Get to Know Los Alamos County Social Services

Written by Evelyn Drake, Los Alamos Social Services Division Summer Intern

Ask most people what the Los Alamos County Social Services Division does, and you’ll usually hear some variation of “I’m not sure.” We’ve been asked if we can help pay someone’s rent (no), help CYFD with kids in foster care (no), or help someone get their Social Security card (also no). To help more people better understand what it is that we DO do, Self Help offered us this opportunity to share about the staff and services at Social Services!

In reality, we act as the connection between individuals seeking support and the programs designed to assist them. While we are not a 24-7 crisis service, we do see individuals that need assistance with rent, food, healthcare, and a host of other short-term and long-term needs. One of our Healthcare Specialists, Jeramay Martinez, describes us as “the resources hub,” describing it as “a place that helps people get the resources they need for their overall well‑being.” For example, we have helped people get an ID at the MVD, get copies of their birth certificates, and complete applications for utility assistance and SNAP benefits. Our other Healthcare Specialist, Lori Padilla—often known as our “Jill of all trades”—helps community members with everything from paying bills to finding a physician who accepts their insurance or locating stable housing. No matter what the need, we’re here to guide you.  We know most of the resources within Los Alamos, as well as the wider region, and making connections to those resources is one of our strengths.

As our Program Specialist, Jamie Allbach, puts it, one of her biggest goals is to “let my neighbors know that Social Services is here to help them.” Jamie’s role is to educate and lead trainings in the community, including ones on suicide prevention, Mental Health First Aid, and opioid overdose prevention. She also handles most of our outreach work, including at the weekly Farmer’s Markets and during “evening hours” at the Los Alamos libraries. Her work includes making sure many locations around town are stocked with naloxone (also known as Narcan), which can help prevent an opioid overdose – locations where this can be found for free include our libraries, little food pantries, and the Los Alamos Visitor Center.

Our Management Analyst, Eloisa Sanchez, also plays a vital role, as she “coordinates with County departments, community partners, and service providers to help keep programs and projects moving forward.” But our support doesn’t stop at physical or financial needs. We are equally committed to helping those experiencing mental health challenges.

That is often where our case coordination specialist, Deni Fell, steps in. Seen as our primary problem solver, she “meets people where they’re at and listens to understand their greatest needs.” This philosophy is woven throughout our department – we want everyone who comes into Social Services to feel listened to, and we work hard to help them achieve their goals.

Our Manager, Jessica Strong, ensures that “staff have all that they need in order to do their jobs successfully,” as well as working with regional partners in Santa Fe and Rio Arriba Counties, and with state partners, to secure funding and solve these challenges on a bigger scale – increasing mental health accessibility for example, and working collaboratively on housing and homelessness challenges.

Social Services is here for anyone and everyone who works, plays, or lives in Los Alamos County and needs support—whatever that support may look like. If you need assistance, please call 505-662-8068 to set up an appointment.