Strengthening Community

Strengthening Community

Partnerships help the YMCA create opportunities for youth leadership, job training, conservation work, and meaningful community impact.

Building Skills, Leadership, and Community Connection

The Family YMCA believes that strong communities are built through connection, contribution, and opportunity. Through collaborative partnerships, we are able to create programs that support youth development, community well-being, and shared responsibility.

These efforts strengthen more than individuals. They strengthen neighborhoods, public spaces, local partnerships, and the future of our region.

Youth Conservation Corps

From 2009 through 2016, and again from 2018 through 2026, the State of New Mexico’s Youth Conservation Corps awarded the YMCA significant grants to employ youth in public works projects for community good, provide them with marketable job skills, and encourage continuing education.

Through this program, the YMCA typically employs up to 15 youth annually to work on local trails and projects that benefit the wider community.

This work has been supported through partnerships with Los Alamos County’s Open Space and Trails Department, the Española Ranger District, and the High Altitude Athletics Club.

Bandelier Corps and Community Collaboration

In 2017, the Volunteer Task Force, Bandelier National Monument, Delle Foundation, and the Pajarito Trail Fest provided funds to sponsor the Y Bandelier Corps, a summer youth employment program focused on service, stewardship, and real-world experience.

Programs like these give young people the chance to build responsibility, confidence, and job readiness while contributing to the places and spaces that matter in their communities.

Earth Service Corps and Teen Support

The Delle Foundation has also funded the YMCA’s Earth Service Corps (YESC), a summer job training program for middle school youth. In addition, their support has helped strengthen both teen centers in Los Alamos and Española.

These programs expand the YMCA’s ability to create safe, constructive, and empowering opportunities for youth while deepening the organization’s role as a community-building partner.

Featured Partners

Additional support for these programs has been provided by the Delle Foundation.

Why Community Partnerships Matter

Through partnerships like these, the YMCA can respond to community needs in ways that are practical, local, and lasting. Youth gain experience and leadership skills. Communities benefit from meaningful service. Families see the value of programs that build confidence, purpose, and connection.

This is how the YMCA helps strengthen community: by creating opportunities that serve both individual growth and the common good.