THE PROJECT

Through the Fire is a new video project highlighting stories of hope, healing and transformation.

Guided by narrator Sara Tapia-Tomer, this documentary series will dig deep into what it's like going "through the fire" of life's challenges - with the goal of helping others do the same. Click here for more details.

New Mexico has some of the most unique energy and people in the world. And every day, they walk through life with no idea what to do with their struggles and little resources in their communities to help. So we decided to make a place for them.

We know the statistics – New Mexico is last in this and worst in that – and we’re tired of hearing it. It’s time to shine a light on what’s good here: the resiliency and grit that makes us who we are and how we find ways to make it through the fire.

Combing the ancient art of storytelling and the modern day power of video, we hope to offer a new outlet for New Mexico's generational trauma in a positive, inspiring way.

OUR VISION

OUR VALUES

Hope. Healing. Inspiration: Too many projects focus on the trauma and not the triumph. Not ours. We care more about the person than the problem. We're doing this because we've lost too many friends and seen too many people fall through the cracks of our broken mental health system. If we help one person, we will have succeeded.

Honesty. Transparency. Community: We're not mental health professionals...we're storytellers. Like most New Mexicans, we're straight shooters who come from lived experiences. We're not looking to make a buck, we're looking help our communities. We don't pretend to have all the answers, and we want to partner with as many people as we can throughout the process.

OUR TEAM

SARA TAPIA-TOMER, Narrator

JAKE McCOOK,

Born and raised in the small town of Raton, N.M., Sara came from humble means, with big dreams and a strong desire to make a difference in the world. She is a proud Chicana, mother, wife, social activist, poet, and first-generation high school/college graduate. Sara has worked in service organizations like ENLACE, PB&J Family Services, Sequoyah Adolescent Treatment Center, and Service Organization for Youth. Throughout her journey, she’s seen and experienced her share of pain and suffering; now, she wants to share her story while inspiring others to share theirs. As narrator, Sara will help pave the way to illumination and evolution by promoting healing through the ancient art of storytelling.

Executive Producer

Like Sara, Jake was born in the small town of Raton and grew up on an organic farm in Northeastern New Mexico. His parents were teachers, mentors and lifelong educators who instilled in him a deep sense of service to others. He left New Mexico to pursue his education in Austin, Texas, then worked for many years in politics and public relations in Washington, D.C. Jake also spent one year in Los Angeles working in the entertainment industry, building social impact campaigns for documentaries, TV shows, and films. In 2019, he returned to the Land of Enchantment and founded a communications consulting firm, McCook Strategies, LLC and a production company, What's Good Video, LLC. He is passionate about using video storytelling to create social change.

SUPPORT US

• Help Find Stories: Have you or someone you know gone through the fire and made it to the other side? Use the form below or email us at LetsGo@ThroughTheFireNM.com

• Help Spread the Word: Tell your friends, family, coworkers and community about this project. We even put together some fancy social media posts for you to copy/paste here.

• Help Develop Partnerships: We want this project to support the work of non-profit organizations, foundations, local governments and professionals who do this work every day. If you belong to one of these, or recommend someone we connect with, please email us at LetsGo@ThroughTheFireNM.com

• Help Raise Money: Click here for more information about fundraising.

If this project speaks to you, here are some ways you can help:

Thanks for your support! - Jake & Sara

"I don't know how to fix it, but it starts with a conversation."

Have you gone through the fire and made it to the other side? Do you know someone who has? Here's what we're looking for:

• We're highlighting people who are living in, or who are originally from, New Mexico.

• We care more about the person than the problem, and we want to highlight the triumph, not the trauma.

• We're casting a wide net - some have shared stories about their family, relationships, job, or their personal struggles with mental health, addiction, or simply finding their place in life.

• We're not looking to exploit, shame or embarras anyone, and we won't use their story without their full partnership or permission.

Tell Your Story