Agency - New Mexico Young Fathers Program

The mission of the New Mexico Young Fathers Program is to promote social and family stability by improving the quality of father/child relationships in young families and by preventing repeat pregnancies.

Description:
The New Mexico Young Fathers Project (NMYFP) is a program which helps young fathers under the age of 26. Participants receive individual case management, mentorship and learn life skills in groups with other young fathers. They receive training in parenting, relationship skills and decision making. Participants also learn to navigate systems that impact their families and improve employment outcomes. Some participants are trained to become peer mentors/educators and conduct presentations to other young fathers and community groups.

History:
*1994 Male Involvement Roundtable held in October
*1996 Male Involvement workshops held and Male Involvement Conference held in November for providers and students (first time students were in audience)
*1998 13 projects funded and monitored including the New Mexico Young Fathers Project
*1999 YFP (Young Fathers Project) completed its first full year with sites at Las Cruces, Gadsden, Albuquerque RGHS, Taos, Santa Fe Teen Parent Center and three correctional sites – Camino Nuevo, Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center and Sequoyah. 5 Planned Parenthood Educators, a Project Director and Mental Health Coordinator support and direct this project. Working with this staff are 5 AmeriCorps Volunteers who assist at each of the North Central sites.
*2000 The Young Fathers Project (YFP) addresses the needs of young fathers and parenting partners of teen mothers; the project completed its 2nd year. There are 14 sites throughout NM in schools, community centers, and 5 juvenile correctional facilities. The project was presented at the National Organization for Adolescent Pregnancy, Parenting & Prevention (NOAPPP) and the National Fatherhood Conference. The addition of AmeriCorps Members increased community visibility and recruitment/follow-up abilities.
*2006 John Paul Taylor Center added to the list of locations where services provided.

Contact people:

Gary Madrid, Program Director, (phone), (email) Sylvia Ruiz, Executive Director Of NM Teen Pregnancy Coalition, (phone), (email) Roberta Montoya, Social Worker, (phone), (email)

Address:

1494 S. Solano Dr., Suite A Las Cruces, NM 88001 (See a map)

Directions:

From NMSU, head north on Solano. We are on the left, one block south of FYI. We are by Montana & Solano.   Nearest Bus Stop: Solano and Montana, 3 min. minute walk