La Plaza de Encuentro Gathering Place
Building Power and Opportunity for Immigrant Families
Encuentro is a home for New Mexico's Latinx immigrant community — a place to belong, build skills, and create opportunities to thrive. Through education, career development, and wrap-around support, we strengthen families, engage communities and advance social and economic justice for a brighter future
A Place of Discovery and Belonging
The Spanish word Encuentro means both "a coming together" and "a discovery." For immigrant families in New Mexico, it captures who we are: a welcoming community where people connect, support one another, and uncover new possibilities for themselves and their families. Our mission is grounded in three core pillars:
Education
We provide culturally and linguistically accessible programs that build language skills, digital literacy, and workforce readiness—helping adult learners succeed in today's world.
Economic Opportunity
We open doors to financial independence through industry-specific job training, small business support, and entrepreneurship programs designed for immigrant families.
Leadership Development
We cultivate pathways for civic and community engagement, empowering students to amplify their voices and shape stronger futures for their families and communities.
Our Impact, By The Numbers
When education is flexible, culturally affirming, and grounded in justice, the results are powerful. With your support, Encuentro removes barriers and builds lasting pathways to opportunity, leadership, and thriving families.
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adult learners participated in the 2024–25 academic year
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student retention rate far surpassing the national average of 60%
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in annual, free, dignified in-home care provided to low-income older adults through our Home Health Aide Internship Program
Together, these numbers tell a larger story: immigrant families gaining the skills, confidence, and opportunities to transform not only their own futures, but the wellbeing of our entire community.
Before Encuentro, I didn't feel ready for job interviews. My ESL class gave me the confidence and practice I needed. When the chance came, I was prepared — and I got the job! Now I'm working in the food industry and building a brighter future for my family.
Start Your Journey
Ready to take the next step? Whether you want to learn English, gain new job skills, or launch a business, Encuentro has a place for you. With both in-person and online classes, you'll find flexible options to reach your goals.
Stand With Immigrant Families
It takes all of us to build a future rooted in equity and belonging. Your support makes Encuentro's mission possible and ensures immigrant families have the opportunities they deserve.
Give Today
Our Funding Partners
Behind every success story is a community of supporters. We are thankful for the funders who believe in immigrant families and invest in creating pathways to education, opportunity, and justice.
It takes a community to power our mission.
Thank you to all of the volunteers, donors, funders, community partners and allies whose time, talents and generosity make Encuentro's work possible.