Happy New Year, Alamosa! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. 

As we embark into 2025 with renewed hope and optimism, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we've made together and reaffirm our commitment to building a stronger, more compassionate community. 

One of the initiatives Chief Dingfelder and I are most proud of is the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program. Since its launch in 2018, LEAD has become a cornerstone of our efforts to address challenges such as addiction, mental health, and homelessness, not through traditional punishment, but through compassion and support while maintaining accountability. 

Late one night around 10:30 p.m., I received a call on my personal cell phone from a woman who was clearly in tears. She shared with me that for several years, she had exhausted every option to help her son with his drug addiction, nothing had succeeded, and she had lost all hope.  

She went on to say, “However, more than a month ago, my son chose to take advantage of the resources provided by the LEAD program, and he has been drug-free for over a month now.  I’m in tears, but they are tears of joy because I had lost faith in him. However, he is doing so much better now, thanks to the support from the LEAD program.  I apologize for calling you so late. I just felt you should hear this good news.”   

Hearing her words reassured me that we are on the right path, and it inspired hope that more individuals will seek out these resources. 

LEAD offers an alternative pathway for individuals who would benefit more from diversion programs than traditional criminal justice interventions. Instead of arrests and incarceration, which have not changed the behavior of these individuals previously, LEAD connects participants with vital resources like case management, housing support, substance abuse counseling, and mental health services. 

The numbers speak for themselves: 

• 812 total referrals since 2018 – demonstrating a sustained commitment to helping those in need.
• 209 referrals in 2024 alone – reflecting the growing recognition of LEAD's value.
• 180 community referrals in 2024 – highlighting strong engagement from community partners.
• 56 active participants currently – showcasing the program's tangible impact on lives.

These figures are a testament to the dedication of the LEAD team, the unwavering support from community partners, and the trust placed in the program by our residents. It's particularly encouraging to see the high number of community referrals, signifying that Alamosa partners are actively participating in creating a safer and healthier environment for everyone.  I want to commend Chief Dingfelder for his work to strengthen and grow the LEAD program. 

As we step into 2025, we are committed to expanding LEAD's reach, refining services, and strengthening collaborations with law enforcement and community organizations. We believe that by empowering individuals to address the root causes of their challenges, we can reduce recidivism, improve public safety, and foster a more compassionate and inclusive Alamosa. 

And speaking of community spirit, don't forget to bundle up and join us for the Rio Frio Races and festivities, Jan. 24-26! This year's event promises a weekend packed with icy fun for everyone. Visit rioraces.com/rio-frio-home, for the full schedule. Let's celebrate winter in Alamosa! Have a super fantastic day and don’t let anyone steal your joy!