As the Life Link’s Executive Director, Carol Luna-Anderson has overseen the agency’s expansion of programs in direct response to the needs of the Santa Fe community. She manages the administrative and fiscal responsibilities of a 50-employee organization, but is never too busy to talk to a client with a special concern. She continues her local and national advocacy for programs to end homelessness and expand services to persons with psychiatric and substance abuse problems. She knows that a sudden change in health or life circumstances can result in homelessness—and that with understanding and support, there is hope and a way back.
Carol has always demonstrated and maintained her optimism, dedication, compassion, humor, perseverance, and integrity in her work. Her “can-do” attitude has inspired many other women to accomplish their goals and address community needs. She has earned the gratitude and admiration of the thousands of people who have found a better life, other human services providers, and the community.
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Carol’s personal story
is one of strength and survival. She grew up in a very poor family of ten children who relied on assistance from the local religious community while their father was unemployed. Through hard work and personal determination, she earned two nursing degrees and worked in several hospitals including Los Alamos Medical Center where she served as Nursing Administrator.
When she met her first husband Carl, it was their dream to create a place where people going through difficult times would be welcomed and helped. After venturing into this project, Carl died in a tragic auto accident on Christmas Eve, 1988. Instead of being overcome by the loss, Carol poured her heart and energy into the budding project. While working with the homeless and medical needs of other countries, she met Raymond Anderson, who was working with Feed My People. They married, and now work together.
Carol was appointed by Governor Richardson to serve as Chairman of the New Mexico Behavioral Health Council. On October 20, 2006 she received a citation from the Governor for “Outstanding Community Service and Exceptional Dedication for your devoted work on behalf of homeless New Mexicans. “ That same year, she received recognition from National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) “for her many years and contributions to the behavioral health community,” at their Annual Give Thanks Celebration, December 11, 2006.
Carol’s caring nature led her to obtain an advanced degree in counseling, and she holds New Mexico’s highest licensure as a mental health counselor. She earned a Doctorate in counseling from the University of Biblical Studies in Bethany, Oklahoma; a Master of Science-Nursing from UNM; and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Excelsior College in New York. Carol has lived and worked in New Mexico since 1976.