Human Rights Honor Awarded to Marilyn Stoops

Marilyn Stoops

Long-time Albuquerque human rights activist Marilyn Stoops was recognized by Church Women United (CWU) for her contributions to the community. The honor was given at the national organization's Human Rights Day Celebration. CWU is a racially, culturally, theologically and inclusive Christian women’s movement which celebrates unity and diversity and works for peace in the world. Ms. Stoops has been an active member member of CWU since 1963.

Marilyn Stoops is currently secretary for ABQ FaithWorks Board of Directors and is one of its founding members. She has served on several area boards, committees and working task groups to ensure that all people receive the help and support that they need. People experiencing mental health challenges or homelessness, or are otherwise disenfranchised, are especially close to her heart.

Ms. Stoops received her Bachelor's Degree from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, and a Master's Degree in public administration from New Mexico State University. After a professional career in both the faith community and in medical offices, Ms. Stoops began to focus on "what I really wanted to do"...extensive and impactful volunteer work to improve the communities in which she has lived.

Her active involvement included volunteer work at the Penitentiary of New Mexico three years before the infamous riots. There Ms. Stoops offered a listening ear to inmates as part of their restorative journey. "I learned that many were victims long before they were perpetrators," she said, a comment that is reflective of her compassionate understanding.

Other community work has included 20 years with Albuquerque Interfaith, helping to form the New Mexico chapter of National Organization for Women (NOW), founding board member of New Mexico Community Foundation, serving with Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, and advocating for transitional living options in Belen, New Mexico, for people with mental disabilities.

Ms. Stoops lives in Nob Hill, Albuquerque, with her husband, Richard. Together they have a blended family of 7 children, 13 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren (with two more on the way).

ABQ FaithWorks is honored to have such an inspirational and talented community organizer helping us work with asylum seekers and people experiencing homelessness as we strive to achieve our vision that all people are safely housed and integrated into healthy communities. Congratulations to Marilyn Stoops for such a well-deserved honor.

Steps on the Journey

September, 2021. Families are referred to ABQ FaithWorks Asylum Seeker program from many sources, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Albuquerque Public Schools when a family asks for more help as they are navigating check-ins and school. We work with families to help them maintain their legal status, stay housed, feed and clothe their families, and get legal work. Our families no longer need us when they meet several criteria. First of all, they must be secure in their housing, that is, their income is sufficient to ensure rent can be paid. Secondly, they have some reliable transportation or a personal vehicle. Thirdly, their employment is legal. And finally, they have not been food-insecure for at least two months. Although we are available again if circumstances change, we are proud to have three families this month who no longer need our services! They are taking a big step on their journeys to self sufficiency in our community.

LFS & FaithWorks Partnership

September, 2021. ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative is working with Lutheran Family Services of the Rocky Mountains, one of nine organizations working with the Afghanistan Refugees coming to our state. As refugees, the Afghans arriving to New Mexico will receive services from LFS for 90 days. They will be eligible to apply for Asylum upon arrival. ABQ FaithWorks is committed to assisting as many families as possible after this 90-day period, through our Asylum Program, for those Afghans who file an application for asylum.

To this end, we are heavily recruiting any volunteers who wish to work specifically with the families we will assist. If you are interesting in learning more about how to help the families after they have settled in Albuquerque, please contact Jessica Corley at 505-333-8059 or 5sitecouncil@gmail.com. If you are interested in volunteering with LFS or assisting in other ways, please contact Lydia Monte at lydia.monte@lfsrm.org.