(Pictured L to R): Molly Foggaard, Seona Zimmerman, Steeny Benkowski, Heather McCulloch, Michelangelo Lobato, Heather Beemer, Jessica Cowan, Joseph Cowan, Louisa Singleton, Matthew DeSmith and Jenny Bacca-Mills.

The Atomic Follies Cabaret, a local performance group, raised $1,000.00 for Self Help’s Techo Fund during its Halloween cabaret at the SheriƯ’s Posse Lodge. Techo, which means “roof” in Spanish, provides funding to support young adults who identify as LGBTQ+ and require assistance in securing or maintaining stable housing.

Follies performer Heather Beemer said, “This is at least our tenth event. We all support the LGBTQ+ community and are thrilled to be able to offer our talents, especially to such a great cause like Self Help’s Techo fund. Countless hours, all volunteered, are put into each and every show. Special thanks to: Holly May Robinson, Michelangelo Lobato, Nick Dennison, Dave Hemsing, Kile Uhlenbrock, Joe Cox, Isabella Jiminez, Neslihan Zehren, Faliz & Faleen Lobato, Ryan Schultz, P.W. Covington, Andrea Albert, Claire Singleton, Kelly Dolejsi, Jackie Mirabal, Meredith Cook, & Mikhaela Smith, Cami Charanko, Anna Marie Soloman, Mandie Gehring, Wendy Lanchier, Patricia Masterson, Zan Fresch and Brittany St. Jacques.”

Because Self Help does not receive any government funding, the organization has relied on the generosity of community members and partners to sustain its work for 55 years.

“We couldn’t do this alone,” says Self Help’s Director Diane Smogor.

“We are so grateful to all the people on the stage and behind the scenes who made this performance possible, including:
Directors/Producers: Heather McCulloch and Holly May Robinson
Music by Syzygy: Michelangelo Lobato, Nick Denisson, Dave Hemsing, Kile Uhlenbrock
Guest Pianist: Joe Cox Choreographers: Steeny Benkowski, Isabella Jiminez, Neslihan Zehren, Jessica Cowan, Heather McCulloch”

To request financial assistance from the Techo Fund, visit https://selfhelpla.org/ and click on the request help button on the home page. Or contact Self Help at 505-662-4666, contact@selfhelpla.org, text 505-500-4030 or call 211.

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About Self Help, Inc.
Since 1969, Self Help, Inc. (Self Help) has functioned as a bridge to self-sufficiency for Northern New Mexicans. We believe that access to basic needs is fundamental to every community member’s well-being and success. We provide flexible financial assistance, as well as information and referral services, to help disadvantaged clients and their families maintain housing, utilities, medical care, and other basic needs during a short-term crisis. Self Help serves residents of Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Northern Santa Fe, and Taos Counties.