UNM-LA student Bethany Leaton joins C’YA as a part of the college’s Community Internship Collaboration program. Courtesy photo
C’YA News:
Bethany Leaton, a student at UNM-LA, has joined Champions of Youth Ambitions (C’YA) as a part of their Community Internship Collaboration (CIC) program. Leaton began her educational studies in 2023 and has a goal to complete her master’s degree in psychology and become a therapist.
Why did she pick C’YA for her internship? “One of the main reasons is to be submersed in a community I have come to love over the past year and a half of living here,” Leaton said. C’YA has a special little place in my heart because I am very passionate about suicide prevention. Everybody deserves a helping hand and someplace that has resources, and C’YA has just that.
“We’re so excited,” C’YA Executive Director Bernadette Lauritzen said. “This is the first intern C’YA has had, and she brings an energy and a vibe that will be felt across the community. We are also ready to announce a Save The Date for an event.”
As a portion of our gift from 100 Men Who Care, we will hold a health, wellness, and resource fair May 3. The participants will be announced over the next few weeks, but the goal is to get information on a diverse variety of programs, projects, and resources out to all ages of the community.
“The best thing about the former health fair, is that it provided a wealth of information to the community at a small cost to providers and no cost to visitors,” Lauritzen said. “This event will be the same, while non-profits and some small businesses are asked to donate a snack and raffle contribution to entice attendees, there is no fee. We are also hoping to appeal to an audience ages 20-100.”
There is no fee, but those who come are asked to donate a small item for pets. It could be a small bag of treats, a can of kitten food, toys, or supplies. C’YA works to support the Los Alamos Animal Shelter and the Santa Fe Animal Shelter, as well as C’YA’s Vets with Pets program.
Leaton is working with C’YA on a brief survey of attendees, preparing event promotion and trying to reach the younger generation through outreach. If your club, organization, or business would like information call, text, or email them.
