in New
Mexico. Our concerns and priorities focus on improving
the lives of all individuals and communities in
need, not simply Native Americans. Our mission
reflects a belief that government agencies and philanthropic
institutions, committed as they are to public welfare and
safety, do not seem fully capable of addressing the range
and complexity of problems stemming from economic uncertainty,
negligent child and elderly care, substance abuse and domestic
violence. We believe these problems require innovative
approaches and intervention at the grass roots level, which
is where our new, non-profit organization chooses to operate. We
are formulating and sponsoring more intimate models of intervention
and service delivery that will complement and supplement
the commendable work of public and private service providers. Geographically
speaking, Northern New Mexico represents a priority area;
however “Where the Water Cuts Through” is
not constrained from working throughout the State and the
Nation. Our overriding mission is to preserve
multi-ethnic and diverse cultural traditions and values that
have historically enabled all Americans to overcome adversity
and prosper.
Q. What are some of the programs
and initiatives currently being pursued by “Where the Water Cuts Through”?
A. Substance abuse (primarily alcoholism
and drug addiction) is one of our top priorities, because
it inevitably appears as the root cause of so many other
inter-related problems. We
have discovered firsthand, how substance abuse leads to dysfunctional
family relationships, criminal behavior, violence against
people and property and ultimately incapacity to work and
live a life of meaning. We are also vitally concerned
with the condition and effects of poverty; economic development,
job creation, education and the distribution of food and
other material benefits to the neediest among us, all of
these figure prominently in our program development.
Q. Can persons or organizations
wishing to make a contribution to “Where the
Water Cuts Through” choose
a specific program or activity they would like to see sponsored?
A. Yes. We are very committed
to working with any donor to match his or her expectations
with our ability to appropriately serve our constituency. Please
see the “Giving” Tab for more details regarding
tax deductible contributions.
Q. Does “Where the Water
Cuts Through” coordinate
its work with public agencies, care-giving organizations,
foundations, private industry, local governments and other
NGOs?
A. Absolutely! In this era of
much diminished resources we all must coordinate our efforts
and make a special effort to realize the greatest efficiency
in the utilization of contributions from donors.
Q. How does the organization finance
its operations?
A. “Where
the Water Cuts Through” is
a 501 c 3 non-profit corporation, classified technically
as a public charity by the Internal Revenue Service. Our
operations are financed by utilizing a modest endowment created
by the founders of the organization and by gifts, contributions
and grants from public and private donors.
Q. If I make a financial contribution
to “Where
the Water Cuts Through” will it be tax deductible?
A. Absolutely! The IRS
has granted us tax-exempt status, and our legal counsel would
be pleased to provide any interested donor with our official
IRS “Determination
Letter” affirming that contributions are tax deductible.
Federal Tax ID#20-5522343
