MEGHAN MONTELIBANO GORMAN founded Santa Fam, an online hub of activities, advice, and resources for children and families in Santa Fe. As a mother of two small children, the second-generation Filipina American developed the community of parents and caregivers as a response to her own struggles with postpartum depression.
KIDDO CULTURE. Montelibano Gorman says Santa Fe has a reputation for being a retiree community that does little to provide or promote services and activities for families and children. Santa Fam seeks to change that narrative by bringing families together and providing opportunities for connection, enrichment, and support. “Being a family-friendly place benefits everyone—the economy, public health,” she says.
GOOD CRY. Montelibano Gorman hosts weekly Coffee and Crying events throughout the city, where moms and caregivers share their experiences, struggles, and joys. “I’m trying to make life more fun, be helpful, and build bridges as a testament to motherhood and this labor that has been for generations pushed to the fringes,” she says. “We’re raising future history makers and are history makers in our own right.”
COMMUNITY CONNECTION. With a background in nonprofit management and community activism, Montelibano Gorman believes in the three Ts: time, treasure, talent. “Everyone has something to give, so recognize that capacity and get creative with your talent and time,”
she says.
FAMILY TIME. After her first child was born, she felt isolated and overwhelmed. “Part of the hurting was not having connection to people as a mom,” she says. But Santa Fam has helped to bring meaning, love, and friendship into her life. “I’ve seen it reflected in others too,” she says.