Celebrating YMCA Day last Thursday at the State Capitol, front row from left, Los Alamos Teen Center’s Sylvan Argo and Michael Booten, Española YMCA Teen Center’s Benjamin Sandoval and Ben Sandoval. Back row from left, YUSA Government Relations Judy Barrett Miller, YMCA Board President Christina Sierk; Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, YMCA Board Member Eric Vasquez and YUSA’s Cezar Gonzales. Courtesy photo
Michael Booten shares his experience with starting up several programs at the new Los Alamos Teen Center. Courtesy photo
YMCA News:
Thursday, Feb. 4 was declared YMCA Day in New Mexico by way of a Governor’s Proclamation as well as House and Senate Memorials. The House Memorial was sponsored and read by Dist. 43 Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard and the Senate Memorial was sponsored and read by Sen. Jerry Ortiz Y Pino.
The proclamation and memorials noted that more than 37,960 individuals benefit directly each year from the Ys extensive programs for all ages and abilities including early childhood education, job-readiness programs for teens, fitness and wellness opportunities, and healthy living programs for senior citizens. More than 13,800 youth benefit from Y programs such as after school care, camp and teen programs, and over $700,000 was awarded in financial aid so that anyone, regardless of ability to pay, can participate in the Y through financial aid which is dependent upon Annual Campaign donations from members, community members and community partners.
Garcia Richard invited as her guests for the reading Los Alamos Teen Center Director Sylvan Argo and teen representative Michael Booten, Española YMCA Teen Center Director Ben Sandoval and teen representative Benjamin Sandoval.
The day began with a public reading of the Governor’s Proclamation by Youth Governor Ethan Hall. Over 100 youth members of the Ys statewide Youth in Government program were in attendance. Booten and (Benjamin) Sandoval also shared the importance of teen programs offered through the teen centers. Also in attendance were CEOs of the New Mexico Alliance of YMCAs, Board members and Representatives from YMCA of the USA were also present for Y Day at the Round House.
“Our YMCA Day at the Round House is an opportunity for us to recognize the critical and impactful work Ys are doing in communities throughout New Mexico,” said Linda Daly, CEO of The Family YMCA. “Together with our sisters Ys in Albuquerque and El Paso, we’re addressing needs such as safe affordable child care, programs that address youth and adult obesity, and opportunities for our young people to feel supported and heard.”
About the Y: The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., over 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.laymca.org
Youth Representative Benjamin Sandoval shares his success in the Española YMCA Teen Center’s Robotics program and about his awards received at the International RoboRave competition, as YMCA CEO Linda Daly listens at right, Thursday at the State Capitol. Courtesy photo
Feb. 4, 2016 is proclaimed YMCA Day in New Mexico. Courtesy photo
