The Family YMCA: Española Teen Center

The Española Teen Center is a safe and caring environment that promotes positive core values. We provide programming that promotes self-discipline, builds self-esteem and teaches life skills essential to future success. Click here to see the YTD summary.

Española Teen Center Major Supporters:

City of Española
United Way of Northern New Mexico
Con Alma Health Foundation
Cultura Promotions in collaboration with the City of Española
Hatton W. Sumners Foundation
Los Alamos National Laboratory Community Programs
Lowes Foundation
Presbytery of Santa Fe, Mission in the North
Rio Arriba County
Santa Fe Community Foundation
Y-USA and Wal-Mart

Additional support has been provided by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Mexico, Mr. Ron Gallegos, the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation, Los Alamos Medical Center, Los Alamos National Bank, New Mexico Community Foundation, Pojoaque Valley Fund, SOC, URS Washington Division, Wilder Green Fund of the Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program.

Mission/Purpose

The Family YMCA and the City of Española have partnered to open the Center at the city’s request. The community values its youth and seeks to fulfill a commitment to provide technological and recreation resources to its teenagers. The City also recognizes the YMCA’s 50+ year history in northern New Mexico and expertise in meeting critical community needs, such as outreach to youth.
The YMCA exists to build the whole individual, including his or her character. Our mission is to build individual, family and community strength by focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We endeavor to do this by providing positive, self-esteem building programs and recreational opportunities. We stress the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in all programming and interactions.
The City has contracted the YMCA to operate the Center. The Y has obtained grants and support to do so.

For more videos visit the Y's YouTube® channel.

Center Goals

1) to create a vibrant, safe, attractive, viable youth outreach center, serving as a point of gang intervention and substance abuse prevention, that is heavily used and considered a model program that can eventually be funded by local government;
2) to support mastery of educational benchmarks (math and literacy are identified areas of focus) through tutoring and supplemental educational programs;
3) to mentor and assist the teen population of Española and surrounding areas for continuing and higher education;
4) to mentor and encourage compassion, caring, respect and responsibility in the teen population; and
5) to foster healthy lifestyle choices.

Membership/ Usage

Teen Center membership is FREE of charge and available for teens ages 12 to 19.
Registration with parent and teen signatures is required.

Youth Board

Youth are encouraged to join the Y’s Youth Advisory Board that will provide guidance in program offerings.

Center Programs

The Center has 5 components:
*Computer lab with 21 PCs that feature a quiet/study area and tutors for students who need assistance
*Social and recreation area with pool tables, table tennis, foosball, lounge/TV area; exercise equipment; air hockey;
*Classroom/instruction area for workshops and classes including jewelry making, cooking and wood working.
*Community First Aid/CPR/AED classes.
*Outdoor recreation court, with the opportunity to play basketball, volleyball and tennis.
Programming is aimed at developing a sense of purpose and hopefulness in participants in regard to their own skill and their ability to positively impact change. Programs include cultural arts and educational offerings by local experts, and leadership skills programming. Qualified instructors are encouraged to apply.