Youth from the Española Teen Center on a field trip photographing nature. Courtesy/ETC

By CAROL A. CLARK
Los Alamos Daily Post
caclark@ladailypost.com
Sponsored content

Executive Director Ben Sandoval has been at the helm of the Española Teen Center since the day it opened its doors 17 years ago this October at 808 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park Road. 

“I have continued here all these years because it gives me the opportunity to have a positive impact and help change young people’s lives,” Sandoval said. “We are so grateful for the support we receive from entities such as Enterprise Bank & Trust. Their support makes a positive impact on many, many lives here in Northern New Mexico.”

The teen center came into being when The Family YMCA in Los Alamos entered into a partnership with the City of Española to operate a Teen Technology and Recreation Center, which opened on Oct. 15, 2007. The non-profit organization is supported by several funding agencies including Enterprise Bank & Trust. Los Alamos Region President Liddie Martinez explained why the bank continues to provide financial support to the teen center.

“Ben has created a safe space for our kids in the Valley. They are free to play, compete, create, and make friends in a healthy environment that promotes the celebration of our culture and heritage,” Martinez said. “Ben and his family make this happen every day without fail. This stable environment is often the only one our kids can count on and Ben is steadfast as their advocate.”

The stated mission of the Española Teen Center is to strengthen the efficacy of community youth. Its purpose is to value youth and seek to fulfill a commitment to provide support, educational opportunities and recreation resources to the teens of Española and surrounding communities. The Family YMCA has a 60+ year history in northern New Mexico and expertise in meeting critical community needs, such as outreach to youth.

Teen Center Goals:

• to host a sustainable, vibrant prevention and intervention outreach center;
• to support mastery of educational benchmarks through tutoring and educational programs;
• to mentor and assist the teen population toward higher education;
• to mentor and encourage compassion, caring, respect and responsibility in the teen population; and
• to foster healthy lifestyle choices.

Membership/Usage:

• Teen Center membership is free and available to 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.

Teen Center Programs:

• Computer lab with 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 and air hockey;
• Classroom/instruction area for workshops and classes including fun with food, robotics and intro to archery;
• 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 arts, educational and recreational offerings by staff and volunteers.

To contact the Española Teen Center, call 505.747.6569 or email b_sandoval@live.com.

Hours of Operation are 12 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday with occasional extended hours, weekends or evenings, per special events requested by youth, or for specific programs. To learn more, visit https://laymca.org/espanola-teen-center.