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Oracle Seeks Financial Shield as New Mexico AI Data Center Faces Delays

Juan Oliveros
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Oracle Seeks Financial Shield as New Mexico AI Data Center Faces Delays

Oracle has invoked a contractual safeguard over its massive New Mexico data center by sending a formal “force majeure” notice to a unit of Blue Owl Capital, the developer behind Project Jupiter.

The move, first reported by Bloomberg on Thursday, could allow Oracle to delay certain payments if the facility fails to open on schedule.

The Silicon Valley giant is not abandoning the project. The notice instead protects the company from certain financial obligations if the controversial project misses its 2028 opening target as construction faces delays involving energy infrastructure and regulatory approvals.

A massive campus built for AI

A 1,400-acre campus in southern New Mexico, Project Jupiter is part of the Stargate initiative involving Oracle, OpenAI and SoftBank. It is designed to support approximately 2.45 gigawatts of computing capacity, requiring a substantial and reliable power supply.

Stack Infrastructure, a Blue Owl portfolio company, is developing the facility, with Oracle as its principal tenant.

The project has been promoted as a major investment in New Mexico, with developers highlighting its potential economic benefits. But securing the infrastructure needed to operate the campus has proved difficult.

Pipeline delays threaten power plans

A natural gas pipeline intended to supply the facility has been delayed by nearly six months, pushing its expected service date to February 1, 2027.

The Energy Transfer pipeline’s setbacks followed repeated permit denials by the New Mexico State Land Office. The proposed route was subsequently changed.

Project Jupiter is designed to use gas-powered fuel cells supplied by Bloom Energy.

A separate air-quality permit for the fuel-cell system remains pending.

The delays have added pressure to a project targeting a 2028 opening.

Opposition over water and air quality

Project Jupiter has also faced opposition from residents and environmental groups concerned about water consumption, air pollution, and the development’s impact on the surrounding area near the US-Mexico border.

Oracle has conducted public outreach in New Mexico as criticism of the project has grown.

The development has also become a subject of political debate ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

What Oracle’s notice means

Force majeure clauses are commonly included in large construction and infrastructure contracts. They address circumstances beyond a party’s control that interfere with contractual obligations.

Oracle’s notice does not automatically declare the project delayed or cancel its financial commitments.

Bloomberg reported that the provision could allow Oracle to postpone rent payments under certain circumstances. The precise effect depends on the contract and whether the circumstances meet its force majeure provisions.

Oracle insists Project Jupiter remains on track. “Project Jupiter remains on our planned schedule,” an Oracle spokesperson said. “We are fully committed to New Mexico and confident in our path forward.”

The company described force majeure notices as commonplace on projects of this scale and said they do not automatically signal delays.

Blue Owl offered a similar response. “This notice does not change the financial commitments to this multiyear project,” a spokesman said.

Investors watch the costs

The notice comes as Oracle faces growing scrutiny over the enormous expense of expanding its AI infrastructure. 

Debt associated with Project Jupiter has reportedly traded under pressure, while Oracle’s shares also fell following the news.

The concerns reflect the financial challenge of building data centers that can support increasingly demanding AI systems.

Such projects require enormous investments in land, construction, power generation and supporting infrastructure — often years before they begin generating returns.

For Oracle, the force majeure notice provides contractual protection as it works to keep one of its most ambitious AI projects moving toward completion.

A Tradition ‘Worth Fighting For’: Albuquerque Luminaria Bus Tour Will Push Through for Christmas Eve

Gregg Morgan
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A Tradition ‘Worth Fighting For’: Albuquerque Luminaria Bus Tour Will Push Through for Christmas Eve

Are you one of the many Albuquerque residents who look forward to the Luminaria Bus Tour every Christmas Eve? Good news because the holiday tradition will return this year. 

Mayor Tim Keller reversed the city’s earlier decision to end the event. City officials confirmed the decision Wednesday.

ABQ Ride earlier announced the nearly 60-year-old tour’s cancellation, citing declining attendance and financial challenges. 

According to city administration officials, the bus tour costs $200,000. They said the city does not generate revenue ticket sales. They added that nearly half of ticket holders skip the tour, even though tickets sell out quickly. 

City Council members questioned the mayor’s office about the decision this week. 

Councilor Joaquin Baca said the cost was relatively small for the city, but officials did not consider the broader impact.

“You’re going to add more traffic into an area with no security structure, with people driving with their lights off and pedestrians out. That’s a recipe for disaster,” Baca said via KOB 4.

Keller said the city will keep the tour while making changes to help manage its cost.

“Some traditions are worth fighting for, and Albuquerque’s Luminarias Bus Tour is one of them,” Keller said via KOAT Action News. “But we’re not going to lose an Albuquerque tradition while we figure out a better way to keep it going.”

The mayor said the Transit Department will conduct research and hold community meetings. The agency will gather public input and use that feedback to help guide the tour’s future.

Local Judges Bring Civics Lessons From the Courtroom to Middle Schools

Gregg Morgan
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Local Judges Bring Civics Lessons From the Courtroom to Middle Schools

Have you ever wondered what judges do beyond the courtroom? This month, judges from Bernalillo County went to school libraries, gymnasiums, and cafeterias. They taught students about civics as part of Constitution Day celebrations. 

Albuquerque Public Schools, the Second Judicial District Court, and the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court teamed up for the initiative. Pairs of judges visited six local middle schools for two weeks. They met with students to explain complex constitutional principles in simple terms. They also distributed pocket Constitutions as they encouraged learners to explore careers in public service. 

On Sept. 17 at Washington Middle School, students got the chance to hear directly from two judges. Chief Metro Court Judge Joshua J. Sánchez and District Court Judge Beatrice Brickhouse gave an inside look at the legal system. At the same time, they answered candid questions from teenagers. 

The judges discussed rights and fairness. They also explained their everyday roles and outlined the education and training needed to become a judge. They said you need to graduate from high school and complete four years of college. Then, you must finish three years of law school and pass the state bar exam.

Sánchez took the opportunity to encourage students to start exploring career options early. He said you can look for internships, tour local courthouses, and simply ask about opportunities.

“There are lots of opportunities. Just ask,” he said. 

The Impact of the Visit

APS said the visits showed the youth that careers in law can be within their reach. In fact, many sitting judges also attended public schools themselves. 

Sánchez said he wants to help students feel connected to democracy from an early age. He said he wanted to highlight that the Constitution is more than a historical document. It protects your freedom, guides the laws that keep you safe, and reminds you that everyone has a voice, he added.

Both judges shared the experiences that led them to the bench. Sánchez recalled working as a high school special education teacher before pursuing a career in law. 

Meanwhile, Brickhouse shared how she served as a U.S. Army officer before entering law school. She also discussed what she finds most rewarding about her work in civil court. 

Brickhouse said she enjoys solving problems and helping people find a resolution. She said she loves that part of her work. 

For Sanchez, the most rewarding part of the job is helping veterans, people battling addiction, and others get back on track.

Two Ole Miss Students Found Dead as Kratom Packages Spark Police Warning

Juan Oliveros
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Two Ole Miss Students Found Dead as Kratom Packages Spark Police Warning

Two University of Mississippi students have been found dead in separate incidents, whose deaths prompted a warning from authorities after packages of the controversial herbal extract kratom were discovered during both investigations.

The students died Monday in Oxford, Mississippi, according to Lafayette County officials. 

One emergency call involved a possible overdose at the university’s Stewart Hall, where a student was reportedly found unresponsive as CPR was being performed. The second student was found dead off campus.

Investigators have yet to establish the cause of either death or whether the cases are connected.

Police urge caution over herbal extract

Lafayette County Metro Narcotics confirmed that packaged kratom found during investigations was purchased from a retail store.

The agency, in a statement, said the deaths were being treated as separate cases. “We have no confirmed evidence indicating that the two deaths are connected,” officials said.

They also cautioned against drawing conclusions about the substance itself. “We do not have confirmed information indicating that kratom or any other substance was a contributing factor in either death.”

Despite the lack of confirmation that the deaths are linked to kratom, authorities urged residents to avoid kratom and any medication or substance that was not prescribed by a doctor or obtained from a trusted, regulated source.

University heartbroken as rumors spread

The University of Mississippi confirmed the deaths and appealed to students and the wider community not to spread unverified information. “The University is heartbroken by the recent loss of two students and extends our condolences to their families, friends and loved ones during this difficult time,” said Shawnboda Mead, vice chancellor for student affairs.

University officials also said they were unaware of any additional student deaths, addressing rumors circulating on social media.

The university’s police department remains in contact with local and state law enforcement agencies as the investigations continue.

Autopsy and toxicology findings are expected to help clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

What is kratom?

Kratom is an herbal substance derived from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia. It is sold in various forms, including powders, capsules, and extracts, and is often marketed for pain relief, energy or relaxation.

Its effects can vary depending on the amount consumed. Some compounds in kratom can produce stimulant-like effects, while larger doses may cause sedation and opioid-like effects.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned about potential risks associated with kratom, including liver toxicity, seizures, dependence and other serious health effects. Products may also vary in potency and could contain contaminants.

Kratom is not uniformly regulated across the United States. In Mississippi, restrictions vary by jurisdiction, with Lafayette County among the areas that have prohibited or restricted its sale.

Officials reminded students that free Narcan, the opioid-overdose reversal medication, is available through vending machines on campus and in downtown Oxford parking garages.

Star Meat Delivery Inc. Recalls 167,000lbs of Pork, Beef, and Goat After ‘Fake USDA Stamps’ Found on Products

Juan Oliveros
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Star Meat Delivery Inc. Recalls 167,000lbs of Pork, Beef, and Goat After ‘Fake USDA Stamps’ Found on Products

The U.S, Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service ordered a North Carolina meat supplier to recall nearly 168,000 pounds of raw pork, beef, and goat after federal inspectors found their products did not have the required inspection and were stamped with bogus USDA stamps. 

Star Meat Delivery Inc. is recalling approximately 167,639 pounds of meat, carrying a false establishment number: “EST. 1363,” which does not correspond to a facility operating under a federal grant of inspection.

The recalled meat products, made on various dates before September 22, were classified as Class I, the highest risk category. This signifies that consumption could potentially cause serious health consequences or death.

FSIS considered any product bearing the fake USDA stamps as misbranded and unsafe to eat.

Meat may already be sitting in home freezers

The recalled products were vacuum-packed under the A&D Foods label and shipped in bulk to a distributor in Georgia, and distributed to retailers and restaurants across the United States.

But consumers may find it difficult to identify the meat as some retailers apply their own stickers showing prices and safe-handling instructions, meaning individual packages may not carry the original A&D Foods labeling.

The recall covers a range of products, including goat cuts, beef ribs, oxtail, sliced ribeye, ground pork, chorizo, pork chops and other meat products.

FSIS discovered the problem during surveillance activities. The agency said no confirmed illnesses or injuries had been linked to the products at the time of its announcement.

It does not mean, however, that the meat is safe. Food products without federal inspection may contain harmful bacteria, undeclared allergens or other contaminants that pose risks to consumers.

“Food produced without inspection may contain undeclared allergens, harmful bacteria, or other contaminants that put consumer health and safety at risk,” FSIS, in a statement said.

What shoppers should do

FSIS is urging consumers who purchased the recalled products not to eat them. Instead, they should throw the meat away or return it to the place of purchase; check refrigerators and freezers for products bearing the false establishment number “EST. 1363,” and refrain from serving any recalled meat in restaurants or other food-service operations.

The agency has already instructed retailers and restaurants not to sell or serve the products.

FSIS said it may update the list of recalled items and labels as more information becomes available. The full recall notice and product labels are available through the FSIS website. 

Consumers with questions can contact Star Meat Delivery Inc. at 252-239-0610 or [email protected] about the recall, while food safety questions can be directed to the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-674-6854.

An email to company’s designated media contact did not yield either a decline to comment or no response by publication time.

120-130 Pound Dog Atlas Got Too Tired to Finish His Hike. Deputies Spent Nearly Five Hours To Bring Him Home.

Gregg Morgan
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120-130 Pound Dog Atlas Got Too Tired to Finish His Hike. Deputies Spent Nearly Five Hours To Bring Him Home.

A furry friend named Atlas went on a hike but got too tired to continue. Luckily, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office came to his rescue.

BCSO’s Open Space deputies headed up the mountain to bring the 120–130-pound pup home. Authorities said Atlas became “too exhausted to finish a difficult hike.”

The rough trail made the rescue challenging, so deputies took turns carrying Atlas before securing him in a Stokes basket for the trip down. The four-mile rescue took nearly five hours.

Atlas made it down safely, authorities confirmed. A sergeant even gave him the title “the goodest boy we have ever rescued.”

If you’re a hiker, deputies are reminding you to bring plenty of water for your pets and watch for signs of exhaustion. They also urge you to remember that the trip back can be just as challenging as the climb up. 

“Great work by everyone who helped get this very big boy home safely!” BSCO said in a social media post. 

New Mexico Braces For Flooding This Week as Three People Die in Floodwaters on Navajo Nation

Gregg Morgan
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New Mexico Braces For Flooding This Week as Three People Die in Floodwaters on Navajo Nation

Are you living in a flood-prone area? Authorities are urging residents to stay safe as heavy rainfall forecast in New Mexico this week could trigger flooding. 

As part of the preparations for possible flash flooding, the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) activated the State Emergency Operation Center. The center will coordinate statewide responses during such occurrences. 

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque forecasts heavy rain and increased flash flood risk from Tuesday through Thursday. Authorities warn that areas scarred by past wildfires face a high or very high risk of flooding.

Agencies are working with DHSEM to position equipment and personnel across New Mexico. New Mexico National Guard Swiftwater personnel are pre-positioned near Ruidoso and Las Vegas. Regional teams in Doña Ana, Santa Fe, Sandoval, and Valencia counties are also on standby. 

DHSEM has coordinated the delivery of 5,000 sandbags to four counties and sent a mechanical sandbagger to Sandoval County. The state can provide more supplies to other local emergency managers upon request. If you need sandbags, you should check with your municipal or county officials for pickup locations.

“Sudden, heavy rainfall can become dangerous – especially in burn scar areas – so we’re putting resources in place to respond to any flash flooding emergencies quickly and effectively,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, Adjutant General of the NM National Guard and interim Cabinet secretary of DHSEM.

Flood Safety Tips

DHSEM is reminding residents what to do during flooding. The agency encourages you to stay informed, pay attention to emergency alerts, and take steps to stay safe.

Keep these safety tips in mind when flooding occurs: 

  • If authorities tell you to evacuate, leave immediately.
  • If authorities do not tell you to evacuate, shelter in place. Move to the highest point of your home or building.
  • Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn around and don’t drown.
  • You should not drive around barricades.
  • Listen to the Emergency Alert System, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for current flooding information and emergency instructions.
  • Stay off bridges over fast-moving water, which can wash them away without warning.
  • Avoid camping or other outdoor activities.
  • If rapidly moving water traps your car, stay inside. If water starts rising, climb onto the roof.

Three Die In Flash Flooding

The reminders come nearly a week after floodwaters claimed the lives of three people.

On Wednesday, September 16, authorities announced that three died after floodwaters swept them away on the Navajo Nation. The victims’ family confirmed their identities Friday, identifying them as a 7-year-old girl and two women. 

Source said the drowning incident occurred in Two Grey Hills. 

The victims were Elsie Begay, her best friend Dora Franklin, and Begay’s granddaughter, Lucy Allison Mike, 7.

How Las Cruces is Tackling Homelessness and Housing Shortages Without a Massive Government Spending Spree

Juan Oliveros
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How Las Cruces is Tackling Homelessness and Housing Shortages Without a Massive Government Spending Spree

New Mexico pours hundreds of millions of dollars into its housing crisis, while Las Cruces has spent decades building a different kind of solution, one that brings five non-profits together on city-owned land to help people find shelter, work and, eventually, a home.

Las Cruces officials created a shared campus where organizations can work alongside one another, instead of sending people from one agency to another.

The city acquired the land decades ago and turned over to local charities serving homeless people, and people experiencing housing insecurity.

Now, the five non-profits provide services ranging from emergency shelter and job assistance to medical care, free meals and early childhood education.

“We cover the breadth of the housing continuum, from homelessness to home ownership,” Natalie Green, the city’s Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Administrator, told legislators on Tuesday.

The arrangement changed in 2025, when the organizations stopped paying rent to the city. Their rent is offset by the value of services they provide, provided those services match the market value of the property.

New Mexico’s housing problem

The Las Cruces approach came under scrutiny as lawmakers reviewed the state’s broader housing crisis.

A recent Legislative Finance Committee report found that New Mexico has spent about $524 million on housing-related efforts in recent years, while roughly 62,000 homes were built.

Yet affordability remains a problem. New developments are not always located where they are most needed, and homelessness continues to challenge communities.

Nearly half of the state’s renters are cost-burdened, spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing.

The report also found that state-backed programs account for only a portion of new construction and that agencies have not consistently set clear targets for measuring results.

Recently, the city moved forward in acquiring about 6.49 acres in Royal Crossing Subdivision, a future site for affordable housing for adults 55 years old and older. The acquisition was supported by almost $2.84 million in state funding.

“This investment gives Las Cruces an opportunity to secure land today for the affordable housing our community will need tomorrow,” said Las Cruces Mayor Eric Enriquez. “By working with the State and our development partners, we can leverage public investment to bring additional resources into Las Cruces and create more housing options for our residents.”

A model for other communities?

Sen. George Muñoz, LFC vice chair, praised Las Cruces officials during Tuesday’s discussion. “Good job… You know what you want to do in your community and you’re figuring it out,” he said, before jokingly asking: “You want to move to Gallup?”

The city’s model is not a magic fix. It relies on public land, cooperation among non-profits and the ability to coordinate services under one roof. 

The appeal is straightforward—bringing five groups together on one campus streamlines access, sparing residents the hassle of disconnected offices. That is the idea lawmakers are now examining as they search for practical ways to address New Mexico’s housing crisis.

Albuquerque’s Rio Grande is Running Dry – and Its Underground Water Lifeline is Under Pressure

Juan Oliveros
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Albuquerque’s Rio Grande is Running Dry – and Its Underground Water Lifeline is Under Pressure

A hotter, drier future is already here, reshaping life across the American Southwest, where rivers are shrinking, snowpacks are changing and communities have to reconsider how to utilize their most precious resource.

This reality is visible in the Rio Grande, where it has repeatedly run dry through the city for months at a time, leaving the city increasingly dependent on underground water reserves to keep taps flowing.

“When river flows are low or non-existent, the utility must turn to its groundwater reserves to meet customer demand,” said Barbara Baca, chair of Water Authority’s governing board. “We must do all we can to save these reserves for use in future droughts, and that’s why a dry Rio Grande should put everyone on notice that conservation is more important now than ever.” 

The shift has shown that the river whose flow depends largely on mountain snowpack, rainwater, and seasonal conditions, is limited.

When the river run dry

More than a waterway cutting through New Mexico, Rio Grande is the lifeline of farms, wildlife habitats and communities. But warmer weather is changing the conditions that help sustain it.

The amount of water available later in the year, when demand is at its highest, may reduce with lesser mountain snow, earlier snowmelt, and increased evaporation, which could lead to tighter irrigation supplies for farmers, and shrinking waterways.. 

“This year we switched exclusively to groundwater in late April, early May,” David Morris, who is with the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority, said. “Usually we’re able to go until June, so it was a little earlier than usual.” 

The aquifer beneath Albuquerque

Albuquerque’s underground aquifer serves as a crucial water reserve. But groundwater is not an unlimited resource. Its recharge depends on rainfall, river flows, geology and other local conditions. 

In some areas, replenishment can take years or much longer, which makes conservation important even when officials say near-term supplies remain secure.

Using less water reduces demand on wells and gives managers more room to respond during dry periods. It also complements investments in water recycling, storage and infrastructure improvements.

Those projects take time. Conservation can begin at home.

What residents can do

Water managers are not asking residents to panic. They are asking them to pay attention to simple changes that can significantly reduce household consumption. 

Measures such as watering lawns and gardens less frequently, repairing leaking faucets, toilets and irrigation systems, replacing water-hungry landscaping with drought-tolerant plants, installing efficient fixtures and appliances, and following local watering restrictions could help conserve water.

Although these steps will not solve the region’s broader water challenges,  they can help reduce demand while cities work on longer-term solutions.

Preparing for a drier future

The Southwest’s water challenges will not last for only a single dry season. Climate scientists warned that hotter temperatures affect snowpack, runoff and drought conditions across the region. 

For communities such as Albuquerque, adapting means managing existing supplies carefully while preparing for changing conditions. This responsibility falls on water agencies, policymakers, businesses and residents alike.

The Rio Grande may continue to experience dry stretches. Mountain snowpacks may remain unpredictable, and summers may grow hotter. What matters now is how communities respond, and whether the water beneath them is managed with enough care to serve those who come next.

“Cooler nights and shorter days mean less irrigation is required to keep lawns healthy,” said Baca. “Ramping down our use now will help to ensure that the community meets its annual conservation goal.” 

COMMUNITY FEATURE: Casa Fortaleza: “For a Society Free of Sexual Violence”

Olivia Woodard
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COMMUNITY FEATURE: Casa Fortaleza: “For a Society Free of Sexual Violence”

In July, Brant One did our community spotlight on two individuals from a local advocacy center, Casa Fortaleza. In August, I was able to tour their facility, as well as have the opportunity to interview other contributors with Casa Fortaleza, so that Brant One could publish an article highlighting the center itself.

Casa Fortaleza is a local nonprofit organization that provides culturally specific services, advocacy, and support for survivors of sexual assault. It is the only sexual violence support organization in New Mexico specifically dedicated to serving Spanish-speaking communities.

The center, initially starting as a project of a bigger organization, branched out and became an independent non-profit in 2016. Their mission is to eliminate all forms of sexual assault through education and outreach, while providing counseling, support and empowerment that honor survivors’ strengths and autonomy in central New Mexico. With the help of federal and state issues grants, as well as partnering with other community organizations, Casa Fortaleza has expanded to be able to serve 13 zip codes and multiple counties in New Mexico.

I was able to speak with Valerie Sanchez, the Executive Director, and Italia Aranda, the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Coordinator. During this interview and tour, they emphasized the importance of their mission at Casa Fortaleza and how its growth has benefited survivors. “We’re addressing that healing aspect of reclaiming your own identity and reclaiming your power and autonomy after a sexual assault,” said Italia.

Casa Fortaleza’s facility includes resources like therapy and advocacy offices, a food pantry for clients, a children’s play area in the lobby, and a new conference room where the organization hosts community and client events, including yoga, cooking classes, traditional healing and workshops with other organizations. These resources reflect its commitment to walking alongside survivors beyond moments of crisis, offering ongoing support and connection as they pursue healing on their own terms.

Most significantly, there is a new Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) unit, an important addition to their resources. The center has already gained a certain amount of trust in the community, with their services, workshops, and outreach. “What we’re looking to do with the SANE program with Casa Fortaleza is bring that missing piece, of now we have the trust, people know us, and so we want to build services that really honor people’s autonomy, people’s language,” Italia said about the SANE unit. “It’s a lot different being able to share your story in your own language, right, with the words that come to mind, rather than using an interpreter, who sometimes they don’t know the medical terminology, sometimes.”

In addition to the SANE services, Casa Fortaleza offers the guidance that clients may need in the case that they choose to report their assault. “We want to be able to provide those services in a space that also feels safe. And the community already knows that this is a safe space.” In addition to SANE services, Casa Fortaleza offers guidance to clients who choose to report their assault. “We want to be able to provide those services in a space that also feels safe. And the community already knows that this is a safe space.”

For Casa Fortaleza, survivor-centered care extends beyond language access. It means understanding the weight behind each survivor’s words, the experiences that shape their story, and the many layers of their identity—and adapting programs and services to reflect that understanding. By offering care that feels familiar and honors survivors’ cultures, lived experiences, and choices, Casa Fortaleza supports each person’s path to healing on their own terms.

The 2025 National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) states that 45% of women and 16% of men experience sexual violence in their lifetime. According to the 2025 FBI Crime Data Explorer Report, New Mexico is the 9th highest in the nation in rape offences. 54% of Hispanic respondents in the 2024 NM Crime Victimization Report identify as a rape survivor, and many SA survivors do not seek help. Casa Fortaleza hopes to help extinguish the barriers preventing survivors from doing so, such as lack of awareness or access to services, cultural values, or misalignment between traditional providers and their linguistic or cultural needs. In 2025, Casa Fortaleza helped 181 survivors, took 426 crisis calls, and provided 530 therapy sessions. Their work will continue to pursue a safer, more educated, and brighter future for survivors.

Infographic about Casa Fortaleza’s recorded impact in Fiscal Year 2025
Infographic about Casa Fortaleza’s recorded impact in Fiscal Year 2025

Casa Fortaleza’s office is located at 2340 Alamo Avenue SE, Suite 124, Albuquerque, New Mexico. If you are interested in contributing or supporting the center, visit this link for details. They can be contacted by phone or through their website, casafortaleza.org. There is also a 24/5 Sexual Assault Crisis Line: (505) 510-4910.

Olivia Woodard is a journalist for Brant One News. She can be reached at [email protected] or on Instagram at @brantonenews.

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