YDI in the News
August 25, 2025
Ashley’s Story of Hope
“I was 27, in active addiction with a 5-year-old daughter, and I had just lost everything. I know the desperate feeling of having nowhere to turn. Today, I’m a Family Navigator at YDI, and my past is my purpose. I use my experience to guide families through their darkest times, because I believe no one should have to heal alone. Together, we can find the path to recovery, stability, and hope—all while keeping your family together.”
Making Headlines, Making a Difference
New Name. Same Commitment.
The National Service Office for Nurse-Family Partnership and Child First is now Changent! As programs of this new national organization, both Child First and Nurse-Family Partnership are part of a mission to grow and support data-driven programs that ensure every child and family has the resources they need to be healthier and thrive.
June 2, 2025
January 16, 2025
New group home provides alternative to CYFD office stays
Youth Development Inc. (YDI), in partnership with the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), has opened a new group home named Hope House to provide temporary shelter for girls in state care. The seven-bedroom home offers an alternative to office stays for girls aged 12–17, addressing the critical shortage of foster placements.
Hope House, which can accommodate up to 10 girls, provides a stable and therapeutic environment with daily support and weekly therapy sessions to help residents process trauma and work toward their care plans. While still hiring staff to operate at full capacity, the home represents a significant step in fulfilling CYFD’s commitment to ending office stays for children in need. Federal funding supports the initiative, with efforts underway to secure full ownership of the property.
CYFD group home for girls called ‘HOPE House’ opens in Albuquerque
Youth Development Inc. (YDI), in collaboration with the Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD), has opened HOPE House—a transitional group home in Albuquerque providing short-term shelter for at-risk girls in state care. The home, whose name stands for Healing, Opportunity, Pride, and Empowerment, offers a safe and therapeutic environment for up to ten girls ages 12–17 who would otherwise face stays in CYFD offices.
Equipped with clinical and therapeutic support, HOPE House helps residents process trauma and work toward stability amid difficult transitions. The program is part of a broader effort to reduce office stays and strengthen foster care capacity. Funded through a one-year contract with CYFD and supported by federal resources, this initiative reflects a shared commitment to providing vulnerable youth with dignity, safety, and a path toward healing.
Dec 19, 2024
October 15, 2024
Program offers second chance in construction and education completion for residents
Youth Development Inc. (YDI) is helping local residents build new careers and futures through its Youth Build program, which offers education and hands-on construction training for young adults aged 16–24 who haven’t completed their secondary education.
Participants like Armani Yazzie and Kingston Pacheco are gaining skills through a six-month program that includes high school equivalency classes, construction training, and on-site work experience building affordable housing. Funded by federal resources, Youth Build helps people turn their lives around while addressing community housing needs. The program still has openings for additional students in its current session.
YDI talks Nurse-Family Partnership for New Mexico families
Youth Development Inc. (YDI) offers a program called the Nurse-Family Partnership, designed to provide support and empower first-time mothers throughout their pregnancy and their child’s early life. The program aims to help them create a better future for both themselves and their babies.
July 16, 2024
April 9, 2024
YDI offers programs to support New Mexico families
Youth Development Inc. (YDI) is highlighting its wide array of summer programs designed to support New Mexico families and address critical community needs. Their services are divided into three key areas: education/employment, early childhood, and behavioral health.
Available programs include trauma-informed violence prevention for teens, a forestry-focused beautification project (currently full), and an upcoming YouthBuild program to introduce teens to skilled trades. For younger children and caregivers, the new Child First program focuses on strengthening family relationships and breaking cycles of trauma. YDI encourages referrals and walk-ins for families seeking support.
Youth Development Inc. works on therapeutic approach to teen violence
Youth Development Inc. (YDI) in Albuquerque is seeing success with a redesigned therapeutic approach to its violence prevention program, ABQ Against Violence. The program, now funded by the City of Albuquerque, mirrors an evidence-based model and uses licensed therapists and case managers to help participants, aged 16-26, cope with trauma and life stressors without turning to violence.
The article highlights participant Ezekial Ulibarri, who joined after facing consequences for following a social media trend. He now finds motivation in the program. While the program has the capacity for 50 participants and currently serves 46, CEO Robert Chavez notes that securing funding to retain staff and expand remains a challenge. Success is measured by engagement and recidivism; of the current participants, only three have reoffended. The organization is hopeful that proposed city budget increases will allow them to continue their work.
April 9, 2024