About Us
La Casa, Inc.'s mission is to support everyone affected by domestic violence while striving for a just and safe community free from violence and abuse. We are the largest provider of domestic violence services in New Mexico and the sole provider within the 10,225 sq. mi. of the southern NM rural terrain, which encompasses the tri-county area of Doña Ana, Luna, and Hidalgo Counties along the NM/U.S.-Mexico border. La Casa provides a 24-hour anonymous hotline; emergency shelter for families fleeing domestic violence; safe, short- and long-term transitional housing; individualized case management; children and youth programming; civil legal and immigration services such as protection orders, child support, child custody, paternity, U-Visa, and divorce; advocacy, outreach and education about domestic violence; Safe Exchange and Supervised Visitation Program; and the Behavior Intervention Prevention Program a 52—week program for those with a history of partner abuse.
Doña Ana, Luna, and Hidalgo counties consistently experience some of the highest rates of domestic violence in New Mexico. The region's domestic violence incidence has been a long-standing issue, with numerous studies and state reports highlighting the need for ongoing support and intervention in these communities.
History
La Casa, Inc. was founded in 1981 by a group of visionary women committed to taking a stand against domestic violence. The organization's early days were humble, with its first shelter located in a '50s-era house on Idaho Avenue. Space was so limited that the children's playroom was little more than a closet. Meanwhile, the office operated out of an outdated downtown building, where staff had to walk through a restroom to access the offices, and frequent fires posed additional challenges.
By the early 1990s, it became clear that La Casa had outgrown its facilities, prompting the board of directors at that time to recognize the urgent need for a safer, larger shelter, which is the location we occupy today. In recent years, we’ve significantly expanded our Housing Program, achieving an impressive 600% increase in capacity over the last two years, made possible through partnerships with the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness and HUD (U.S. Housing and Urban Development) funding. Additionally, we recently launched the Safe Exchange and Supervised Visitation Program, further enhancing our services. Today, La Casa, Inc. stands as the largest comprehensive domestic violence service provider in New Mexico, dedicated to empowering individuals and families affected by domestic violence and fostering a safer community for all.