BUILDING PATHWAYS. CHANGING FUTURES

Empowering New Mexicans through workforce training, housing, and community support.

Who We Are
The Iron Trail Workforce Foundation is a New Mexico nonprofit committed to helping individuals and families build stable, self-sufficient futures. Inspired by the resilience of the Sandia Mountains, we focus on creating real opportunities through hands-on training, meaningful work, and community support. Our programs serve people rebuilding their lives after incarceration, seniors needing safe home repairs, families without reliable transportation, and adults seeking new skills and direction.
Through training in construction, welding, automotive repair, culinary arts, and aquaponics, participants gain practical experience by contributing to real projects such as tiny home construction, community meal programs, and donated vehicle restoration. We believe people thrive when they are given support, dignity, and the chance to succeed. Iron Trail Workforce Foundation empowers New Mexicans to rise, rebuild, and move forward with confidence and purpose.itle
Mission
Iron Trail Workforce Foundation empowers individuals to rebuild their lives through hands-on job training, community service, and supportive programs. We help participants gain skills, stability, and purpose while serving seniors, families, and neighbors throughout New Mexico.

What We Do

Workforce Training & Tiny Homes

Participants develop real construction skills by building tiny homes that support transitional and affordable housing needs across New Mexico and renovating and repairing senior and underserved citizens.

Culinary & Community Kitchen

Hands-on food safety, kitchen teamwork, and meal preparation training. Participants prepare meals for seniors, families, and local service organizations.

Auto & Trades Garage

Foundational automotive and trades instruction through supervised maintenance, diagnostics, and repair projects. Provides low cost automotive ownership to single mothers and low cost repairs to seniors and underserved adults

Hydroponics & Urban Agriculture

We teach modern hydroponic growing techniques that provide fresh produce for meal programs and create sustainable agriculture skills for participants.

Who We Serve

Adults reentering the community after incarceration

Individuals seeking job skills and a second chance

Seniors needing safe home repairs and accessibility support

Families and individuals seeking stable, affordable housing

Community members in need of meals, resources, and services

About Iron Trail Workforce Foundation
Iron Trail Workforce Foundation was created with a simple belief: everyone deserves a real chance to rebuild, grow, and thrive. What began as a vision to help individuals re-enter the workforce has grown into a comprehensive community initiative that bridges opportunity with purpose. We saw the challenges faced by people coming out of incarceration, seniors in need of support, families struggling to access affordable services, and community members seeking meaningful education or job training—and we built a foundation to meet those needs head-on.

Today, Iron Trail Workforce Foundation provides hands-on training in construction, automotive repair, culinary arts, hydroponics, and essential trades while also offering services like home repairs for seniors, healthy meals for those in need, and low-cost vehicles for families. Our story is still being written every day through the people we support and the community we strengthen. We believe in second chances, earned respect, practical skills, and the power of showing up for one another—because when we lift people up, we lift our entire community.

Three Pinnacles 

Mission

To provide hands-on workforce training, second chances, and community support that strengthen individuals, families, and communities across New Mexico.

Vision

A New Mexico where everyone willing to work has access to training, support, and safe, stable housing—and where communities come together to lift up neighbors in need.

Core Values

Respect Dignity Accountability Service Safety Community Growth

Our Approach
Our programs combine classroom instruction, hands-on projects, and mentorship to prepare individuals for employment and long-term success. Participants gain experience by:

  • Building or renovating tiny homes
  • Studying culinary arts and preparing meals in our resturant and community kitchen
  • Repairing and maintaining vehicles and equipment and providing low-cost vechicles 
  • Growing produce and raising fish using aquaponic systems
  • Supporting seniors with essential home repairs
Participants are treated as team members, not clients. They gain confidence, experience, and skills that transfer directly into real careers.

Leadership

Michael Zirger

Founder / Board Member

Michael Zirger serves as the Founder and a Board Member of our organization, bringing visionary leadership and strategic insight to our operations.

Ashley Williamson

Board Member

Ashley Williamson is a Board Member, contributing to the strategic decision-making processes and governance of our organization.

Naomi Heldel

Board Member

Board Member, contributing to the strategic decision-making processes and governance of our organization.

Programs & Services

Our programs are designed around real work, real skills, and real community impact. Every training track improves lives while serving seniors, families, and local organizations. Explore our key program areas below.

Workforce Training & Case Management

Participants receive goal planning, job readiness coaching, documentation support, resource navigation, and structured accountability. This foundation helps them prepare for employment and stability.

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Tiny Home Builders

Hands-on construction training through supervised tiny home builds. Participants learn framing, installation, finishing, safety, and teamwork while building homes that support transitional and affordable housing needs.

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Culinary & Community Kitchen

Training includes food safety, meal prep, kitchen workflow, nutrition basics, and sanitation. Meals prepared support community partners, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity.

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Auto & Trades Garage

Participants gain practical skills through basic automotive diagnostics, oil changes, brakes, service checks, and tool usage. The program also introduces welding, fabrication, and shop safety.

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Reentry & Second Chances

A supportive, structured environment designed for adults reentering the community after incarceration. Participants learn skills, build confidence, and establish stability through training and mentorship.

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Senior Support Services & Home Repair

Supervised trainees provide free or low-cost repairs, accessibility improvements, and safety enhancements that help seniors remain safe and independent in their homes.

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Hydroponics & Urban Agriculture

Participants learn sustainable food production using hydroponic systems. The produce supports community meals and teaches modern agriculture and maintenance techniques.

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Adult Education & Life Skills

Participants receive support in financial literacy, digital skills, communication, conflict resolution, housing readiness, and career preparation. Skills built here support long-term success.

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Get Involved
Iron Trail Workforce Foundation is powered by community. You can make a difference by volunteering, donating, partnering, or hiring our graduates. Together, we can build stronger futures for New Mexicans.
Volunteer
We welcome volunteers who can contribute skills, support, to time. Opportunities include:

  • Mentoring participants
  • Assisting with training workshops
  • Helping build tiny homes
  • Supporting kitchen and meal preparation
  • Providing professional services
  • Assisting with events and outreach


Your involvement directly impacts lives and strengthens our community.
Your Support Builds Futures
Donating to Iron Trail Workforce Foundation is more than a contribution—it’s an investment in people, families, and the future of our community. Every dollar helps provide hands-on training, essential resources, and life-changing opportunities for individuals working to rebuild their lives. Your support fuels our workforce programs, community kitchen, hydroponics and agriculture initiatives, auto and trades garage, senior services, and reentry pathways, ensuring that everyone who comes through our doors has the tools to succeed.When you give, you become part of the foundation that lifts others up. Your generosity helps feed families, repair senior homes, build tiny houses, grow fresh produce for the community, restore donated vehicles for those in need, and support adults pursuing education and stability. You help create second chances, strengthen New Mexico’s workforce, and bring hope to people who simply need someone to believe in them. Together, we can create real and lasting change—one donation, one person, and one new beginning at a time.

Iron Trail Workforce Foundation is an nonprofit organization headquartered in New Mexico
EIN: 41-2605440
Partner With Us
At Iron Trail Workforce Foundation, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that meaningful, lasting change is created when organizations, businesses, and individuals come together with a shared purpose. By partnering with us, you help expand workforce training opportunities, strengthen community services, and provide real pathways to stability for people rebuilding their lives. Your support helps fuel programs that touch every corner of our community—from hands-on skills training and culinary services to senior home repairs, re-entry support, automotive assistance, and sustainable food production.

When you join us as a partner, you’re not just contributing resources—you’re becoming part of a mission that empowers people, strengthens families, and revitalizes neighborhoods across New Mexico. Whether you’re a business looking to invest in the next generation of skilled workers, a nonprofit seeking collaborative impact, or an individual wanting to uplift the community, we welcome you into our growing network of changemakers. Together, we can build stronger futures, expand opportunities, and create a foundation of hope and possibility for those who need it most.
Hire Our Graduates
Iron Trail Workforce Foundation trains individuals with the hands-on skills, work ethic, and real-world experience today’s employers are looking for. Our graduates complete comprehensive workforce programs that include construction trades, culinary arts, automotive repair, hydroponics and agriculture, senior support services, and essential life skills. Each participant receives case management, mentorship, and industry-aligned training designed to build confidence, reliability, and long-term employability. When you hire one of our graduates, you bring on a team member who is motivated, supported, and ready to contribute from day one.

Partnering with us to employ graduates not only strengthens your workforce—it strengthens the entire community. By offering opportunities to individuals who are rebuilding their lives, employers help reduce recidivism, support local families, and fill critical skills gaps across New Mexico’s industries. Our team works directly with employers to understand their needs and ensure the right match. When you hire from Iron Trail Workforce Foundation, you’re investing in skilled talent, resilient people, and a brighter collective future.

Testimonials

Program Participant

“Iron Trail Workforce Foundation changed my life. The training, support, and encouragement I received helped me rebuild my confidence and get back into the workforce. I finally feel like I have a future again.”

Trainee

“This program gave me more than job training—it gave me stability, structure, and people who believed in me. Iron Trail helped me take the steps I needed to create a better life for myself and my family.”

Business Partner

“Partnering with Iron Trail Workforce Foundation has been an outstanding experience. The graduate we hired came prepared, motivated, and ready to work from day one. Their training programs clearly build strong, reliable talent.”

Senior Community Member

“I can’t say enough about the help I received from Iron Trail Workforce Foundation. The team that came to my home was kind, respectful, and truly cared about my needs. They fixed things I could no longer manage on my own, and their support has made it possible for me to stay safe and comfortable in my home. I am so grateful for everything they’ve done.”

Contact

  • Albuquerque, NM, USA