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The Santa Fe County Community Services Department, Teen Court program released $125,000 in contracts to local agencies to support youth programs in Santa Fe County. (See list of funded programs and allocations below). The selections were made based on a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) that was released earlier this year. The County was seeking proposals that funded programs to improve the health and overall well being of Santa Fe County youth.

“We have an obligation and duty to provide resources and comprehensive access to youth services and programs in every part of the county. Our youth is our responsibility and our future,” stated Commissioner Robert A. Anaya.

In 2013 children and youth in Santa Fe County, under the age of 18 years, made up 21 percent of the County’s population. In total 30,330 Santa Fe County residents were under the age of 18.

This year the County gave special emphasis to programs that reduce substance use amongst youth and are compatible with the priorities of the Santa Fe County Health Action Plan.

In 2013, 6.2 percent of Santa Fe County middle school youth reported ever using painkillers to get high, 14.3 percent reported ever using inhalants, 21.5 percent reported ever using marijuana, and 21.1 percent reported ever having thoughts of suicide.

“The County continues to be interested in increasing the health of our youth,” said Jennifer Romero, Teen Court Coordinator for Santa Fe County.

It is a priority of the Santa Fe Board of County Commissioners to provide funding for a variety of opportunities that benefit Santa Fe County youth.

Organization Allocation
YMCA $20,000
Wildlife West Nature Park $14,420
NM Heritage Program $16,000
Pomegranate $15,000
The Food Depot $11,250
Pojoaque Valley $15,000
Glorieta Wilderness Program $7,500
Warehouse 21 $3,000
Boys & Girls Club $10,000
Leadership Santa Fe $5,000
Tesuque Elementary $7,830
Total $125,000