ACS, YDI Inc. Announce Two New Initiatives Supporting Youth Healing, Stability, and Violence Prevention
New partnerships expand mental health services and economic stability programs
ALBUQUERQUE – Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) and Youth Development Inc. (YDI) are launching two new initiatives that expand support for Albuquerque youth and families impacted by violence, trauma, and instability. The announcements include a new therapeutic services contract through ACS’s Trauma Recovery Center and a partnership supporting vulnerable youth through the City’s Office of Equity and Inclusion’s Guaranteed Basic Income initiative.
Trauma Recovery Center Expands Therapeutic Services
Following a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, ACS has awarded YDI a contract for up to $600,000 to provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma recovery support, and case management services through ACS’s Trauma Recovery Center.
The TRC serves as the headquarters of ACS’s Violence Intervention Program and provides outreach, advocacy, mental health support, and comprehensive case management for victims of violence who are least likely to receive services. Through this partnership, YDI will expand access to evidence-based therapeutic services for youth and adults impacted by violence, trauma, and addiction.
“Strong community partnerships help us provide the right response at the right time,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “This investment strengthens the TRC’s ability to connect Albuquerque residents with healing, support, and hope.”
“YDI is honored to continue our partnership with the City and ACS,” said YDI CEO Robert Chavez. “Together, we can expand access to proven therapeutic services that help individuals and families recover from trauma and build safer futures.”
Guaranteed Basic Income Program Supports Vulnerable Youth
ACS, YDI, and the City’s Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) are also partnering on the second cohort of Albuquerque’s Guaranteed Basic Income initiative focused on vulnerable youth between the ages of 16-24.
This portion of the Youth Support and Stability cohort will provide 20 at-risk youth and young adults participating in ACS’s School-Based Violence Intervention Program and Youth Violence Intervention Program with $750 per month for one year, paired with wraparound services including job training, educational support, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, financial counseling, and mentoring.
Participants will receive support opening safe, low-cost bank accounts through OEI’s Bank On Burque and will work closely with ACS and YDI staff throughout the program.
“When young people have both financial stability and meaningful support systems, they are better positioned to succeed,” said ACS Director Jodie Esquibel. “This program helps remove barriers while creating pathways to education, employment, and long-term success.”
“This initiative reflects what is possible when organizations work together to invest in youth before a crisis occurs,” said YDI Inc. CEO Robert Chavez. “By combining direct support with individualized services, we can help young people build brighter futures and stronger connections to their communities.”
Together, these initiatives represent a significant investment in prevention, healing, and opportunity, furthering ACS’s mission of creating safer outcomes for Albuquerque residents through community-based partnerships.
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About Albuquerque Community Safety
Albuquerque Community Safety is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.