Retired law enforcement officer the founder of a local nonprofit

RIO RANCHO — While working as a law enforcement officer in California, Exavier Aguilar got a call that changed the rest of his life. His younger brother, Robert, who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, was stabbed to death.

“I was the one who identified him under the covers, stabbed multiple times ... Lord, I got to make a change,’ So, this is what it is,” an emotional Aguilar said.

Aguilar had a lengthy career in law enforcement, which included 23 years in New Mexico, before launching the nonprofit organization “One Day at a Time Ministry.”

“The mentality that we had then was, ‘Hook them and book them, and throw the key away.’ That creates further issues,” Aguilar said. “If you go that extra mile, you won’t see that person again. When you do see that person again that you arrested, he’ll thank you.”

Aguilar worked with Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office, Bernalillo Police Department and Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office.

One Day at a Time Ministry offers community support worker services (CSW) for anyone going through homelessness and substance abuse struggles. The end goal for these individuals is returning to their respective communities as productive members of society.

“It took me three felonies and three separate charges of getting caught with fentanyl here in Rio Rancho, and to ultimately face a habitual offender charge, to decide to change my life,” community support worker Andrew Antonen said, who also facilitates a self-help group through Sandoval County.

Services provided at One Day at a Time include furnished bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. While at One Day at a Time, residents are expected to stay sober and not bring drugs or alcohol into the home.

Part of their program includes Bible study, church, recovery programs, counseling and that residents find work or have a legal source of income. Many residents join Aguilar in repairing and fixing up houses.

“One of the promises I made to God … This is the community that helped me, that got me on my feet. I’m here now doing my part. My work to help all my peers and anyone else in the community that is really interested in making that change,” Antonen said.

Recently, two men from Pie Town came all the way to One Day at a Time Ministry to get help.

“We are a one-stop shop for everything,” Aguilar said. “We will help you get your birth certificates, we will help you find placement for your children, your loved ones, for yourself and any kind of treatment that you need.”

If you have any questions about One Day at a Time Ministry, call 505-697-7781 or email 1dayatatimeministry@gmail.com.

One Day at a Time Ministry is located at 4200 Meadowlark Road, Rio Rancho.