This initiative of St. Joseph Community Health grew out of conversation and discussion with community organizations, as well as community members, who wanted to focus on an important aspect of Community Health - income.   The result is a social enterprise, called Village Design Collective, where women get assistance in establishing cottage businesses. 

Utilizing a community development grant from the Catholic Health Initiatives Mission & Ministry Fund, SJCH has contracted with the NM Women’s Foundation and Center of Southwest Culture, Inc. to establish a center where women gather to learn how to establish a home business and develop their individual talent and skills.  The women are mentored by established women professionals.  This business development incubator is located at 955 San Pedro SE and has already hosted its first sale, a Gift Fiesta, in December, 2008. The sale showcased jewelry, fiber arts, folk art and other festive gifts created by women in the collective and others who are serving as mentors. (Click here for article on December’s Gift Fiesta).

For more information on Village Design Collective, please contact Burma Gates at 505-268-1925.