Parent Stories
Carmella Apodaca, Santa Fe, NM - April 2006
Thank you, thank you! What a difference the NM Youth ChalleNGe has made in my son! We are so PROUD of him. Cadet Anaya had been in the Juvenile Probation System since the age of 13 and had continued having his probation extended time after time. In October of 2005 his father was activated to serve in Iraq and at that time Cadet Anaya was on a downward spiral. He rarely attended school and nearly got thrown out on more than one occasion of the school system, hanging out with the wrong crowd and bad decisions were always following him. He was extremely angry and disrespectful towards me all the time.
He recently came home for Easter Break after 12 weeks and what a difference in my son! I couldn't believe it was the same kid I dropped off in January. Not only is he physically conditioned but also more mature mentally. I am so excited and proud about his goals to go to college and his whole demeanor has changed! I thank God everyday for his Juvenile Probation Officer Ted Peperas that believed in him and his potential and for referring him to the ChalleNGe program. After a short visit he was eager to return to the ChalleNGe program and complete his mission.
What a difference the ChalleNGe program has made in our lives!
John Moya, Los Lunas NM - 20 April 2005
My daughter, Lauren Moya, attended the N.M.Y.C.A. Today she is attending UNM and is pursuing a career in nursing. I can't say enough about how great this program is. To this day, I thank God you were there for her. Until she came to you, her life was in a downward spiral. You saved her life. Thank you for all you did for her. She still looks back on the experience as the best thing she ever did for herself.
Michelle Morales, Alamogordo NM - 17 March 2005
I am very proud of the program you all have incorporated for these young people. My nephew graduated from the Roswell Academy in December 2004. Wow, what a difference I have seen in him. He has learned to be responsible, independent, and most of all, a man! The structured routine that you all provide is what guides these young people to become responsible, constructive citizens. I want to thank you all for giving Joseph a second chance to prove he is an amazing person who just needed to realize it himself!
Robert Stibbard, Los Alamos NM - 4 January 2005
My son Justin shipped to Marine Corps boot camp. I want to thank everyone involved with New Mexico Youth ChalleNGe Academy. Justin graduated from the sixth cycle in June 2004. Without the ChalleNGe, Justin would not have been able to enlist in the Marines. Once again, thank you for all the help and great support Justin was given.
Janie Henson, Quemado, NM - 17 August 2004
My son has been in your program for three weeks now. I already hear a change in his letters and phone calls. Thanks for all you do for our youth.
Tracy Eswein, Alamogordo, NM - 21 July 2004
I think that your program will be my daughter's saving grace. I'm so thankful that there is such a program, and thankful for those of you that care enough to help our youth get a better start. THANKS NMYCA!!!
