HELPING OTHERS: The legacy of Vanessa Garcia

The Socorro County Detention Center is deeply mourning the unexpected loss of Vanessa Garcia, the dedicated coordinator of the RISE program. Vanessa, who passed away last Friday, was a vital part of the center’s efforts to provide support and rehabilitation for inmates. Her commitment to fostering positive change and helping individuals reintegrate into society made a profound impact on both the staff and the inmates she served.

“I’m one hundred percent positive God welcomed her into heaven with all the great things she’s done,” Eddie Garcia, Socorro County Detention administrator said, “Vanessa was so important to me and everything she did with our RISE program. Vanessa’s legacy will always be there.”

Eddie Garcia said she not only put the RISE program on the map in New Mexico, she truly believed in everyone she worked with and was fiercely loyal to all the people in the program.

He said Vanessa Garcia loved her daughters more than anything, who are only 17 and 22-years-old. Eddie Garcia said Vanessa was the household’s primary breadwinner, so to show them support, a GoFundMe and a raffle have been set up to cover funeral expenses.

Cailey Montano, an inmate in the RISE program, described Vanessa as supportive, honest, and someone who made a difference in many lives, especially her own. Montano recalled their long talks and appreciated how Vanessa was always there for her when she was doubting herself.

“She could relate to all of us,” Montano said, “She was very respectful. She would make you feel better. Just her energy would just make you feel better.”

Montano said the community was blessed to have her for the time they did. She believes Vanessa’s gift was her ability to talk to people in a way others didn’t. She spoke to them like they were people, not just addicts, Montano said.

“Me personally, I plan on keeping my word to Vanessa about continuing doing good. I don’t want to let her down. I didn’t before when she was here, but especially now that she’s gone, I don’t want to let her down.” Montano said.

Rose Belmontez, who knew Vanessa well, spoke on behalf of Shelly Carrillo, Vanessa’s friend of over twenty years and coworker. She said Carrillo wanted to ensure Vanessa was honored but was struggling to talk, so she asked Belmontez to share her feelings about her longtime friend.

“It’s hard for her (Carrillo). It’s hard for the family; they’re still in shock. They’re all having a really hard time at the detention center right now too,” Belmontez said, “Vanessa touched a lot of people. She was an amazing lady.”

Belmontez said Vanessa was a caring person who prioritized others. After her mom lost her job, she returned to school to earn her bachelor’s degree, determined to support her family.

“She was a good-hearted person. She always cared about everybody else. She was always wanting to take care of everybody and be there for everybody,” Belmontez said, “She was always willing to help somebody that it didn’t matter if they were somebody struggling with addiction or somebody that just needed to vent, whatever it was, she was there and she touched so many lives here in Socorro.”

Even in Vanessa’s final days, while battling a respiratory infection, Belmontez mentioned that she continued to work from home, highlighting her dedication and work ethic.

Belmontez said with Vanessa gone, those in the community are feeling a significant loss. She was their go-to for support, connecting people with programs and counseling. She worries about the community that relies on her.

“Where do they go now?” Belmont said.

Belmontez said it was important for Carrillo that her friend be remembered for her favorite thing to say “With that being said,”

In a Socorro County meeting in last September, Vanessa spoke to the pride she had for the RISE participants.

“You know, we’re all human, and we can change. And like I tell them, it’s difficult. I’m in recovery now for 18 years. Yeah, it is hard, but we like I tell them, we are the only ones that can do this. Every day is going to be a fight for the rest of our lives,” Vanessa Garcia said, “I just want to say to all my RISE clients, you guys are rocking this.”

A vigil for Vanessa Garcia will be held at the Socorro County Detention Center at 6 p.m. on January 23rd. Attendants are welcome to bring flowers and candles.

Please contact the Socorro County Detention center for raffle tickets and to make donations to her family. Please contact the Socorro County Detention center for raffle tickets and to make donations to her family.

Fundraiser by Eddie Garcia : Help Vanessa Garcia's Family with Funeral Expenses