A legacy of connection: Interagency Council

For over 22 years, Christina “Chris” and William Little have been the heart and soul of the Interagency Council, a unique clearinghouse and communications hub connecting social service providers and nonprofit organizations across our region.

What began as a way to bring people together became something much greater. Month after month, Chris and William created a welcoming space where members could introduce themselves, share about their programs, exchange ideas, and learn from featured presenters who offered an in-depth look at their organizations and the work they were doing in the community. And, of course, there were homemade cookies.

William provided technical support, and the occasional plate of brownies, to keep things running smoothly. Beyond the meetings, Chris managed a moderated listserv with over 500 members, sharing news, announcements, and opportunities with the community daily. The work that Chris and William put into it was always about something much bigger — the people.

Chris unfortunately passed away on June 15, marking the loss of a remarkable community leader, friend, and advocate. While her passing has left an immeasurable void, her husband of 57 years, William, remains a valued part of the Interagency Council and continues to stay connected to the work they built together.

Chris and William created a place where those working throughout the community could find one another. They created opportunities for organizations to learn about each other’s work, share resources, and discover ways to help people in their communities. The true measure of the Interagency Council was not the meetings themselves, but the relationships that were able to grow from them. That is what makes Chris’s legacy so meaningful. Chris and William not only brought organization together but strengthened our community.

Community work is often built on small connections, for Chris those small connections would turn into a lifetime of friendships. Bringing people together and helping others was something that she cared about deeply.

As Chris once wrote: “You know by now that I value being an active and supportive member of all kinds of communities, that that I can take on leadership roles but am equally satisfied in supportive ones. That my work and volunteer history have been checkered, that I care about my family and friends, and that I have a fair amount of spunk.”

The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico team began having thoughtful conversations about the future of Interagency Council with a deep desire to honor what the Littles have built. Together, we reached a shared understanding that the best way to carry this work forward was to welcome the Interagency Council into CFSNM, ensuring the relationships and collaborations will continue to thrive for years to come. CFSNM is deeply grateful to Chris and William for their decades of dedication and leadership, and we are proud to continue the work they started.

During Southern New Mexico Giving Day, we had the privilege of honoring them by creating the Chris and William Little – Heart for Community Award, an annual prize that will recognize and celebrate the vital work the Littles have sustained over the years.

Chris leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the Interagency Council itself. She connected people, encouraged collaboration, and made everyone feel welcome. William continues to carry that spirit forward through his ongoing connection with Interagency Council and his continued presence in the community they served together.

While Chris’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter, it does not mark the end of the work she and William began. The Interagency Council will continue, not simply as a meeting or a listserv, but as a community of people connected by a shared commitment to helping others.

Through CFSNM, we are honored to carry that work forward while remembering Chris, celebrating William, and preserving the relationships they spent 22 years building.